MATCHA; THE WORLD’S SUPERTEA

All around the world, everyone is talking about Matcha. People are seemingly obsessed by this miracle elixir. Celebrities, models and their tribes are all toting jars of the matcha green tea into their daily lifestyles. Japan’s valued green tea has been named one of the most powerful superfoods. Traditionally and widely used in most Japanese ceremonies, matcha is not your typical green tea. It is the highest quality high grade and concentrated powdered green tea available all over the world and made from young nutrient leaves of Camellia sinensis plant.

Unlike other types of green teas, Matcha tea leaves are often cultivated in shaded areas, thus increasing their chlorophyll content preserving the natural nutrients.Matcha is 100 percent whole leaf, meticulously grown, gently dried and stone grounded into an emerald bright green unfermented powder. Since the entire leaf is grounded into a powder, dissolving it into water will provide immense minerals, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants that are inherent in the plant itself, delivering a richly organic, deeply satisfying flavor profile that is not found in other steeped green teas. In fact, one cup of hot matcha tea has many antioxidants in ten cups of other regular tea. It is rich in antioxidants, nutrients, chlorophyll and fiber.

Nutritional Data of Matcha Green Tea

NUTRIENT                                               PER 1G MATCHA

Total AminoAcids                                    34mg

Total Catechins                                         105mg

EGCG                                                          61mg

L-Theanine                                                14.26mg

Fibre                                                           318mg

Protein                                                       30.8mg

Sodium                                                      0.5mg

Caffeine                                                     35mg

Carbohydrates                                          449mg

Calories                                                       3kJ

Potassium                                                  26.6mg

Vitamin A                                                  291 Units

Vitamin C                                                   1.75mg

Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is widely known for its numerous healing properties as outlined below:

Antioxidant Powerhouse

Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds found in food which help the human body fight against diseases, prevents aging and cell and tissue damages ensuring that the body functions at its peak potential by scavenging any free radical responsible for oxidative damages to our bodies. Matcha green tea is extremely high in antioxidant contents elevating it to the super tea status. A study was done by Tufts University and the USDA Agricultural Research Institute measured the ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of Matcha to be at 1384 units per gram as compared to other superfoods such as blueberries, cranberries that are well graded as antioxidant powerhouses. As a result of its antioxidant properties, Matcha helps in fighting off various diseases and illnesses at various stages.

Matcha and Weight Loss

A study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that Matcha has been associated with weight loss. When combined with exercises matcha increases metabolism by increasing the rate of thermogenesis thus promoting fat oxidation. It has been proven that The antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate,(ECGC), boosts the rate of the metabolism. Matcha gently boosts the rate of metabolism without necessarily causing any negative side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. The catechins inhibit the movement of glucose into the fat cells, slowing down the rise of blood sugar levels, subsequently preventing fat storages and high insulin levels in the body. Eventually, the matcha green tea regulates appetite and hunger pangs in a person. In fact when your levels of blood sugar are quite stable, you are less likely to cave into cravings. Through glucose control and insulin sensitivities, Matcha green tea decreases the fasting concentrations of glucose subsequently lowering the risks of type 2 diabetes.

Matcha helps in boosting energy levels

Another mesmerizing property of Matcha green tea is its ability to boost the energy levels throughout the day.Clinical studies show that Matcha helps to speed up the rate of recovery in athletes and performers who mainly focus on intense workouts. A much more recent study found out that the Matcha powder improved the physical endurance while exercising by over 25%.

This has been attributed to the effects of the EGCG present in the Matcha which helps to reverse the cellular damages caused by oxidative-nitrosative stress(internal imbalances of the antioxidants and free radicals ,which ultimately prevents cell repair and destroys cells bringing about illnesses).EGCG completely alters any stress and biochemical markers that cause apoptosis and cell deaths. This was demonstrated in a study to evaluate the effects of EGCG on chronic fatigue syndrome during exercises.

Matcha calms the mind and reduces stress.

Matcha Green Tea is rich in the L-theanine and caffeine which are said to induce alert calm feelings without any nervous energy. L-theanine is a non-dietary amino acid responsible for enhancing moods by relaxing the human mind, hence sharpening concentration in a person. L-theanine promotes the alpha waves in the brain leading to a relaxed alertness by increasing the production of mood-enhancing chemicals, the serotonin and dopamine. A study done on the importance of L-theanine in patients with anxiety and depression issues shows that L-theanine significantly increases the GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and dopamine levels in the human brain. Matcha has five times more L-theanine as compared to other green teas. This has been attributed to its cultivating technique when growing the tea.

Matcha Reduce Risks of Cancer

Matcha possesses a unique and potent class of antioxidants and polyphenols, particularly the catechins, which are not found in other types of foods. The catechin, EGCG provides powerful cancer-fighting properties to the human body. Catechins, most importantly the EGCG counteracts the harmful effects of the free radicals from the effects of Uv rays, radiation, pollution and chemical exposures which causes cell deaths and DNA damages trough oxidative stress. Various studies show a direct link between the consumptions of matcha green tea and the reduction of the respective cancers. Besides that the tea polyphenols inhibit the development of tumor cells while significantly inducing apoptosis. The catechins work by activating the detoxification of enzymes such quinone reductase and glutathione S-transferase which prevent the growth of tumors and ultimately improving the immune system functioning.

Matcha helps in Detoxification

The high contents of chlorophyll in Matcha green tea make it an excellent detoxifier capable of eliminating unwanted toxins, heavy metals and toxins from the human body. This is because chlorophyll increases the capacity of the blood cells to delivers nutrients and oxygen within the body thus helping in the regeneration of the body and cleansing at the cellular level.

Reduces risks of Heart Diseases and Hypertension

Based on the studies by Harvard University, Matcha lowers the high triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, hence significantly reducing the risks of heart diseases and strokes. The antioxidants in Matcha blocks the oxidation of the bad cholesterol, by increasing the good HDL cholesterol, eventually improving the arterial functions. This was demonstrated by the study done on a person who consumed matcha tea on a regular basis in comparison to the non-consumers of the tea.

Recommended Daily Intake

Take ½–1 teaspoon daily.

It is easier to buy products that are not real Matcha, so it is important to buy the matcha products from a reputable store.

Side Effects

There are no known side effects of Matcha Green Tea, however for expectant and lactating mothers you should consult your physician.

Let’s all join this craze of the super tea Matcha and enjoy its immense health benefits to our bodies.