The tea has a unique, non-bitter taste and vibrant green color and is regarded as the most aromatic form of green tea. This type of tea comes with potential benefits like being a good source of antioxidants and having protective effects for bone and brain health. Here's more about matcha's potential health benefits and risks, as well as ways to consume it.

Matcha is powdered tea made from finely ground Japanese green tea leaves. The leaves are a dark green since the plant is grown in the shade. Tea made with matcha powder contains a higher amount of caffeine.

While matcha tea is technically a type of green tea , it has an earthy, umami flavor. Numerous studies on green tea reveal several science-backed health benefits. While much of the research has been done with green tea, the perks extend to matcha since matcha is made from whole green tea leaves.

Green tea has long been studied as a cancer prevention tool. In a study, participants who drank more than 10 4-ounce portions of green tea per day developed cancer 7. Another study among people with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer found that those who drank an average of eight cups of green tea per day had a lower risk of cancer returning and a longer disease-free period compared with those who consumed a daily average of two cups.

Though it's limited, research has suggested a potential link between green tea and reduced depression. For example, one study investigated the connection between green tea consumption, postmenopausal people, and depression.

The researchers found that the participants who were assigned to the green tea group ended up with lower depression levels. However, they also said that factors such as how the tea was brewed and its concentration could have played a role.

An analysis of 36 studies found that green tea reduces the risk of cognitive disorders. These brain problems, which are more common after age 65, typically affect learning, memory, movement, language, attention, and problem-solving. They range from mild cognitive impairment to disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's disease , and Alzheimer's disease.

The data showed that the more green tea consumed, the greater the protection against such disorders. A study of healthy Chinese men found that those who drank tea had a higher total sperm count and greater sperm concentration—indicators of fertility—than those who never drank tea.

The increase in sperm count was seen among those who drank tea at least three days a week. After a review of already-published research, scientists noted that green tea contains high quantities of polyphenol antioxidants.

These antioxidants counter compounds that attack healthy cells, including those in testicular tissue. Green tea may also increase the movement of semen and its capacity to survive. A research analysis concluded that, in general, green tea drinkers who are at a healthy weight had significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

LDL is considered the "bad" cholesterol because it leads to a buildup of cholesterol in arteries, which ups the risk of heart disease.

Green tea consumption has been shown to significantly reduce both systolic—the upper number—and diastolic—the lower number— blood pressure. The effects were even greater in people with existing high blood pressure or other heart disease risk factors.

The outcome is partly due to green tea's ability to relax blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces inflammation. Research in postmenopausal people in Korea found that those who did not consume any green tea or consumed less than one cup daily during the previous year were more likely to have reduced bone mass in their spine or thigh compared to those who drank green tea three times a day.

Other research shows that drinking tea is tied to a reduced risk of osteoporosis. The effect is likely due to the drink's antioxidants, which help prevent bone loss and enhance bone formation.

Matcha is low in calories, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals but rich in a variety of antioxidants. One teaspoon, or 4 grams g , of matcha powder—the amount used in many recipes to make a single matcha latte—provides:.

The antioxidants in matcha—a key aspect of its nutritional value—support detoxification, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage that can lead to aging and disease. Matcha also has a higher caffeine content compared to steeped green tea.

Matcha's caffeine content can range from One teaspoon of matcha is 4g, so the caffeine level is anywhere from In comparison, one cup of brewed green tea contains As a beverage, green tea is believed to be safe at up to eight cups 8 ounces each per day.

Matcha is stronger and more concentrated than steeped green tea because you ingest the whole, powdered leaves. There are no government guidelines specific to matcha regarding a daily recommended amount. However, for healthy adults, recommendations include not drinking more than mg of caffeine daily.

At high doses, green tea may interact with certain medications, such as the beta-blocker nadolol Corgard used to manage high blood pressure and heart problems.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to a healthcare provider before using matcha. Store matcha powder at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve its antioxidant content.

