Matcha has become a huge craze in the last few years, with scads of varieties littering health food and grocery store shelves. But did you know that Matcha has been used for over 4000 years in both Chinese and Japanese cultures? Below are some of the big health benefits of adding Matcha to your diet.
Benefit #1: It gives you Glowing Skin
Matcha powdered green tea has 137 times more antioxidants, or EGCGs, than regularly brewed green tea. These antioxidants help protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation. They can even get rid of harmful free radicals that your body’s been holding onto. Additionally, they boost your blood flow, which can help give you that oh-so-coveted rosy natural glow in your cheeks.
Benefit #2: It helps you stay Relaxed and Alert at the same time
Matcha is rich in L-theanine, a rare amino acid that actually promotes a state of relaxation and well-being within your brain’s functionality. Stress can induce beta waves, which lead to an excited and agitated state. But L-theanine creates alpha waves, which lead to a state of relaxed alertness. And while L-theanine is common in all tea, matcha may contain up to five times more of this amino acid than your regular ol’ black and green varieties.
Benefit #3: It improves your Memory
The L-theanine in matcha also improves your memory (so you can remember where you put your cell phone and car keys). It can help you learn and perform better without all the usual negative side effects of caffeine. In fact, studies show that those drinking green tea filled with L-theanine were also less susceptible to “distracting information” that might hinder their tasks, like say, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok….
Benefit #4: It helps boost your Metabolism and Burn Fat
The chemical components in matcha basically make up an internal gym for your body, which means less work for you. Drinking matcha can help you burn more calories, and studies show it can also help you burn up to 25% more fat. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, matcha can kick your weight loss into high gear.
Benefit #5: It May Help With Cancer Prevention
Matcha contains a class of antioxidants called catechins. In particular, the type of catechin it contains is called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is said to have cancer-fighting benefits.
Benefit #6:It keeps your Immune System healthy
EGCGs help keep sickness-inducing microbodies and oxidative stress in check. Matcha is also great at reducing the kind of inflammation that occurs when you have allergies or a sinus infection. Swap out your coffee for matcha during cold and flu season to reap the holistic benefits of catechins and theanine.
Benefit #7: It may help alleviate symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Along with keeping you focused, relaxed, improving your immune response, and increasing your blood flow, matcha helps relieve depression and anxiety. The polyphenols found in matcha can heal you from the inside out and therefore can make you feel happier and less stressed. Polyphenols are powerful plant-based antioxidants and micronutrients found in a lot of foods that bring you joy, like wine and chocolate. So now you have one more!
Benefit #8: It may slow down the Aging Process
Okinawa, Japan, is what scientists and nutritionists call a Blue Zone, otherwise known as a geographic area of the world where people live longer. Because one of the most common beverages among Okinawans is matcha, Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones Solution, attributed such long lifespans to the daily consumption of the beverage and its cancer-fighting free radicals.
Benefit #9: It Can Boost Your Heart Health
Studies have looked at the links between green tea and cardiovascular disease. According to Harvard Health, these studies suggest that green tea may lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which may be connected to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
Beware: Not All Matchas are created Equal
It’s important to note that just because something says it has matcha in it, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. You always need to read through the entire list of ingredients to make sure there aren’t a ton of added sugars or preservatives.
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