Benefits and harms of matcha tea — 6 proven facts about its effect on health

Matcha tea or matcha is a powdered tea that is made by grinding green tea leaves in a special mill. It is used in the classic Japanese tea ceremony.

Matcha tea has tangible beneficial properties. It is saturated with antioxidants and other substances necessary to maintain the health of the body and prevent dangerous diseases, including cancer.

How it is useful – 6 facts

Let's consider 6 main theses about the benefits of taking matcha tea (based on evidence).

1. It is saturated with antioxidants

Matcha tea contains a lot of antioxidant substances, the main of which are catechins. Proven that the catechin content in this drink is up to 137 times higher than in any other green tea .

It has been proven that antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can cause damage to cells with their subsequent death or malignant degeneration, and can also contribute to the development of chronic diseases.

The antioxidant potential of matcha tea was confirmed by Chinese experts during experiments on rodents.

And specialists from the USA discovered that regular intake of this drink significantly reduces the likelihood of developing cancer, autoimmune diseases, degenerative brain lesions, cataracts, and slows down the aging of the human body as a whole.

2. Protects the liver from damage

The liver is an indispensable organ that neutralizes toxins harmful to the body and helps to digest food and many medications.

Individual studies demonstrate that the drink Protects liver cells from damage caused not only by free radicals, but also by harmful chemicals.

Japanese scientists installed that when taking tea, the concentration of markers of hepatocyte (liver cell) death in the blood decreases – ALT and AST. Their rise often occurs when taking medications (for example, statins) or against the background of severe diseases (cirrhosis).

Positive dynamics also observed in the course of fatty hepatosis, which often develops with obesity or type II diabetes mellitus.

Experts from the USA claim that the systematic intake of powdered drink reduces the risk of developing any liver diseases.

3. Improves brain function

According to the data employees of Wageningen University (Netherlands), match Improves cognitive processes (memory, concentration, thinking). The drink is especially useful during periods of excessive mental stress.

Older men and women have tea slows down age-related cognitive decline. Just 2 grams of matcha per day for 2 months is enough to get tangible results.

The drink is especially effective for stress. It contains a special biologically active substance – L-theanine, which reduces anxiety level, helps to relax and get enough sleep, and also improves metabolic processes in the tissues of the central nervous system, increasing the flow of blood with oxygen to each cell.

4. Fighting cancer

The polyphenols and flavonoids of matcha powder are effective in preventing and even slowing the development of some malignant tumors.

Based on Boston University (USA) installed that drinking the drink can significantly slow down the growth of mammary gland tumor cells in rats.

The effectiveness of the product has also been confirmed in order to prevent and improve the course of neoplasms of the following organs ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ):

• Prostate;
• Skin;
• Liver;
• Bronchi.

It is important to note that all the data were obtained either in the laboratory or in animal experiments. The effect of the plant in the human body has not been studied.

5. Improves the health of the heart and blood vessels

Every third person is over 35 years old, according to information Spanish scientists are dying from cardiovascular diseases. Prevention of heart and vascular pathologies is one of the main tasks of modern healthcare.

Powdered drink, with regular intake, reduces the level of total and "bad" (LDL, TAG) cholesterol, protecting the walls of the arteries from the deposition of cholesterol crystals. As a result, the development of pathologies such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, vascular encephalopathy, stroke, etc. is prevented.

Tea flavonoids are also positive are reflected at the blood pressure level, reducing it to standard values. The product provides prevention of the development of hypertension and helps to reduce the doses of antihypertensive drugs taken.

The combination of a healthy diet, a sporty lifestyle and matcha tea allows you to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy for many years to come.

6. Helps to lose weight

Specialists of the University of Berningham (Great Britain) discovered that this tea increases the rate of fat burning during exercise by 17%.

Destroyed adipose tissue cells go to meet the energy needs of the body.

Also a drink speeds up metabolism in general. After ingestion, energy consumption increases by about 24 hours.

Scientists from Canada believe that green and black teas, as well as matcha tea, are effective means for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight.

Possible harm

Matcha differs significantly from its closest analogues (green, black tea), as it contains large amounts of caffeine, which can harm the body of some groups of people.

Most of the contraindications and side effects of matcha tea are related specifically to caffeine. Let's look at them in more detail:

1. Caffeine poisoning. Develops with a large volume of tea consumed (over 6-10 cups of 200 ml each). It is characterized by agitation, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, insomnia.
2. Exacerbation of diseases of the digestive system. Matcha enhances the secretion of digestive juices, increases the acidity of the stomach and irritates the mucous membranes. Similar properties can cause exacerbation of chronic gastritis or duodenitis, peptic ulcer disease.
3. Allergic reactions. Matcha is a "concentrate" of tea leaves. It often causes malfunctions of the immune system. Allergopathologies can be diverse: from skin rashes to anaphylactic shock. In the presence of allergic reactions in the past, tea is contraindicated.

Matcha tea is not recommended for women during pregnancy and lactation. Children under the age of 14 should also refrain from taking the drink.

Usage options

Let's consider the main rules of preparation and consumption of the drink:

1. How to brew? For cooking, 1-2 tsp of matcha powder (2-4 grams) should be poured with hot water (90-95 degrees), stir. 3-5 minutes is enough for brewing.
2. When can I drink? Healthy people can take tea at any time, but not on an empty stomach. In the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is better to drink tea 20-30 minutes after eating.
3. How many cups can I drink per day? It is not recommended to drink more than 1-2 cups of the drink per day (200-250 ml each).
4. What should I combine it with? The drink is usually consumed in its pure form with pieces of berries and fruits (strawberries, pears, peaches).

Conclusion

1. With proper reception, the match is quite good for your health.
2. It is able to improve the condition of the liver and brain, prevent the development of cancer and a number of cardiovascular diseases, improve metabolism and lose extra pounds.
3. When taking tea, side effects may develop, which you need to familiarize yourself with in advance.
4. Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding should refrain from drinking to avoid health risks.