Publications
Partners
Green tea is well known for all of its health benefits. So why would you want to drink matcha green tea, especially if you are already drinking regular green tea?
Here are 7 reasons to add matcha to your daily routine:
1. Fights free-radicals
We’ve all heard about the damage those “terrorist” free-radicals can do in the body, so here’s how matcha helps combat them:
Because matcha is grown in the shade and away from pollution, it is super rich in chlorophyll (compared to ordinary green teas) and has 137 times more antioxidants, making it a potent agent for ridding your body of free-radicals such as chemicals and heavy metals that our modern lifestyle unavoidably exposes us to.
For the more statistically-minded, experts at Tufts University found that its ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) reveals a phenomenal 1573 units per gram; which makes it an antioxidant gold mine in comparison to pomegranates (105 units per gram) and blueberries (93 units per gram).
2. Creates a calm yet alert state of mind
The brain produces different frequency brain waves associated with different mind-states. In Alpha wave mode, one is typically relaxed but alert. Beta waves are associated with being busy and active, but also with anxiety and stress, so naturally it is preferable to be in Alpha mode.
The high concentration of an amino-acid called L-Theanine in matcha tea stimulates Alpha brainwaves, allowing us to achieve that desirable but rare mind-state of relaxed focus along with mental clarity.
3. Burns fat and speeds up metabolism
As a powerful calorie burner, matcha boosts metabolism (the rate at which your body burns fuel to produce energy) and thus melts away fat. According to a study appearing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, matcha tea takes a person’s normal 8-10% daily energy output up to a hefty 35-43%, which also speeds up your body’s physical recovery after a workout.
This along with the fact that it contains caffeine make it a good addition to your pre-workout shake.
4. Stabilises blood sugar and cholesterol
Matcha has a high concentration of a substance called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to influence the way glucose is absorbed. When matcha tea is consumed with a meal, the catechins contained therein have even been shown to reduce the amount of glucose that filters through to the bloodstream, and in so doing help prevent blood sugar spikes.
Studies show evidence that EGCG also affects lipid metabolism which, in turn, lowers cholesterol, and decreases your risk of a stroke.
5. Slows down the effects of ageing
By reducing the free radicals and inflammations which induce ageing, the EGCG (mentioned above) also has a positive effect on membrane tissue in the body. What this means for you is that your body’s cell-walls are strengthened, providing greater protection against toxins and invaders, and you have healthier skin.
6. Fights cancer
Ten years ago studies were inconsistent regarding the cancer-fighting abilities of matcha, but current tests show a definite link between consuming matcha tea and effectively reducing the risk of colon, breast, ovarian, prostate and lung cancers. The EGCG in matcha has the ability to inhibit an enzyme which causes the growth of cancer, but also destroy malignant cancer cells, while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
7. Curbs Bad Breath
Many have experienced the unpleasant occurrence of bad breath while dieting or detoxing. (Sometimes it happens even while NOT detoxing.) Happily, matcha is recommended by doctors for curbing this embarrassing problem.
It substantially retards the growth of oral bacteria, so drinking a cup after a meal is a good way to fight tooth-decay and promote healthy gums.
So there you have it, 7 good reasons to be drinking this fantastic superfood. An added benefit is that when you prepare matcha in the traditional Japanese way, you may find, as many have, that the process itself has a calming effect and encourages a sense of mindfulness about caring for the body.
The Japanese have been drinking it for hundreds of years and even monks have used it during meditation. And the rest of the world seems to be finally coming to appreciate this little gem of a superfood.
And finally, if you need another reason, celebs are loving it too. Celebrity Gwyneth Paltrow revealed her love for matcha lattes on Instagram - see below:“New dreamy discovery to warm up a wintry day: matcha latte”.
Where to get Matcha?
You can buy match at specialist tea shops or health shops, or directly from Justmatcha.co.za
Read more:
Compound in green tea found to block rheumatoid arthritis
Medicinal qualities of green tea – fact or fiction?
Green tea and coffee may reduce stroke risk
Image: Matcha latte from Instagram
Sources:
ORAC:
United states department of Agriculture, (2012, December, The studies are published in the Journal of Nutrition (vol. 128, pp. 2383-2390) and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol. 68, pp. 1081-1087), http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/fnrb499.htm
L-theanine:
University of Merryland Medical Centre, ND, Green tea, http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/green-tea
Haskell CFT, Kennedy DO, Miln AL, Wesnes KA and Scholey-AB, (2008, February), The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18006208
Metabolism:
Dulloo A, Duret C, Roher D, Girardier L, Mensi N, Fathi M, Chantre P and Vandermander J, (1999, March 31), Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-hour energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans, http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/70/6/1040.long
Blood sugar:
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, (2014, August 1) Green tea lowers the blood sugar levels, http://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/08/01/green-tea-lowers-blood-sugar-level
Cholesterol:
Luo XY, Li NN and Liang YR,(2013, January 27),Effects of llex latifolia and Camellia on cholesterol and circulating immune complexes in rats fed with a high-cholesterol diet, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22451380
Reduced risk of stroke:
Kokubo Y, Iso H, Yamagishi K, Yatsuya H, Ishihara J, Inoue M and Tsugane S, (2013, March 14), The impact of green tea and coffee consumption on the reduced risk of stroke incidence in Japanese population, http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/early/2013/03/14/STROKEAHA.111.677500.abstract
Antioxidants, free radicals and aging:
Rahman K, (2007, June 2), Studies on free radicals, antioxidants and co-factors, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684512/
Cancer:
University of Merryland Medical Centre, ND, Green tea, http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/green-tea
Bad breath:
Narotzki B, Reznick AZ, Aizenbud, Lev Y, (2012, May), Green tea: A promising natural product in oral health, http://www.aobjournal.com/article/S0003-9969(11)00397-9/abstract
