Looking for a delicious and healthy drink to start your day? Matcha, a finely powdered Japanese green tea, might be the answer you’re looking for. But why is matcha so popular? Check out these 7 reasons why you should start your day with a cup of matcha!
When it comes to health-enhancing drinks, matcha tea is becoming a popular choice. Not only is it a great substitute for coffee, it also has a number of outstanding health benefits. Here are 7 reasons why you should add a cup of matcha to your morning routine:
Good for the brain
Matcha tea contains a large amount of catechins – powerful antioxidants that help protect the brain. According to research, catechins in green tea have the ability to prevent the accumulation of amyloid plaques and proteins, two factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Additionally, the amino acid L-theanine in matcha tea has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and enhance thinking ability as we age.
Matcha contains powerful antioxidants that help protect the brain.
Boosts Metabolism and Weight Loss
Matcha is a powerful aid in boosting metabolism and supporting weight loss. In a study of 35 overweight people, those who drank 4 cups of green tea a day for 2 months lost significantly more weight than the placebo group.
Another study of 10 men who drank matcha in the morning also showed that they burned 4% more energy than when taking a placebo. Matcha supports thermogenesis, increases fat oxidation, reduces fat absorption and reduces appetite.
Strengthens teeth and freshens breath
Matcha has a strong antibacterial effect, fighting bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, thanks to its natural antiseptic properties, matcha also helps reduce bad breath, giving you fresh breath. Adding matcha to your daily diet will help you protect your oral health effectively.
Matcha has antibacterial effects, fighting bacteria in the oral cavity.
Rich in antioxidants
Matcha is a rich source of antioxidants, especially flavonol catechins, of which epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most prominent. EGCG has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-aging properties.
A study at the University of Colorado (USA) also showed that the amount of EGCG in a cup of matcha can be 100 times greater than that of regular green or black tea. This makes matcha a “superfood” in protecting the body from harmful free radicals.
Relieve stress
Modern life easily makes people face stress. Many people turn to coffee to stay awake, but the caffeine in coffee can increase feelings of restlessness and stress. In contrast, matcha contains a lower amount of caffeine and especially L-theanine, a substance that helps relax the mind and reduce anxiety without causing drowsiness. Therefore, a cup of matcha in the morning will help you start the day in a lighter, more focused state of mind without causing anxiety like coffee.
A cup of matcha in the morning will help you start your day gently.
Keep bones strong
Matcha is not only good for the skin or brain but also supports bone and joint health, especially for menopausal women or people with broken bones. EGCG in matcha has been shown to reduce the number of osteoclasts and increase the activity of osteoblasts. As a result, matcha helps prevent osteoporosis, keep bones strong and support the recovery process when broken bones.
Protect and prevent skin pigmentation
In addition to internal health benefits, matcha also brings clear effects to the skin. In a study of 60 women aged 40 to 65, the group that drank matcha every day for 12 weeks had a significant reduction in skin redness when exposed to UV rays, compared to the placebo group. This result proves that substances in matcha have the ability to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight, improve skin elasticity, reduce pigmentation, and bring a more youthful and healthy skin.
Matcha also brings benefits to the skin.
With many outstanding benefits, matcha is a perfect alternative to other caffeinated drinks such as coffee. Starting a new day with a cup of matcha not only helps you feel awake but also protects your overall health.