That is the recommended maximum temperature inside your refrigerator, anyway. Also, one study showed that matcha brewed at 90 degrees Celsius degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes maintained the highest concentrations of health-protective polyphenol antioxidants. Besides green tea, matcha powder can also be used to make lattes.

It can even be incorporated into dishes like oatmeal, smoothies, chia pudding, energy balls, baked goods, hummus, sauces, and soups. Since the use of matcha powder in these ways has not been researched, it is unclear whether you'll experience the same benefits as when matcha is used for green tea.

To make matcha tea, you take the powder and whisk it vigorously for about three minutes. Essentially, you dissolve the powder into water rather than steeping tea leaves in water as you would with regular green tea. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and offers many potential health benefits.

When matcha powder is used for green tea, there can be positive effects on cholesterol, blood pressure, and brain function.

Because of matcha's caffeine content and potential to interact with medications, talk to a healthcare provider about whether this form of green tea is a good fit for your personal health goals.

Matcha is a version of green tea, so many of their benefits are the same. However, matcha tea has a higher caffeine amount among green teas. It can be OK to drink matcha tea daily—as long as you drink it in moderation. Since the caffeine amount is higher in matcha, it may be helpful to limit your consumption to two cups daily to stay under the recommended caffeine limit of mg.

There's limited research on the link between matcha and fat burn. However, it's possible that it could promote fat burn due to its caffeine content.

Kochman J, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Mruk H, Janda K. Health benefits and chemical composition of matcha green tea: A review. Make mine a matcha. Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies.

Curr Res Food Sci. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Magazine. Matcha madness: what's old is new and here to stay. Fujiki H, Watanabe T, Sueoka E, Rawangkan A, Suganuma M. Cancer prevention with green tea and its principal constituent, EGCG: From early investigations to current focus on human cancer stem cells.

Mol Cells. Wan Z, Qin X, Tian Y, Ouyang F, Wang G, Wan Q. Combine that with the pinch of caffeine that comes in matcha tea and you have a combo that keeps you effortlessly alert.

The best thing about the state of alert that matcha gifts you is that it's not an edgy alert but a calm clarity that keeps you connected to your sense of purpose. A study on the combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood found that both speed and accuracy of performance in the participants was improved along with a boost in memory too.

Next time you need your mind to shine, a cup of matcha can keep you focused and clear. Bring a gorgeous glow to your skin simply by sipping a cup of matcha tea. Matcha is so delicious for the skin it's even used in face masks too. Matcha helps the skin slow down when it comes to the visual signs of ageing.

This is because Matcha is brimming with catechins which help to stop free radicals reaping havoc across your skin. Matcha is also rich in antioxidant properties and has firm anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe irritated skin. If you suffer from rosacea, acne, or any skin condition that brings irritation, matcha can lend a cooling hand.

Matcha can bring healing to all skin types and for those with oily skin, the tannins in matcha can help regulate sebum production. This study into the effects of green tea and polyphenols on sebum production and acne showcased that there was indeed some evidence that tea polyphenols could be used to treat acne thanks to its sebum reduction properties.

Next time you want younger, more elasticated, and sebum free skin — skip the expensive facial and stock up on some matcha tea. As mentioned, matcha tea comes chock full of antioxidants and holds ten times the amount of normal green tea. Yep, matcha tea is the winner of all superfoods as it comes out on top as having the highest antioxidant rating of all consumables out there.

The ORAC Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity test found that matcha measured in at a staggering units per gram. This is times higher levels of antioxidants than spinach.

This study from Consumer Lab found that brewed matcha tea contained more catechins per gram than the usual brewed green tea. Considering green tea has high numbers of mg per serving, you are sure to be stuffing yourself full of goodness with every single sip. Keeping your heart healthy is another benefit that comes with your daily dose of matcha tea.

Even for those who are young and fighting fit, it's never too early to commit to happier cardiovascular health. Catechins which are one of the main antioxidants within matcha tea have been found to help prevent heart disease , strokes, and a heart attack thanks to its anti-hypertension, anti-inflammatory, and anti-thrombogenic qualities.

