BLOG #21: 10 Health Benefits of Matcha

Health benefits of Matcha

Matcha tea often is called the superfood of superfoods. We all know that green tea is healthy. One cup of Matcha contains as many antioxidants as 10 cups of ‘normal’ green tea. Tea powder is 115 times richer in antioxidants than regular green tea. EGCg (epigallo catechingallate) is a unique antioxidant, also called catechins, with many health benefits. In this blog you can read more about the many ‘health benefits’ of Matcha.

The graph below shows the antioxidant effect for Matcha and a number of known antioxidant rich foods. We all know that spinach is healthy, that makes you strong. Matcha contains 92 x more antioxidants than spinazi. Moreover, this superfood contains 46 x more antioxidants than broccoli! Conclusion: Matcha contains over 5 – 125 times more antioxidants than other superfoods such as Goji and Acai berries.

EGCg (epigallo catechinen gallate)

The antioxidant EGCg is a unique antioxidant with many health benefits (Source: Weiss D., Anderton C Journal or Chromatography A 2003) In the following list a number of advantages:

1. EGCgs have an anti-allergic and anti-bacterial effect;
2. Has a positive influence on fat burning and helps improve sugar management;
3. Affects fat-degrading enzymes in the liver and thus ensures weight loss;
4. Promotes healthy intestinal flora.
5. Positive effect on the cognitive nervous system (good for Alzheimer’s);
6. Has a protective effect on heart and blood vessels;
7. It inhibits the development and inhibits the progression of cancer;
8. Reduces mental and physical stress;
9. Protect the immune system;
10. Strengthen bones and muscles.

The good substances in Matcha alongside EGCg

In addition to EGCg, Matcha also contains many more good and healthy substances, namely:

• Vitamins (A,B-complex, C, E, K) and minerals (magnesium, zinc etc.)
• Theine: gives an energy boost (see image below)
• L-Theanine: stress level goes down and concentration is going up
• L-Arginine: improves the supply of nutrients and strengthens the immune system
• Chlorophyll: Detoxifying effect, it is a real detox tea
• Stimulates your metabolism: fast metabolism, healthy intestinal flora and improves fat burning
• Reduced cholesterol: good for people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease

Green tea powder contains about a quarter of the caffeine in a cup of coffee, but because theine is released much more gradually, a cup of Matcha has a longer lasting effect (4 hours long). You gradually get extra energy through the theine and your concentration is increased by the L-theanine.

Scientific research

Scientific research has shown that Matcha has a positive and protective effect on the following disorders. This is largely due to the EGCg antioxidant that Matcha is rich in!

• Alzheimer’s: positive effect on the cognitive nervous system (source: Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia 2012)
• Cancer: inhibits genesis and progression (source: Lee Euler, Cancer Defeated 2015)
• Cardiovascular diseases: the largest cause of death in the world Obesity (source: Lin J et al 2005) and Diabetes Liver (source: Imai, K. Nakachi K. 1995)
• Strengthen bones and muscles
• Skin (source: Katiyar, S. K 2003) and teeth.

Facts in a row

• Tradition of 900 years in Japan
• Contains 115x more antioxidants than regular green tea (1 Matcha = 10 cups of green tea)
• 5-125x more antioxidants than other healthy foods / superfoods
• Most EGCg compared to other superfoods (unique + effective catechin)
• Even more vitamin C than the red pepper
• This tea has more health benefits than you think
• Matcha gives energy and calms the mind
• A good coffee replacement. Works even better and longer!

Three grades of Matcha

Are you wondering how Matcha tastes? We serve Matcha in our Matcha bar in The Hague. There are many different qualities Matcha on the market, also many ‘fake Matcha’ (usually made in China) where eg sweeteners / sugars are added. We sell 3 qualities Matcha, 100% organic and directly imported from Japan (area: Kagoshima):

•  Ceremonial Matcha A – Drinking grade: made from the first harvest of tea leaves (spring), great to drink pure! 
• Premium Matcha B – Blending grade: made from the second pick of tea leaves, ideal for Matcha Latte or other blends / smoothies!)
• Classic Matcha C – Cooking grade: made from the third harvest of tea leaves (autumn), suitable for baking and cooking with Matcha!) 

Do you have (in response to this blog) questions about Matcha? Do not hesitate to email us: info@hugthetea.com

LET’S SPREAD THE MATCHA LOVE!

Claire & Lisa, the Tea Sisters