1. Matcha is rich in antioxidants
Matcha is rich in catechins, a type of plant compound found in tea that can act as a natural antioxidant
Antioxidants help stabilize harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases
When you add matcha powder to hot water to make tea, the tea contains all the nutrients of the entire leaf. Compared to simply soaking green tea leaves in water, it often contains more catechins and antioxidants
In fact, it is estimated that the amount of certain catechins in matcha is 137 times higher than in other green teas
A study has shown that supplementing matcha to mice can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and enhance antioxidant activity
Adding matcha to your diet can increase your intake of antioxidants, which may help prevent cell damage and even reduce your risk of various chronic diseases
2. Matcha may help protect the liver
The liver is crucial for health, playing a central role in eliminating toxins, metabolizing drugs, and processing nutrients
Some studies have found that matcha may help protect liver health
One study gave diabetes rats tea for 16 weeks and found that it helped prevent kidney and liver damage
Another study had 80 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease take a placebo or 500 milligrams of green tea extract daily for 90 days
After 12 weeks, green tea extract significantly reduced liver enzyme levels. Elevated levels of these enzymes are a sign of liver injury
In addition, an analysis of 15 studies found that drinking green tea can reduce the risk of liver disease
However, it is important to remember that this association may also involve other factors.
3. Matcha may help prevent cancer
Matcha is rich in compounds that promote health, including some compounds related to cancer prevention in vitro and animal studies
In one study, green tea extract reduced tumor size and slowed the growth of breast cancer cells in rats
Matcha has a particularly high content of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catechin that has been proven to have strong anti-cancer properties
A test tube study found that EGCG in matcha helps kill prostate cancer cells
Other in vitro studies have shown that EGCG is effective in treating skin cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer
4. Matcha can promote heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated one-third of all deaths among people aged 35 and above
Some studies suggest that drinking green tea (which has similar nutritional components to matcha) may help prevent heart disease
Green tea has been proven to lower levels of total and "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as triglycerides
It may also help prevent oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is another factor that can prevent heart disease
Observational studies have also shown that drinking green tea can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
When combined with a comprehensive diet and healthy lifestyle, drinking matcha may help maintain heart health and prevent diseases
5. Matcha helps you lose weight
Looking at any weight loss supplement, you are likely to see "green tea extract" in its ingredients
Green tea is known for its ability to enhance physical fitness and aid in weight loss Research suggests that it may help accelerate metabolism, increase energy expenditure, and promote fat burning
A small study showed that taking green tea extract during moderate exercise increased fat burning by 17%
Another study involving 14 individuals found that taking supplements containing green tea extract significantly increased 24-hour energy expenditure compared to placebo
A review of 11 studies also suggests that green tea can reduce weight and help maintain weight loss
Although most of these studies have focused on green tea extracts, matcha comes from the same plant and should have the same effects.