Catechins also have a lipid lowering effect which further cements their status as a catechin for heart health. Sipping matcha as part of a healthy lifestyle where you feed your body fruits and veggies, get plenty of sleep, and exercise is bound to put you on track for a long and luscious life.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is also on the bandwagon when it comes to celebrating the catechins found within matcha tea.

So how does matcha lend a hand when it comes to fat burning? These catechins contain thermogenic properties, which is the speed in which we burn calories. Drinking matcha can raise your speed rate not just when you are resting, but also when exercising.

This study showcased that after 12 weeks of dipping tea daily, the participants had a significantly lower blood pressure. Guess which tea got top marks and performed the best in this study?

You guessed it, green tea! Which is where we get out magical matcha. For those keen to reduce the possibility of high blood pressure, flipping the kettle on takes very little commitment. Deep breath, cancer is always a big health concern.

There have been studies that consider the imprint tea can have when it comes to anti-cancer fighting properties. We know by now that matcha is a riot of healthy compounds, catechins, and other immune boosting and antioxidant properties, including the very important ECGC.

This type of catechin has been shown in test tube studies and animal studies to help reduce tumor size and to kill off cancer cells. Of course, further research is needed especially when it comes to humans and the tangible effects of green and matcha tea when it comes to cancer, but we think this is an awesome start.

Start upping your daily dose of matcha tea! All those polyphenols and healthy compounds are bound to have a great effect when it comes to oiling up your joints and leaving limbs as loose as can be.

The antioxidants found within matcha and green tea are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can even slow down cartilage destruction. Combined with the EGCG we keep going on about being able to help block the molecules that can cause rheumatoid arthritis and suddenly your yoga practice is looking like it should be able to continue well into your eighties!

Chock full of vitamins and minerals, matcha is here to make sure you are sliding into the very best health. From lashings of vitamin C to magnesium, vitamin A, and all the beautiful B vitamins you need, sipping matcha tea is the boost you need.

Vitamin C can help you fend off colds and flu, vitamin A can also help eliminate free radicals, vitamin F is fabulous for your teeth, and vitamin P helps bone and cartilage health stay harmonious. Give your immune system all the ammo it needs to stay fierce and fighting fit no matter what the world throws at it.

Studies have shown that green tea can increase the number of T cells in the body. There has been a lot of talk around T cells and immunity lately and the fact that sipping on matcha can boost your T cells and help reduce the risks of autoimmune diseases is definitely something to sing about.

Check out our matcha latte kit. One of the best ways to savor the creamy sweetness when you drink matcha is to froth up a fabulous matcha latte. Super simple and effortlessly delicious, all you need is a good quality matcha free from pesticides of course, some hot water not boiling , a matcha whisk, your milk of choice, and a little sweetener if you like.

Almond milk, coconut milk, a squeeze of lime, a pinch of cocoa powder, and even the zest of an orange — all these ingredients work wonderfully when individually paired with matcha.

This is one drink where you can truly let your imagination run wild. If you want to keep your matcha making even easier then check out our Matcha Latte Tea Kits made with authentic Japanese matcha and sweetened condensed California milk.

You can shake up this bad boy with ice and add boba pearls or you can have a steaming cup just before your morning yoga for a truly mindful experience. Matcha tea is one of the healthiest things you can put in your body and the benefits certainly outweigh any small side effects for most people.

Like all things in life, it is important not to go overboard as too much matcha or with any caffeinated tea can cause a few slight possible side effects such as:.

This is because the plant soaks it up from the natural environment and because rather than steeping the tea like other teas , you consume the leaf. Finding a good quality matcha tea is important as not all matcha tea powders are born equal.

Some matcha powders that may already be combined with sweeteners and milk and you may want to skip those as the health benefits will be a lot less than other purer kinds of matcha tea. Now you know everything about the magic of matcha tea you can see why it has been considered such a precious commodity for centuries.

