Matcha benefits and side effects: Matcha is a powder of ground green tea leaves and has its origin in Japan. In a tea made from this powdery essence, the ingredients that give green tea its beneficial properties are often more concentrated than those in a regular tea infusion.
It is why green Matcha powder is considered a natural superfood. And not only are the nutrients all the more concentrated, but also the caffeine. That is why tart-tasting Matcha tea is also popular as a stimulant. We explain what is in the powder and give tips on preparation and effects.
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About Matcha
Matcha is a green tea processed to the most delicate powder, specially grown and processed.
It is either infused uniquely with hot water and enjoyed as tea or mixed with other foods such as ice cream, cakes, fruit, milk, or similar.
Matcha is getting produced in a particular way, but it also has an exceptionally high health effect!
By the way, the word Matcha comes from Japan and means “ground tea.” “Mat” stands for “ground” and “Cha” for “tea.”
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Matcha Effects
Matcha has many positive characteristics. Those who know and like Matcha know from experience: It wakes you up healthy, improves concentration and performance, and has a beneficial effect on the entire metabolism.
These positive effects result from the vitamin and mineral mix, making Matcha unique. Contained are among others:
- Various vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, K)
- Caffeine
- Amino acids
- Catechine
- Antioxidants
- Chlorophyll
- Calcium
- Proteins
- Iron
- Potassium
Especially the large amount of vitamin A (beta-carotene), which is especially essential for the eyes and the skin, mucous membranes, and metabolism, should be mentioned here.
Besides, with about 10-17 mg iron / 100g – of course, depending on the quality, Matcha is one of the most iron-containing foods.
One of the best properties of Matcha is probably the fact that the antioxidants it contains ward off free radicals.
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Matcha and Free Radicals
The formation of free radicals is favored by modern environmental influences such as unprotected sunlight, ultrasound, nicotine, chemicals, and the consumption of some foods nowadays.
As scientific studies have shown, free radicals can influence the aging process, cancer, circulatory diseases, and secondary diseases because they can damage proteins and human DNA.
The consequences of the attack on proteins and DNA are accelerated aging processes up to mutations of the cells, which for this reason, can no longer fulfill their function unhindered. It can lead to the formation of tumors.
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Matcha Catechins
Especially crucial for body-conscious people and athletes.
The catechins in Matcha are supposed to support:
- muscle build-up and fat reduction
- stimulate the metabolism
- strengthen the immune system
- prevent critical muscle aches
The versatile effects of Matcha are currently scientifically researched.
It can also apply the many convincing studies on the health-promoting effects of green tea to matcha tea. The proportion of beneficial ingredients in Matcha is several times higher than in ordinary green tea.
Matcha is not a tea infusion but an extract from the fresh tea leaf, which contributes considerably to the easier absorption of these functional ingredients in the human body.
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Matcha Health Benefits
Slim down with Matcha tea.
Tea of Matcha is an insider tip of many celebrities to lose weight effectively and quickly and maintain your dream weight. According to several studies, the effect of Matcha is incredible in terms of weight loss and is extremely useful.
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Matcha increases metabolism and calorie consumption.
Research has shown that regular consumption of Matcha for six months can increase metabolism by up to 40%. Matcha increases thermogenesis, the body’s heat production, and thus the body’s rate of burning calories.
Research shows that the synergistic effect between caffeine and catechin polyphenols increases thermogenesis (fat burning). For example, the daily intake of EGCGs (3 times a day) can burn about 270 calories more than without these catechins.
Thanks to the extraordinary nutrient composition of Matcha, the metabolism can be increased over 24 hours after drinking this tea.
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Matcha prevents the accumulation of fat.
Studies have shown that the polyphenols in Matcha strongly influence fat digestion. They reduce the storage of calories in fats and thus reduce the accumulation of unsightly fat pads.
Recent studies also show that Matcha reduces unwanted abdominal fat and thus actively lowers the waist circumference.
