Matcha Green Tea: 8 Health Benefits

Isn't all green tea the same? Nope! Matcha green tea, in particular, is a high-grade, finely ground concentrated green tea that has been around for centuries. And for good reason. The polyphenol compounds it contains, called catechins, are a super antioxidant with many health benefits. For example, matcha green tea health benefits include the ability to fight decrease, improve heart health, lower the risk of diabetes, and even help prevent cancer.

Matcha Green Tea Health Benefits

1. May Help Prevent Cancer

For starters, research suggests that matcha green tea health benefits may include the ability to reduce the risk of cancer. Drinking matcha, specifically, has been linked to a reduce risk of bladder, breast, colon, rectal, and prostate cancer. That's because the catechins in the tea help fight off free radicals that damage DNA and cause disease. (1)

2. Promotes Weight Loss

Fortunately for tea lovers, matcha green tea is on the list of foods that promote weight loss. But even if you don't "do" tea, keep in mind that studies have shown that matcha green tea health benefits include the ability to boost the metabolism and help with fat loss, suggesting that the tea works well as a healthy dietary supplement. (2)

3. Benefits Exercise Performance

Would you like an edge in your exercise routine? Well, matcha green tea may help with that, too, because health benefits include improved exercise performance. For example, research has shown that the tea can help speed recovery after exercise and reduce cellular damage. Matcha green tea can also help prevent chronic fatigue syndrome by working to repair damaged cells. (3, 4)

4. Helps Fight Disease

And just as it helps with your exercise routine, matcha green tea also helps fight off disease. You see, the catechins in the tea act as powerful antioxidants to help stop oxidative damage to the cells. Matcha green tea health benefits also include micronutrients that support your immune system. (5)

5. Provides the Body with L-Theanine

Further, matcha green tea health benefits include the ability to provide the body with a healthy source of L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid found in teas that can help relax the mid and body. Research has shown that L-theanine can provide a natural mood boost by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. And matcha is a good source for this important compound. (6)

6. Reduces Heart Disease

Matcha green tea health benefits include a reduced risk of heart disease and hypertension. What do we know about matcha and where it comes from? Matcha is native to Japan, and the Japanese are known to have a low risk for heart disease. So maybe we don't need studies to convince us. But studies have shown that green tea can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides, to help reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Matcha green tea may also reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The tea unclogs arteries and helps reduce hypertension. (7)

7. Lowers the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, matcha green tea can help decrease fasting glucose and reduce insulin resistance. Specifically, the study suggests that drinking matcha green tea on a regular basis may help prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes. That is very important considering today's lifestyle and eating habits. (8)

8. Detoxifies the Body

Though listed last, this benefit clearly helps connect the dots. You see, matcha green tea health benefits include the ability to help naturally detoxify the body. For one thing, the tea contains chlorophyll, a plant pigment that aids in the detox of heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins in the body. Chlorophyll also increases the blood's ability to bring oxygen and nutrients to the cells. But also, matcha green tea supports enzymes that help the body naturally detoxify. (9)