Unexpected effects of matcha

Matcha is not only a delicious drink but also brings many health benefits.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is now popular in health food stores and cafes, often served as tea, lattes, desserts or mixed drinks.

Similar to other green teas, matcha is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. However, the growing and processing of matcha is different, resulting in its unique nutritional profile.

The tea plants used to produce matcha are shaded from the sun for most of their growing period, which increases the amount of chlorophyll and amino acids and makes the leaves a darker green color.

After harvesting, the veins and stems are removed, then ground into a fine powder - which is matcha.

Thanks to the use of the whole tea leaf, matcha has significantly higher levels of caffeine and antioxidants than regular green tea.

After harvesting, the tea leaves' veins and stems are removed, then finely ground into matcha powder.

Numerous studies have shown that matcha can protect the liver, promote heart health, and aid weight loss.

Rich in antioxidants

Matcha contains high levels of catechins, a group of plant compounds that act as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals – molecules that damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic disease.

Although shade growing reduces the catechins in the leaves, when brewed with water, matcha releases three times more catechins than other green teas.

A study in mice found that matcha supplementation reduced free radical damage to cells and increased the activity of the antioxidant system. Adding matcha to the diet may enhance cellular protection and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

May protect the liver

The liver plays an important role in removing toxins, metabolizing drugs, and absorbing nutrients.

A 2015 meta-analysis of 15 studies found that drinking green tea was associated with a reduced risk of liver disease. However, some experts in 2020 suggested that while matcha may reduce liver enzymes in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), matcha may increase liver enzymes in people without the disease. More human research is needed to determine the specific effects of matcha.

Enhance brain function

Some of the ingredients in matcha may help improve cognitive function. One study of 23 people found that those who consumed matcha (as tea or energy bars) had faster reaction times, better memory, and better concentration than those who consumed a placebo.

Another study in older adults also showed that taking 2 grams of green tea powder daily for 2 months improved cognitive function.

Matcha contains more caffeine than regular green tea (19 - 44 mg/g compared to 11 - 25 mg/g) and also contains L-theanine - a compound that helps increase alertness without causing fatigue after the caffeine wears off.

Support cancer prevention

Matcha contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate – a catechin with potential cancer-preventing properties.

Matcha contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – a catechin that has potential cancer prevention according to some test-tube and animal studies.

Although these results are promising, more clinical evidence in humans is needed to confirm the effectiveness of matcha in cancer prevention.

Good for the heart

Several studies have shown that drinking green tea—which has a similar composition to matcha—can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Green tea has been linked to lower blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol, and a lower risk of heart complications compared to coffee.

Although one animal study showed mixed results, the majority of evidence still supports the heart benefits of matcha.

Weight loss support

Green tea is a popular ingredient in weight loss products due to its ability to boost metabolism. A 2020 review of research concluded that combining green tea (up to 500 mg per day) with diet and exercise can help reduce body mass index (BMI) after 12 weeks.

Because matcha has similar ingredients to green tea, it may also have similar effects in aiding weight control.

TB (summary)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/tac-dung-bat-ngo-cua-matcha-412201.html