You may have heard a fair bit about matcha tea recently via the health and wellness industries and press and perhaps are wondering what all the fuss is about? Well, this powdered Japanese green leaf tea is packed with antioxidants and has a lot to offer nutritionally. In fact, it delivers the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea! If that isn’t impressive enough, read on to more fully discover the Top 5 Health Benefits of Matcha Tea!
1. Abundant in antioxidants
Matcha is rich in natural antioxidants, including unique and powerful catechin varieties, which are not found in other foods. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) makes up 60% of matcha tea’s catechins and is best known for its cancer fighting properties. The antioxidants in matcha tea rival those present in popular superfoods containing 6.2 times that of goji berries and 60.5 times that of spinach!
2. Strengthens the immune system
It’s that time of the year when we want our immune systems to be in good shape, to ward off any colds and viruses. The good news is that again, antioxidants in matcha tea can help your body combat diseases and infections. The polyphenols and catechins in matcha naturally boost the immune system, enhance overall health and aid the body’s defence against free radicals, which are the result of environmental pollution in the air, water and food.
3. Boosts energy levels
The fast paced lives that most of us lead demand consistent energy and many turn to caffeine to get a temporary energy high. Matcha tea does contain caffeine but in a different form called theophylline. It offers a slow energy release which helps regulate hormone levels and adrenal gland functionality. This helps provide better sustained energy levels and no post caffeine energy crash which often occurs with coffee consumption.
4. Aids weight loss
The EGCg catechin has been shown in some studies to boost metabolism and potentially prevent the growth of new fat cells. EGCg is considered as having glucose-lowering effects and by controlling insulin levels in the body, appetite can be curbed. Additionally, matcha tea increases heat generation in the body which acts as a powerful appetite suppressant.
5. Mental clarity and calming effect
Matcha is able to provide mental clarity while simultaneously aiding deep relaxation. It can support concentration for longer periods without any accompanied stressful feelings or side effects. This makes matcha an ideal tea for meditation or general tasks requiring focus. The amino acids in matcha tea, in particular L-Theanine, have a calming effect on the mind and this in conjunction with its slow-release caffeine makes it ideal for calm alertness. It’s no surprise that Buddhist monks selected matcha for their tea ceremonies!
Matcha tea can be a great addition to a balanced lifestyle due to its scientifically recognised health and nutrition benefits. Check out the results of our Pure Chimp matcha tea #14daychallenge experience. In addition to drinking it in tea form, it can also be used in cooking, desserts, smoothies, beauty applications and much more. Select a good quality ceremonial grade matcha powder and begin enjoying the amazing (and perhaps a touch of Zen) benefits of this tea for yourself!
