How Matcha Tea Consumption Can Be Rewarding For Your Health

Happiness lies, first of all, in health.” – George William Curtis, author of Lotus-Eating: A Summer Book

Matcha is a unique type of finely ground powdered green tea produced and grown in the hills of Japan.

This green tea that originated in China during the period of the Tang dynasty, was mostly consumed by Buddhist monks, samurai warriors, and the Japanese population. Though taken from the Camellia Sinensis plant just like green tea, it is grown differently and has a unique nutrient profile.

During the weeks (20–30 days) prior to harvesting, farmers cover the plants with bamboo mats to gradually reduce the amount of sunlight given to the plants. This increases chlorophyll production, boosts the amino acid content and gives the plant a darker green hue.

One thing people still don’t know is the fact that matcha is different from green tea. Matcha is 100% green tea leaves grounded into a fine powder and is much more concentrated than regular green tea.

While drinking matcha, you are consuming the whole tea leaf plus it has 10 times the nutritional value of regular green tea.

A research study published in Pub Med.gov indicates that the concentration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) available from drinking matcha is 137 times greater than the amount of EGCG available from China Green Tips green tea.

As people are becoming more and more health conscious, consumption of Matcha as regular tea ensures an optimum intake of nutrition-rich ingredients, resulting in diverse health benefits.
According to a market report from Grand View Research, the excellent health benefits of the Matcha tea have fueled its popularity across the globe. This report predicts the global Matcha market size to witness growth at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2017 to 2025, which is high from USD 2.62 billion in 2016.

Why Add Matcha Tea to Your Diet?

Matcha is a rich source of vitamins (A, C, E, K, vitamin B-complex), trace minerals (selenium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium) and amino acids (L-theanine and theophylline), making it a multi nutrient-packed drink.

Several studies suggest that green tea in general may have health benefits, ranging from weight loss effects to improved brain function and diabetic control. Catechins in green tea are known to have many beneficial health properties.

Reduces cancer risk

Matcha is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate), which provides potent cancer-fighting properties on the body.
A study published by the Journal of Clinical Oncology proves that green tea polyphenol (GTP) intake can suppress tumor progression and malignant behavior in animal model of bladder cancer.

Aids weight loss

Matcha tea is a safe alternative to weight loss medications that may have side effects. Great thermogenic properties in this tea boost metabolism and burns fat, thus helping you to lose weight faster.

The catechins in Matcha can also increase the amount of calories you burn during and after exercise and reduce the formation of new fat cells. Antioxidants in it can also encourage your body’s natural detoxification systems.

Boost memory and concentration

With the unusual way Matcha leaves are grown and picked, it contains more L-Theanine than regular green tea.
L-Theanine in the Matcha leaves produce dopamine & serotonin and promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, resulting in mental alertness and concentration.

Improves oral health

Unlike black tea, Matcha tea does not stain or harm your teeth. Its antioxidants can suppress the growth of bad bacteria in your mouth, reduce mouth acidity and protect from tooth decay.
It can also ensure better breath, protect from discoloration and reduce the risk of oral cancer. Also, its antibacterial properties thwart the effects of the bacteria most responsible for gum disease.

Keeps blood sugar levels in check

Reports indicate Matcha is good for Type 2 Diabetic patients, as it can assist them in keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
A research conducted by the Institute of Natural Medicine at the University of Toyama in Japan suggests that Matcha protects against hepatic and renal damage through the suppression of renal AGE accumulation, by naturally lowering blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride.
It’s also a natural choice to help prevent diabetes, as it aids in weight management and exercise, minimizes fat storage, and improves insulin sensitivity.

Improves immunity power

Various antioxidants (polyphenols, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and L-theanine) in Matcha collectively contribute to boosting the immunity of the body and helps provide protection against various antigens, thus promoting overall health.

Heart health

Less processed than black tea, Matcha green tea protects your heart and lowers the risk of coronary heart diseases. It reduces the levels of total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. Studies have proven that drinking green tea, which has a similar nutrient profile to Matcha can protect against heart disease.
Drinking Matcha, along with a healthy lifestyle can keep your heart healthy and guarded against diseases. So, what are you waiting for? Buy matcha tea, prepare and add it to your healthy diet plan.

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