This stuff is basically delicious medicine. Whether you brew it, shake it, stir it, or slip it in a smoothie, your body and your taste buds are certainly going to thank you for it. Are you a matcha fan or do you prefer different types of tea?

We would love to hear your favorite ways to consume matcha. Share all your matcha tea thoughts within the comments and any recipes you love that are made with powdered green matcha too. Those who have any health-related queries should reach out to a medical professional.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Registered nutritionist Kerry Torrens answers your questions about matcha, including its health benefits, ways to include it in your diet and how to get the most out of it.

Matcha is a type of green tea , made from the powdered leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Originally served at tea ceremonies in Japan, so-called matcha tea is now widely available and used in the food industry and in cooking.

Although from the same plant as green tea, matcha is grown differently and as a result has a unique nutrient profile. The plants are covered with bamboo mats during most of the growing period, which increases the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves for its characteristic bright green colour.

Made from the youngest, freshest part of the plant, the leaves are steamed to preserve their colour and nutrients, then dried using a specialist tencha-ro machine. So, when we enjoy a cup of matcha we consume the whole leaf rather than just an infusion of its leaves.

Sift tsp matcha powder into a tea bowl and add hot — but not boiling — water. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and read more about the profile of other teas in our series: including ginger tea , pepperm int tea , chamomile tea and rooibos tea.

Check out our selection of matcha recipes including our delicious matcha latte or our matcha with vanilla. Thanks to their unique growing conditions, the tea plants produce higher amounts of amino acids, including L-theanine, plant compounds called polyphenols as well as antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C.

Matcha is also relatively high in caffeine compared to other teas. Compounds called polyphenols are known to protect the body against disease and make an important contribution towards a healthy, balanced diet. Matcha tea is especially rich in these protective plant compounds, although the tea is not necessarily high in the catechins that green tea is famed for.

This is because the younger leaves and the shaded growing conditions produce lower levels of some of these compounds, such as epigallocatechin and epicatechin, while havinh significantly higher levels of others, such as epigallocatechin gallate.

Matcha is a concentrated source of polyphenols , chlorophyll, caffeine and L-theanine — all of which benefit brain function. As a stimulant, caffeine acts on the central nervous system, increasing energy metabolism throughout the brain as well as heightening alertness and memory performance.

The amino acid L-theanine may have benefits for the nervous system. From a calming perspective , it helps increase levels of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA which soothes and relaxes the mind. However, how effective your cup of matcha is depends on the authenticity of its origin and the important process of shading the plant during the growing stage, which increases levels of L-theanine.

Traditional Japanese matcha is rich in L-theanine, with lower levels of caffeine and catechins. Sadly, commercially processed matcha often fails meets this ratio and as a result lacks these stress-busting benefits. One way it may help is in its beneficial effects on cholesterol management.

Some studies suggest that by choosing tea, especially varieties of green tea, you may help strengthen your bones and as a result reduce your risk of bone fracture.

Green tea, including matcha, appeared to be more beneficial in increasing bone mineral density than other kinds of tea owing to its higher levels of plant compounds, reduced oxidation and increased antioxidant capacity. The plant compounds and caffeine in varieties of green tea like matcha may boost metabolic rate and speed up fat burning in those with a high proportion of abdominal fat according to studies.

These effects can be enhanced when the consumption of matcha is combined with a daily programme of 30 minutes of brisk walking.

Studies suggest green tea, including matcha, may improve how responsive we are to the blood sugar hormone insulin. As a result it may have a beneficial effect on our ability to control blood sugar. Matcha tea is generally recognised as safe for most of us.

Consuming too much caffeine from any source may disrupt your sleep and, in some people, increases anxiety ; if this is relevant to you, look to reduce your intake and aim to have your last caffeinated drink at about 12 noon. Other groups who should limit their caffeine intake include pregnant women.

