Matcha Green Tea: What Is It And What Are The Benefits

Are you looking for a beverage that can improve your health? 

For years, people have been drinking green tea to improve their health. Now, matcha green tea is exploding in popularity because of its health benefits. What is matcha green tea? And, why is matcha green tea so good for you?

Keep reading this guide to learn all about matcha green tea. 

Related: Benefits of Matcha: What You Need to Know 

What is Matcha Green Tea? 

It’s hard to find a cafe or coffee shop these days that doesn’t serve matcha green tea. Besides being available as a tea, you can also find matcha shots, lattes, and even desserts. 

Matcha derives from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is also what green tea comes from. However, matcha grows differently than green tea, and it has a unique nutrient profile. To grow matcha, farmers cover their tea plants for 20 to 30 days before harvesting them. 

This helps the matcha plant avoid direct sunlight, and it increases chlorophyll production, boosts amino acid levels, and gives the plant a darker green shade. Once the farmers harvest the tea leaves, they remove the stems and veins and grind them up into a fine powder. 

This fine powder is what’s used to make matcha teas and other matcha products sold in stores and restaurants. Matcha powder contains ingredients from the entire green tea leaf, which results in higher levels of antioxidants and caffeine. 

While matcha is now a popular ingredient in Western culture, the Chinese and Japanese have used matcha for hundreds of years. 

The Top Benefits of Matcha Green Tea 

Many people are adding matcha green tea to their diets because of the numerous health benefits it provides. Here are just some reasons you should start drinking matcha green tea:

Caffeine 

Are you trying to avoid coffee but still looking for a caffeine boost in the morning? Because farmers make matcha from the entire green tea leaf, it contains three times the amount of caffeine as regular steeped tea. 

On average, matcha contains around 70 to 80 mg of caffeine per cup. On average, a cup of brewed coffee contains 95 mg of caffeine. However, the caffeine level can vary greatly depending on the type of coffee beverage you order. For example, a 12 oz can of cold brew generally contains 150 to 240 mg of caffeine. 

While the difference in caffeine is minimal, what is important is how your body metabolizes the caffeine. When you drink coffee, the caffeine is quickly released into your bloodstream. However, when you drink matcha, the caffeine slowly releases into your bloodstream. 

This is due to the fact that the caffeine molecules in matcha bind to chemicals called catechins. When the catechins break down, the caffeine enters your bloodstream over a 6 to 8-hour period. 

This slow release of caffeine prevents insulin and adrenaline spikes, which helps you avoid that dreaded caffeine crash and drop in blood sugar levels. 

Related: Beyond the Coffee Cup: How to Stay Awake Without Caffeine 

Liver Protection 

Matcha green tea can also protect your liver. The liver plays a central role in metabolizing drugs, flushing out toxins, and processing nutrients. 

A recent study gave 80 participants who suffered from fatty liver disease either 500 mg of placebo or a daily matcha green tea extract. After 12 weeks, scientists found that participants who took the matcha green tea extract had significantly reduced liver enzyme levels. 

Promote Heart Health 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US and the rest of the world. One-third of deaths worldwide over the age of 35 are a result of heart disease. 

Due to its nutrient profile, matcha may help improve your heart health. This is because green tea reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) levels and triglycerides in the body. Drinking matcha green tea may also help reduce your chances of suffering from a stroke. 

Boost Brain Function 

If you’re looking to improve the function of your brain, matcha green tea is the answer. Matcha green tea can help improve your reaction time, attention span, and memory. 

One study looked at 23 participants who consumed matcha after performing tasks to measure brain performance. The study found that participants who consumed matcha compared to placebo experienced better cognitive performance. 

If you have a big day of work or studying ahead of you, sipping on some matcha tea can help you get through the day. 

Are you wondering how to be more productive? Check out our guide. 

Lose Weight 

Nearly 40 percent of American adults are obese. Another 32.5 percent of American adults are overweight. 

If you’re looking to shed some pounds, matcha may be able to help. Matcha helps to improve your metabolism levels and improve your fat-burning capabilities when exercising. Plus, a serving of matcha only contains about 10 calories. 

Produces a Calming Effect 

While coffee tends to rev you up, matcha can help calm you down. This is because matcha contains a very important chemical compound called l-theanine. 

L-theanine is an amino acid that can help reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. This amino acid also helps improve your immunity levels and increase your focus. Seventy-seven percent of Americans report that they experience stress levels that affect their physical health. 

If you’re looking to calm down and relieve stress, try drinking some matcha tea. 

Related: Natural Stress Solutions: Your Complete Guide 

Are You Ready to Try Matcha Green Tea? 

As you can see, matcha green tea offers many benefits that other drinks don’t. As mentioned earlier, there are many different ways to consume matcha tea.