If you're still drinking caffeine, I recommend that you do it with benefit! The amazing tea that was made popular by the Japanese tea ceremonies: Matcha.
Camellia sinensis is the Latin name for the green tea plant. This is the same plant that is used to obtain Matcha. However, Matcha is covered for 20-30 days before harvest to protect the plant from sunlight. The leaves are then separated and powdered into Matcha. This yields more chlorophyll, catechins, and caffeine.
A Powerful Antioxidant
The main powerful compounds that are found in Matcha are called catechins. Catechins are antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body. This prevents cell damage and significantly improve chronic conditions. The main catechin is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and it is much higher in Matcha than normal green tea. In fact, one study compared the amount of EGCG in Matcha to a certain brand of green tea and found that it's 137 times higher!
Anticarcinogenic
The high amount of EGCG contributes to the ability of Matcha to prevent cancer. Several test tube and animal studies have confirmed the ability of this powerful compound to kill cancer cells.
A Brain Booster
Matcha contains 35 mg of caffeine per half a teaspoonful. However, the presence of a compound called L-theanine synergizes with caffeine and prevents the crash of energy that could happen after caffeine consumption. This explains the superiority of Matcha over coffee. A small study conducted on 12 elderly patients concluded that drinking 2 gm of green tea for 3 months improves cognitive function.
Improves Liver Function
A meta-analysis is when scientists review several studies done on a particular topic and collect these studies together. A meta-analysis on the effect of EGCG on the liver showed that it protects the liver and improves liver function even if it was already damaged.
Protects the Heart
Since high cholesterol is a cause of heart disease, reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. A rat study found that Matcha promotes lipid metabolism and even reduces glucose accumulation.
Promotes Weight Loss
Want to boost your metabolism and increase the burning of fat? Drink Matcha!
A review of 11 studies shows that catechins and EGCG promote weight loss and enhance metabolism.
Are these reasons enough for you to start drinking Matcha daily?
Let me know in the comments!
