Properties of matcha
Matcha is a very strong antioxidant
Antioxidants are responsible for neutralizing the negative effects of free radicals – unpaired oxygen atoms circulating in our bodies that attack healthy molecules, contributing to the development of heart, eye, brain, skin diseases, and most types of cancer. The formation of free radicals is accelerated by, among other things, long-term stress; they also enter the body with fried or grilled foods and polluted air. Antioxidants sweep away free radicals, restore the body's balance, and permanently support the immune system. Their action makes us feel healthier, and the aging processes are slowed down. Large amounts of antioxidants are found in fresh fruits and vegetables, but matcha has the highest concentration of them on the ORAC scale!
Rich source of catechins, EGCG
Matcha tea is a rich source of catechins. Among all antioxidants, they are distinguished by their particular ability to neutralize the activity of free radicals. Catechins reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, have antibacterial and antiviral effects, and lower blood cholesterol levels. They play a significant role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation. A particularly strong antioxidant present in matcha is a catechin derivative called EGCG. This organic chemical compound has strong anti-cancer properties and is 100 times more potent as an antioxidant than vitamin C. Because when drinking matcha, we consume whole ground tea leaves, one cup of this tea, in terms of antioxidant content, is equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea infusion.
Calms and relaxes
For over 1000 years, matcha has been used by Chinese Taoists and Japanese Zen Buddhist monks as a means to maintain calmness and mental clarity during long hours of meditation. Today, it is known that these neuropsychological processes are partly attributed to L-theanine, an amino acid concentrated in the leaves used to produce matcha. L-theanine stimulates the emission of alpha waves in the brain, which affect our well-being and induce a feeling of relaxation and peace without causing drowsiness. L-theanine helps to induce a state of alert relaxation similar to that achieved through meditation. Traditional powdered matcha has four times the L-theanine content (39 mg per serving) than green tea served in a tea bag.
Improves memory and concentration
Dieticians also recommend L-theanine due to its beneficial effect on maintaining proper levels of dopamine and serotonin in the body – substances crucial for well-being, creativity, and readiness to take on challenges. These two organic compounds play a fundamental role in many processes of the nervous system such as sleep, motivational abilities, and the ability to feel pleasure. Serotonin acts as a neuromediator, a "messenger" of the body that transmits information between brain cells. Its appropriate level allows for sleep and regulates blood pressure. A serotonin deficiency leads to a lowered mood, and a significant deficiency to depression. Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter from the catecholamine group secreted in the human brain. According to the latest research, dopamine forms the basis of motivational processes, responsible for our desire to act, learn, and explore.
Boosts energy and endurance
Warlike Samurai drank matcha before expeditions as a natural energizer. Matcha contains high amounts of L-theanine and other nutrients that positively affect immunity. The energy level after drinking a cup of matcha can last for over 6 hours. Despite the caffeine content in matcha, its consumption does not cause side effects typical of coffee, such as hyperactivity, high blood pressure, and nervousness. The feeling of an energy boost is more stable than with coffee stimulation, because caffeine is distributed in the blood in measured doses. There is also no risk of an energy crash, which strong coffee drinkers complain about. 80 milligrams of caffeine in a cup of matcha is equivalent to 90-150 milligrams in a serving of coffee.
Helps burn excess calories
Matcha green tea speeds up the body's metabolism, causing fat to burn 4 times faster. Unlike many diets available on the market, matcha is a natural dietary supplement that does not cause any side effects such as accelerated heart rate or elevated blood pressure.
Strengthens the immune system
The catechins contained in matcha tea not only help fight free radicals but also have antibiotic properties and strengthen our immune system by acting antibacterial and antiviral. One cup of this tea provides the body with significant amounts of vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Lowers bad cholesterol levels
According to research, people who regularly drink matcha have lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol and higher levels of good HDL cholesterol. Men who drank matcha had an 11% lower incidence of heart disease than those who did not. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2011).
Excellent for detoxification
Thanks to its high chlorophyll content, which gives the leaves their intense green color, matcha has properties that cleanse our body of toxins. Through a special production method involving shading the tea bushes three weeks before harvesting, the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves increases. Thanks to this, true matcha from Japan has a beautiful, intense green color.