When purchasing matcha check that the powder is vibrant green in colour, that it has an ultra-fine silky texture and is packaged to limit exposure to air and light. You should expect to pay a little more than for other green teas because of the specialised growing conditions and manufacturing process.

Your cup of matcha should be aromatic with a fresh but grassy smell and a hint of sweetness. The matcha used as an ingredient in food products is unlikely to be a premium matcha and more likely to be a powdered green tea, so is unlikely to contribute the same, if any, health benefits.

Our best ever tea recipes 6 health benefits of ginger tea 5 health benefits of peppermint tea 5 health benefits of chamomile tea Is green tea good for you? Kerry Torrens BSc. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine BANT and a member of the Guild of Food Writers.

Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. All health content on bbcgoodfood. com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information. Search, save and sort your favourite recipes and view them offline. Join the BBC Good Food Wine Club. Join our Subscriber Club Download our app Good Food Shows Wine Club Recipe boxes Videos.

Recipes Back to Main menu Dinner ideas Back to Recipes Healthy dinners Dinner for two Low-carb dinners Gluten-free dinners. Back to Recipes Quick breakfast recipes Breakfast smoothie recipes Vegan breakfast recipes Low-carb breakfast recipes. Bring a gorgeous glow to your skin simply by sipping a cup of matcha tea.

Matcha is so delicious for the skin it's even used in face masks too. Matcha helps the skin slow down when it comes to the visual signs of ageing. This is because Matcha is brimming with catechins which help to stop free radicals reaping havoc across your skin.

Matcha is also rich in antioxidant properties and has firm anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe irritated skin. If you suffer from rosacea, acne, or any skin condition that brings irritation, matcha can lend a cooling hand.

Matcha can bring healing to all skin types and for those with oily skin, the tannins in matcha can help regulate sebum production. This study into the effects of green tea and polyphenols on sebum production and acne showcased that there was indeed some evidence that tea polyphenols could be used to treat acne thanks to its sebum reduction properties.

Next time you want younger, more elasticated, and sebum free skin — skip the expensive facial and stock up on some matcha tea. As mentioned, matcha tea comes chock full of antioxidants and holds ten times the amount of normal green tea.

Yep, matcha tea is the winner of all superfoods as it comes out on top as having the highest antioxidant rating of all consumables out there. The ORAC Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity test found that matcha measured in at a staggering units per gram.

This is times higher levels of antioxidants than spinach. This study from Consumer Lab found that brewed matcha tea contained more catechins per gram than the usual brewed green tea.

Considering green tea has high numbers of mg per serving, you are sure to be stuffing yourself full of goodness with every single sip. Keeping your heart healthy is another benefit that comes with your daily dose of matcha tea.

Even for those who are young and fighting fit, it's never too early to commit to happier cardiovascular health. Catechins which are one of the main antioxidants within matcha tea have been found to help prevent heart disease , strokes, and a heart attack thanks to its anti-hypertension, anti-inflammatory, and anti-thrombogenic qualities.

Catechins also have a lipid lowering effect which further cements their status as a catechin for heart health. Sipping matcha as part of a healthy lifestyle where you feed your body fruits and veggies, get plenty of sleep, and exercise is bound to put you on track for a long and luscious life.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is also on the bandwagon when it comes to celebrating the catechins found within matcha tea. So how does matcha lend a hand when it comes to fat burning?

These catechins contain thermogenic properties, which is the speed in which we burn calories. Drinking matcha can raise your speed rate not just when you are resting, but also when exercising.

This study showcased that after 12 weeks of dipping tea daily, the participants had a significantly lower blood pressure. Guess which tea got top marks and performed the best in this study?

You guessed it, green tea! Which is where we get out magical matcha. For those keen to reduce the possibility of high blood pressure, flipping the kettle on takes very little commitment.

Deep breath, cancer is always a big health concern. There have been studies that consider the imprint tea can have when it comes to anti-cancer fighting properties.

