While individual tolerance varies, consuming high levels of the plant compounds found in matcha may cause nausea and symptoms of liver or kidney toxicity ( 26, 27). Green tea has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in human studies, and observational studies suggest regularly drinking the beverage reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. Since matcha is super-potent green tea, it theoretically harbours the same benefits, but more research is needed. 8. Matcha might help you live longer The distinctly high antioxidant potential of matcha can also be attributed to the grinding process and, ultimately, the powdered form. Fujioka et al. [ 52] demonstrated that infusions made by steeping tea leaves have a lower polyphenol content than those made from the powdered form. Thus, the grinding process itself may accelerate the extraction of polyphenolic compounds. Shishikura and Khokhar [ 53] observed, taking into account the average time it takes to prepare tea, that its powdered version is more effective and active in terms of the extraction in a relatively shorter time (1 min), and therefore seems to be a better choice. Komes et al. [ 2] examined 11 green teas differing in terms of the manufacturing process and form, including bagged, loose leaf and powdered tea; matcha brewed at three temperatures—60, 80 and 100 °C; and over different durations, i.e., 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 min. The scholars measured the impact of leaf fragmentation, form of product, brewing time and temperature on phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, determined using different methods (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS). In all green teas, antioxidant capacity increased together with the temperature of water used to prepare the infusion, and the optimal values were observed at the highest temperature with a 3-min brewing time. It was concluded that the antioxidant potential of green tea increases proportionately to its phenolic content. Additionally, the powdered form had the highest parameters of all the green teas, and the required extraction time was the shortest. Extending the brewing time of powdered matcha did not increase its antioxidant capacity [ 4].

You can make traditional matcha tea by sifting 1–2 teaspoons (2–4 grams) of matcha powder into your cup, adding 2 ounces (59 ml) of hot water, and mixing it together with a bamboo whisk. Matcha is probably best known as a warm beverage but it’s actually an adaptable ingredient in the kitchen and beyond. Its “powdered form has allowed it to take on many iterations in the modern age,” according to Danson. For a thinner tea, reduce the powder to a half teaspoon (1 g) and mix with 3–4 ounces (89–118 ml) of hot water. Catechins and gallic acid, phytochemicals in matcha, have been used in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments, and have been researched to see if they improve efficacy of certain chemotherapy drugs. 4. It May Spur Weight LossTo find out more, we asked registered nutritionist Jenna Hope to reveal what matcha's made of, explain what it tastes like, and share tips on safe consumption: What is matcha? After harvesting, the stems and veins are removed from the leaves. They are then stone-ground into a fine, bright green powder known as matcha. Another small study showed that consuming 2 grams of green tea powder daily for 2 months helped improve brain function in older people ( 7). Because matcha is highly concentrated with both beneficial and harmful substances, drinking more than 2 cups (474 mL) per day is generally not recommended. Contaminants However, because matcha is more concentrated in antioxidants, a single cup (237 mL) may be equivalent to about 3 cups (711 mL) of regular green tea.

EGCG has been studied extensively in animals. It may reduce inflammation in your body, help maintain healthy arteries, and promote cell repair ( 5). Children: In general, few clinical trials have studied green tea in children. In one study, an average "exposure" to EGCG ranged between 5 and 87 mg per day for infants, toddlers, or children. Since there is little information about the effects and safety of matcha in children, have a conversation with your child's healthcare provider if you're considering matcha. Perhaps the most important health effect of this compound is its capacity to lessen the risk of heart disease. As such, it has positive effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health. In fact, it is known to have anti-atherosclerosis, anti-cardiac hypertrophy, anti-myocardial infarction, and anti-diabetes properties which can help the body maximize its healing properties. You should not take food supplements as a substitute for a varied balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. In conclusion, drinking matcha tea can decrease the damaging effects of the so-called free radicals and boost the body's overall antioxidant activity. Hence, adding matcha tea to your diet will help you lower your risk for a number of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.L-theanine has also been shown to increase glutathione, an antioxidant that counteracts free radicals and protects neurons and other cells ( 22).

Matcha contains more caffeine than green tea. While some caffeine may be beneficial, too much can have adverse effects, such as increasing the heart rate ( 1, 13). You’ve probably heard all about the health benefits of matcha. Maybe you enjoy daily matcha to boost your energy levels with the calming focus of l-theanine. Awesome! After harvesting, the leaf stems and veins are removed and the remaining parts of the plant are steamed, dried and stone-ground into a fine powder. Summary The anticarcinogenic properties of green tea and its key ingredient, (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been thoroughly researched by scholars from around the globe [ 40, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59]. The mechanisms behind the anti-cancer effect of EGCG may be related to inhibiting tumour angiogenesis, antioxidant effects and suppressing the inflammatory processes contributing to transformation, hyperproliferation and initiation of carcinogenesis [ 57, 59].Matcha, which can have a grassy and bitter taste, is often served with a sweetener or milk. Matcha powder is also popular in smoothies and baking. SUMMARY