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Matcha reduces appetite
Matcha helps to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. In contrast to the consumption of coffee, craving can be getting controlled, and the urge for sweet food can be getting controlled. At the same time, the theanine, which is also getting contained in Matcha, curbs psychological cravings and is mainly helpful for those who want to quit smoking. The theanine reduces the urge for snacks that would otherwise replace a cigarette.
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Matcha – Detox Tea
The intense green color of Matcha is a sign of a large amount of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the green leaf dye and has a strong cleansing effect. Regular consumption of Matcha stimulates the elimination of harmful toxins from the body, thus removing heavy metals and chemicals more easily.
Toxins can lead to increased accumulation of fats, cellulite, and many chronic diseases and pain in the body. Detoxify the body with natural foods!
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Matcha for more energy
By drinking Matcha tea, the physical and mental energy levels significantly increase. Matcha drinkers report that Matcha keeps them awake all day long, prevents midday lunches, and, unlike conventional coffee, they feel a constant energy level and not a sudden drop in blood sugar and a ravenous appetite.
Research has also shown that Matcha can increase physical endurance by 24% and thus enormously improve the training of marathon runners and football players.
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Matcha as anti-aging
Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, the so-called reactive oxygen molecules, which cause damage to cells, tissues, and organs.
Over time, these destructive molecules can lead to several age-related diseases and other conditions, including atherosclerosis, immune system disorders, thrombosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer‘s, dementia, heart disease, and diabetes.
Thanks to the numerous antioxidants in Matcha and EGCG, it can reduce these harmful effects. The antioxidants also reduce wrinkles caused by an overdose of sunlight.
When the body exposes to sunlight, it produces an enzyme called metalloproteinase, and it plays an essential role in the repair of sun-damaged skin.
However, not all metalloproteinases are suitable for the body. Some of these metalloproteinases break down collagen fibers and cause wrinkles in the skin. Studies have shown that free radicals can stimulate the production of these harmful metalloproteinases.
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Matcha for more concentration
Matcha is high in the rare amino acid L-theanine, which promotes a state of well-being and relaxation. L-theanine influences the alpha waves of the brain, which ensure a relaxed state of alertness.
Matcha tea contains L-theanine five times more than black or green tea. L-theanine enhances memory and improves the ability to concentrate while learning. Thus, regular consumption of Matcha provides mental clarity, a sharper focus, and better performance.
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Matcha Side Effects
The consumption considers of Matcha is generally safe. Matcha, like any other food, we should not overdose on it. An overdose of Matcha tea can cause stomach upset or constipation.
Besides, the caffeine content of matcha tea is high when drinking it. An overdose of caffeine can cause side effects such as headaches, insomnia, irritability, diarrhea, and heartburn.
Note: We should not combine Matcha with other caffeine foods, like coffee or energy drinks, increasing the risk of caffeine overdose.
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Preparation of Matcha
You can prepare Matcha in many different ways.
Traditionally, you prepare Matcha tea with water at about 80 degrees. To prepare Matcha, you also need a tea bowl and a broom made of bamboo.
- It is best to warm up the tea bowl a little before use.
- Then put about 1 gram of powder into the tea bowl and pour about 10 ml of hot water.
- Then mix the Matcha powder with the bamboo broom until it has dissolved in the water and tea mash forms.
- Fill the mash with about 80 ml of hot water (80°C).
- Afterward, the tea is foaming with the bamboo broom for about 15 seconds, the best way to develop the typical Matcha aroma.
The foaming is a matter of practice and requires a bit of tact at the beginning.
Note
The quantities used for preparation can vary according to taste. The “Usucha” is drunk in a thin liquid, and add 1g powder with approximately—80 ml of water. If you like it more robust, you can prepare a so-called “Koicha,” the thicker version of Matcha tea, with about double the amount, i.e., 2g.
Traditionally, you can pour and stir Matcha in hot water, but it is also an excellent ingredient for smoothies, cakes, or ice cream.
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Conclusion
Matcha and Matchatee, like other green teas, are healthy. Due to the unique preparation method, it even contains more potentially health-promoting ingredients than other green teas.
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Last Updated on 04/05/2022 by Buzz This Viral
