The Health Benefits of Matcha
Health nuts and younger consumers are certainly onto something with matcha. This tea is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a member of the "superfoods" family (a fancy term coined by marketing teams in the 1970s for extra nutritional food). "matcha is the original superfood!" exclaims Karen Danudjaja, co-founder of Blume Ceremonial Teas. "It has been used for hundreds of years for focused concentration. I love that it provides clean energy without the jitters." Matcha has a high concentration of an antioxidant called EGCG, as well as vitamins A and C, chlorophyll, potassium, and the L-theanine compound.
Let's break down what these vitamins and minerals actually do for your body. Antioxidants are chemical compounds that stop free radicals from entering your body, which can cause everything from skin aging to cancer. The antioxidant that matcha has is called EGCG, which comes from a compound called catechin. Most commonly found in teas, catechin can help regulate blood pressure, reduce weight and protect the brain from disease. Thanks to this antioxidant, plus the vitamins and minerals A, C, and potassium, matcha can also boost immunity, help with weight loss, and prevent brain and liver malfunction. It's basically a green tea powerhouse.
Matcha may even have the ability to boost your immune system, an especially important note to consider during COVID-19. According to a recent study conducted by North Carolina State University, some foods and beverages like green tea have chemical compounds that 'bind to and block the function of a particular enzyme, or protease in the SARS-CoV-22 virus." If this protease is blocked, the cell can't replicate0meaning the virus can't spread.
Matcha also serves as a great alternative for those who are caffeine-sensitive and on the hunt for alternatives to coffee. The L-theanine in matcha promotes alertness... "I think when people try matcha they can immediately feel the difference in the type of energy they get," explains Karen. "L-theanine slows the absorption of caffeine so that you have long, stable energy, not the spike and crash."
-Katrina Yentch
barista magazine Vol 16 Feb-Mar 2021