What Does Matcha Green Tea Do?

Matcha green tea is a powdered tea that comes from finely ground green tea leaves. Unlike regular brewed green tea, with matcha, you are consuming the whole leaf and getting the full effect of the nutrients. There are many benefits to drinking matcha green tea that may make you wonder why you haven’t tried it yet.

What Does Matcha Green Tea Do?

If you’re unfamiliar with matcha green tea, you should know that there is a special way it’s grown and prepared to achieve its quality taste. The tea leaves that are prepared for matcha green tea are grown under shade. This generates better texture and flavor. 

The leaves are then steamed to stop fermentation. They are stored in a cold place to dry and age for deeper flavor. They are then traditionally ground with smooth stones until they become fine powder. 

Three cups of brewed matcha tea surrounding a bowl of matcha tea powder with a whisk

This preparation of the leaves makes a big difference in the quality of the tea. Matcha green tea does a lot for you in terms of health.  It contains a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). This catechin is thought to help prevent heart disease, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss. 

There have been many studies that link EGCG to cancer prevention. Although, it is still unknown if, in fact, drinking matcha green tea can help prevent cancer.

What are the Health Benefits of Drinking Matcha Green Tea?

Tea has always been known for its many benefits. However, matcha green tea has become very popular amongst tea drinkers for its higher dosage of benefits when compared to regular teas.

Provides Antioxidants

Matcha green tea is super high in antioxidants. These antioxidants include catechins that help to prevent cell damage. This improves the immune system making it harder for you to catch diseases. 

Gives a Boost of Energy

The caffeine content in matcha green tea will give you a boost of energy without the crash. This is due to l-theanine which matcha contains. L-theanine is an amino acid that relaxes the body without tiredness or drowsiness. 

A cup of matcha tea placed in a wooden plank on top of a rock

Unlike caffeine in coffee that makes you anxious, the l-theanine will calm the effect of the caffeine so you don’t feel jittery. The mixture of the two also keeps you focused and alert. You will be able to feel the effects of matcha green tea after drinking it, and it will last between 2-6 hours, depending on the person.

Thanks to the l-theanine, matcha green tea can also reduce stress and anxiety

Helps Burn Calories

Matcha increases your metabolism due to the EGCG and caffeine. It also burns fat by using it as an energy source. This can help you get the most out of your workout routine. 

Is Matcha Green Tea Good for Weight Loss?

Aside from it helping to burn calories, matcha is great for weight loss for another reason. Drinking matcha green tea can make you feel full, thus, allowing you to want to eat less food. 

Good for Heart Health

Matcha helps prevents heart attacks and strokes. This is because drinking matcha green tea can help expand your heart arteries and blood flow. It can also help stop blood clots before they occur. Drinking matcha tea during recovery of a heart attack or stroke can also help you recover quickly.

Matcha tea prepared with a bamboo whisk

Is Matcha Green Tea Good for Your Skin?

Now that you’ve learned the health benefits, you should know there are also beauty benefits associated with matcha green tea. Matcha is a great cleanser for your skin. It can give you healthy, glowing skin by making a face cream using matcha powder. There are even several moisturizers made from matcha that you can purchase.

Here are some of the many benefits that matcha does for you skin:

  • Anti-aging: Matcha prevents cell damage throughout your whole body. This includes your skin cells. It also protects you from harmful UV rays and improves the elasticity of your skin.
  • Prevents oily skin: The tannins in matcha tea tighten your pores. This allows less oil from being produced onto your skin. 
  • Enhances complexion: Matcha makes your skin glow and reduces redness. 
  • Reduces acne: Because matcha is full of antioxidants, using it on your face will fight the acne causing bacteria. 

Matcha green tea is best for your skin when used as a cream or mask. Your skin can still benefit just by drinking the tea, although, you will get better results from using it directly on your skin. 

Conclusion

By drinking matcha green tea daily, you can introduce some great benefits into your health. Just make sure not to drink too much per day because the caffeine content in one cup is very high. 

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