Matcha Tea – 17 Health Benefits, Uses, and Side-effects

Matcha tea is a type of green tea used in China and Japan for centuries. To make this tea, the tea leaves are harvested, steamed, and dried and then made into a fine powder. When the matcha tea powder is mixed with hot water, it creates a sweet, creamy flavor and structure that is different from other teas. It can be enjoyed hot or iced, and in addition to providing a sweet drink, this tea also offers health benefits. This tea contains specific antioxidants called Catechins which help the body fight diseases. It is effective in fighting cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and some infections.

Matcha Tea Benefits

Health benefits of drinking matcha tea include improved mental alertness and clarity, stronger immunity and detoxification. Rich in polyphenols and Catechins, matcha tea promotes relaxation and contributes beneficially to prevention. Matcha green tea helps treat a variety of medical conditions including bacterial, fungal and viral infections, cancer and type-2 diabetes. It helps in maintaining cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal health and acts as an excellent energy booster. This article discusses the health benefits of matcha tea. 

Benefits of Matcha Tea 

1. Good for cancer patients 

Matcha tea helps prevent cancer due to its rich epigallocatechin (EGCG) content, which has chemo-preventive properties. Several studies have shown that the polyphenols in matcha tea inhibit the spread of malignant cancer cells, promote apoptosis and reduce the risk of various cancers including bladder cancer and colorectal cancer. [1]

2. Good for immunity system 

Matcha tea is very useful to help maintain a strong and healthy immune system. Matcha tea contains antioxidants polyphenols, EGCG, and L-theanine, which collectively contribute to enhancing the body’s immune defenses and help protect against various antigens and antibodies. 

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3. High in antioxidant 

Matcha tea is a treasure trove of natural antioxidants and polyphenols. Compared to other green teas, matcha contains the highest amount of EGCG, which is an extremely healthy ingredient with numerous benefits. These antioxidants look for oxygen free radicals in the body, and neutralize their damaging effects. Using matcha tea protects your body from disorders or inflammation related to oxidative stress. 

4. Control type-2 diabetes 

Matcha tea has been shown to be valuable for maintaining a healthy metabolism in people with diabetes. Matcha tea contains antioxidants that help lower triglycerides, total cholesterol and hepatic glucose levels in diabetics. Research has shown that regular consumption of matcha tea exerts inhibitory action against kidney and hepatic damage by controlling the accumulation of advanced glycation end product in the kidneys. 

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5. Improves cardiovascular health 

Matcha tea is rich in EGCG, which is essential in maintaining good cardiovascular health. This compound in matcha tea helps keep bad cholesterol levels low. Additionally, it helps reduce lipid accumulation, and also increases autophagy in vascular endothelial cells. 

6. Speed up metabolism 

Matcha tea contains a healthy type of caffeine, which is very different from the caffeine in coffee. This unique form of caffeine, known as theophylline, maintains energy levels without exhibiting any adverse effects. The slow release of energy caused by theophylline helps support the functioning of the adrenal glands and maintain optimal hormone levels. 

7. Detoxify body & heavy metals 

Matcha tea contains chlorophyll compounds, which help detoxify and cleanse the body. Chlorophyll is an excellent detoxifier that helps cleanse the blood, and also helps maintain blood and tissue alkalinity. Furthermore, the chlorophyll in matcha tea helps counteract the relationship of harmful toxins with the walls of the rectum and move them out of the body. 

8. Reduce anxiety 

Matcha tea works amazingly to provide a calming effect on the body. L-theanine, a unique amino acid in matcha tea, has anti-anxiolytic properties that help increase alpha waves in the brain. These alpha waves encourage relaxation and a deeper sense of mental clarity and a more alert state of mind. 

9. Provides protection against infections 

Matcha tea contains EGCG which is very effective in fighting various bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Research has shown that EGCG in matcha tea binds to lipid membranes and exerts inhibitory action against the growth of various important human bacteria including influenza viruses, hepatitis B and C viruses, herpes virus adenovirus, staphylococcus aureus bacteria and candida albicans yeast. 

10. Gastrointestinal functions 

Matcha tea is very useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Research has shown that regular consumption of matcha tea creates defecation and helps the body rid itself of harmful chemicals and toxins. [2]

Uses of Matcha Tea 

You add matcha powder to a cup of warm water. Boil a pot of water, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of powder (depending on how strong you like your tea). Add honey or sugar for a sweet taste and enjoy your healthy drink. Matcha powder can be mixed with milk or dairy alternatives to make a creamy latte or add to a smoothie. 

Side effects of Matcha Tea  

Although matcha tea is a very healthy drink and has quite a beneficial effect on the human body, it also has a few side effects. Matcha tea contains high levels of caffeine, which can cause side effects such as anxiety, itching and dizziness. 

Consumption of matcha tea in large turns can cause digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhea. Matcha tea has seen a few other side effects such as sleep disorders and cardiac arrhythmia. 

Therefore, matcha tea should be used in the right amount considering its benefits and harms as excessive use of any product can harm our health. The above is information provided for general information purposes only. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before using matcha tea for healing. 

Conclusion 

The information discussed in this article is about the health benefits of matcha tea. In this article you will learn about the benefits and harms, uses and other information of matcha tea. I hope the information mentioned in this article will be useful to you. Thank you!

FAQ 

1. Who shouldn’t drink matcha tea? 

Ans: Matcha tea is full of caffeine, making it somewhat unsafe for pregnant women. Therefore, it should be used with caution and should not be used without consulting a doctor. Excessive amounts of caffeine can cause headaches, irritability and insomnia. 

2. Can we drink matcha tea on an empty stomach? 

Ans: You should not drink matcha tea too early in the morning. Avoid drinking matcha on an empty stomach. Do not drink matcha tea at the same time as your main meal, as it can reduce the absorption of vitamin B1 in your body, leading to a condition called beriberi. 

3. Does matcha tea help detox the liver? 

Ans: Matcha tea removes toxins. It has been shown to promote natural detoxification of both the kidneys and liver. 

4. Does matcha tea remove toxins? 

Ans: Research has shown that green tea like matcha tea also has a bone protective effect that preserves bone health and prevents them from fracturing. The liver is the main organ that is responsible for removing toxins from our body. Consumption of matcha tea can reduce the risk as it helps to detoxify the liver. 

5. Is matcha tea good for skin? 

Ans: Matcha tea protects against UV damage and improves skin elasticity. It even carries elastin production in the skin and protects it from those free radicals that cause skin damage, age spots, dry skin, wrinkles. 

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