We know by now that matcha is a riot of healthy compounds, catechins, and other immune boosting and antioxidant properties, including the very important ECGC. This type of catechin has been shown in test tube studies and animal studies to help reduce tumor size and to kill off cancer cells.

Of course, further research is needed especially when it comes to humans and the tangible effects of green and matcha tea when it comes to cancer, but we think this is an awesome start.

Start upping your daily dose of matcha tea! All those polyphenols and healthy compounds are bound to have a great effect when it comes to oiling up your joints and leaving limbs as loose as can be.

The antioxidants found within matcha and green tea are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can even slow down cartilage destruction. Combined with the EGCG we keep going on about being able to help block the molecules that can cause rheumatoid arthritis and suddenly your yoga practice is looking like it should be able to continue well into your eighties!

Chock full of vitamins and minerals, matcha is here to make sure you are sliding into the very best health. From lashings of vitamin C to magnesium, vitamin A, and all the beautiful B vitamins you need, sipping matcha tea is the boost you need.

Vitamin C can help you fend off colds and flu, vitamin A can also help eliminate free radicals, vitamin F is fabulous for your teeth, and vitamin P helps bone and cartilage health stay harmonious. Give your immune system all the ammo it needs to stay fierce and fighting fit no matter what the world throws at it.

Studies have shown that green tea can increase the number of T cells in the body. There has been a lot of talk around T cells and immunity lately and the fact that sipping on matcha can boost your T cells and help reduce the risks of autoimmune diseases is definitely something to sing about.

Check out our matcha latte kit. One of the best ways to savor the creamy sweetness when you drink matcha is to froth up a fabulous matcha latte. Super simple and effortlessly delicious, all you need is a good quality matcha free from pesticides of course, some hot water not boiling , a matcha whisk, your milk of choice, and a little sweetener if you like.

Almond milk, coconut milk, a squeeze of lime, a pinch of cocoa powder, and even the zest of an orange — all these ingredients work wonderfully when individually paired with matcha. This is one drink where you can truly let your imagination run wild. If you want to keep your matcha making even easier then check out our Matcha Latte Tea Kits made with authentic Japanese matcha and sweetened condensed California milk.

You can shake up this bad boy with ice and add boba pearls or you can have a steaming cup just before your morning yoga for a truly mindful experience. Matcha tea is one of the healthiest things you can put in your body and the benefits certainly outweigh any small side effects for most people.

Like all things in life, it is important not to go overboard as too much matcha or with any caffeinated tea can cause a few slight possible side effects such as:. This is because the plant soaks it up from the natural environment and because rather than steeping the tea like other teas , you consume the leaf.

Finding a good quality matcha tea is important as not all matcha tea powders are born equal. Some matcha powders that may already be combined with sweeteners and milk and you may want to skip those as the health benefits will be a lot less than other purer kinds of matcha tea.

Now you know everything about the magic of matcha tea you can see why it has been considered such a precious commodity for centuries.

This stuff is basically delicious medicine. Whether you brew it, shake it, stir it, or slip it in a smoothie, your body and your taste buds are certainly going to thank you for it. Are you a matcha fan or do you prefer different types of tea?

We would love to hear your favorite ways to consume matcha. Share all your matcha tea thoughts within the comments and any recipes you love that are made with powdered green matcha too.

Those who have any health-related queries should reach out to a medical professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Are you ready to become the ultimate barista of your own home and impress your friends and family with your tea-making skills? We've got you covered. With Tea Drops, you'll Turmeric tea is one of our favorite soothing teas to sip on when we are craving comfort.

Matcha also contains a compound called L-theanine , which alters the effects of caffeine, promoting alertness and helping avoid the crash in energy levels that can follow caffeine consumption 8. How else can matcha boost your energy and focus? Matcha has been shown to improve attention, memory, and reaction time.

It also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can improve several aspects of brain function. Matcha contains some compounds that have been linked to cancer prevention in test tubes and animal studies. For instance, matcha is high in epigallocatechingallate EGCG , a type of catechin that may have powerful anti-cancer properties.

Some laboratory and animal studies have suggested it may help prevent some types of cancer, although more research is needed 1 , 9.

Test tube and animal studies have found that the compounds in matcha may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Some research has suggested that drinking green tea, which has a similar nutrient profile to matcha, may help protect against heart disease.

Green tea consumption has been linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, compared with coffee, and some studies have suggested it might help lower the risk of high blood pressure and other complications in people with heart disease The compounds in matcha are similar to those in green tea, and some people have suggested it may have similar benefits.

However, at least one animal study appears to contradict this claim Green tea is well known for its ability to enhance weight loss and often features in weight loss supplements. A review concluded that, together with dietary measures and exercise, taking up to mg per day of green tea for 12 weeks might reduce body mass index Although most studies have focused on green tea, matcha comes from the same plant and contains similar compounds.

Some studies show that green tea extract helps increase metabolism and fat burning, both of which may aid weight loss. 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.

For a thinner tea, reduce the powder to a half teaspoon 1 g and mix with 3—4 ounces 89— ml of hot water. For a more concentrated version, combine 2 teaspoons 4 g of powder with just 1 ounce 30 ml of water. There are many ways to prepare matcha, so you can choose the one you like best.

It can also be incorporated into a range of different recipes. 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 , Some scientists say that a high intake of catechins can cause liver problems, although they note that this is unlikely when people consume green tea as food or drink Drinking matcha may also increase your exposure to contaminants like pesticides, chemicals, and even arsenic found in the soil where the tea plants are grown 15 , Research has suggested that mg of catechin and EGCG per day is safe for adults to consume.

This is the amount in around 4 g of matcha, or 2 level teaspoons 17 , 1. However, the maximum tolerable intake of matcha powder may depend on the individual. To be safe, make sure to consume matcha in moderation. Drinking a lot of matcha may not be beneficial for everyone.

Opt for organic matcha and drink 1—2 cups per day for maximum benefit. Matcha may help you manage your weight, think more clearly, and reduce disease risk because of the antioxidant content.

However, more research is needed to support many of these benefits. Some research suggests that taking green tea as a part of a weight management plan — alongside exercise and other dietary changes — may help reduce BMI and waist circumference While you can drink matcha daily, it is high in caffeine and may contain traces of pesticides and other chemicals.

The beneficial compounds it contains, such as catechins, may be harmful in high quantities. Matcha comes from the same plant as green tea, but it contains more concentrated levels of antioxidants and other plant compounds.

It may have a variety of health benefits, ranging from enhancing weight management to decreasing the risk of heart disease.

It is also simple to prepare as a tea and suitable for adding to shakes, desserts, lattes, and other foods and drinks. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Matcha is a type of powdered green tea. Why Trust Us? As it turns out, the frothy green drink does offer some significant perks. Keep reading to learn more about matcha benefits, how the drink differs from conventional green tea, and tips for preparing the perfect cup.

Put simply, matcha boasts all the benefits of regular loose leaf green tea and then some. More specifically, Mia Syn, M. Impaired insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance is a condition commonly associated with diabetes in which the body builds up a tolerance to insulin, a hormone that helps the body break down glucose, making insulin less effective and therefore increasing risk for blood sugar-related health complications.

Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and alertness, explains Olszewski. Studies have corroborated this—a one published in Nutrients found it to improve attention and executive function in a group of 51 older adults.

Some studies suggest that the catechins, particularly EGCG, in matcha may aid in weight management by boosting metabolism and fat oxidation, explains Olszewski. The caffeine in matcha may also help increase thermogenesis, resulting in a slight boost to your metabolic rate, potentially aiding in weight management, adds Syn.

The caffeine in matcha can also provide an energy boost, which may improve exercise performance. For all the reasons listed above, when prepared traditionally without added sweeteners, matcha is a low-calorie drink option that can be helpful for weight management, says Olszewski.

Matcha powder is made from finely ground green tea leaves that have undergone specific growing and processing techniques. The vibrant green powder of matcha tea is a straight up superfood.

For centuries matcha green tea has been celebrated in Japan and now the rest of the world is finally getting on board.

But first a little history…. Matcha is actually made from the same tea leaves as green tea from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The main difference to regular green tea is that matcha is made from using the whole of the leaf.

These leaves are plucked, dried, fried and then ground into that zesty looking fine powder that puts matcha on the map. Thanks to using the whole leaf and the grinding process, matcha green tea delivers ten times the antioxidants than your usual cup of green tea.

Only the strongest and healthiest green tea leaves are chosen to become matcha, it truly is a special job. Matcha leaves are carefully grown on plants that sit in the shade. This is so the chlorophyll content can be boosted within the leaves and why matcha powder is able to yet that yummy bright green color.

With a gentle grassy flavor, a creamy texture, and an umami sweet taste, matcha is delicious. Because of that glorious medley, it's often used in cooking too.

From matcha muffins to matcha ice creams, matcha cakes and even matcha soup, but our favorite way to get involved with matcha madness is through the art of tea. Rather than being steeped, the green snow powder of matcha is eaten by the hot water. Matcha tea is super simple to make — you add the powder to hot water or milk and use a bamboo whisk or ordinary whisk to froth it up.

Why bamboo you ask? A bamboo whisk is the best tool for getting out all those clumps and can make for a totally smooth matcha finish. Matcha tea is a living storybook. It is the star of the show in Japanese tea ceremonies dating back over years. It was commonly used by monks before meditation and also by samurai warriors before and after battle.

This tea brings alertness and stillness, it brings peace and meditation, and it brings endless health benefits to all who enjoy it. Ready for a deep dive into why matcha tea is such a superfood? Keep reading…. More than just a Japanese cultural fad, making matcha powder part of your daily wellness routine brings a whole slew of healing benefits.

Drinking matcha is never a chore thanks to its delicate and delicious flavor and its sublime superfood properties. With ten times the antioxidants than regular green tea, not to mention a soothing nature and a metabolism boost, matcha tea has all the benefits of green tea and so much more.

Take a look at these matcha tea benefits and fall in love with matcha lattes, delicate matcha tea, or even iced matcha for those sweltering summer days. We kickstart all the matcha benefits you need with the news that yes, matcha lowers your LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is also known as the bad cholesterol and too much of this can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues that you want to be sure to avoid.

Matcha can sweep away that bad cholesterol by upping your HDL cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol is also called the good cholesterol as it knows how to clear out the junk from your arteries.

Research from 14 trials on the effects of cholesterol and green tea what matcha is made of showed that sipping green tea beverages resulted in significant reductions when it came to LDL concentrations in the body.

Some studies have also shown that matcha may be able to help protect your liver. The liver is one of the most essential organs in the body and keeping it in tip top shape is super important for our overall health and wellbeing.

The liver is responsible for getting rid of toxins and processing nutrients — pretty important job right. The study conducted gave 80 people with fatty liver disease nonalcoholic mg of green tea extract for 90 days.

It gave some of the participants a placebo instead. At the end of the 12 weeks, those who had taken the green tea extract were found to have fewer liver enzyme levels compared to the placebo group. As it's these enzymes that show liver damage, it seems the green tea had certainly worked its magic.

Need a brainwave? A cup of matcha tea is here to set sparks in your mind. Laced with polyphenols, rich in amino acid, and with L-theanine found in high concentration, matcha tea boosts the alpha waves in your brain. These amazing alpha waves are responsible for soothing the mind and allowing you to focus your thinking with clarity and ease.

Combine that with the pinch of caffeine that comes in matcha tea and you have a combo that keeps you effortlessly alert. The best thing about the state of alert that matcha gifts you is that it's not an edgy alert but a calm clarity that keeps you connected to your sense of purpose.

A study on the combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood found that both speed and accuracy of performance in the participants was improved along with a boost in memory too.