15 Ways Matcha Tea Supports Your Health, According to Science

Are you curious about the health benefits of matcha? Do you want to discover how incorporating matcha into your daily routine could be one of the healthiest habits worldwide? We're here to inform you about the advantages of matcha green tea powder!

Rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, matcha is made from finely powdered young tea leaves. This high-quality green tea boasts a long list of evidence-based health benefits.

Although only your physician can provide medical advice, learn more below as our newly updated list now covers 15 potential matcha benefits that we (and the research!) find most exciting - exploring how matcha green tea powder may help support optimal health, according to data from leading nutritional experts and scientists! 

1) A PURE, STABLE ENERGY SOURCE

Does matcha provide energy? In short, yes, because it contains caffeine!

Typically, matcha has about 20-45mg of caffeine per gram. With a standard serving of matcha green tea powder being 2-4 grams (1-2 teaspoons, depending on your preference), this amounts to roughly 40-180mg of caffeine per cup of matcha.

Remember that the caffeine content in matcha powder varies significantly due to differences in matcha quality. Generally, the higher the quality of matcha you select, the more caffeine it will contain.

For comparison, a cup of brewed coffee contains between 80-100mg of caffeine, while a double shot of espresso usually has around 60-150mg of caffeine.

Matcha tea powder also offers longer-lasting alertness (6-8 hours) without the jitters compared to coffee (3-4 hours), so you don't need to consume as much or worry about anxiety-inducing effects to enjoy the energy-boosting benefits.

2) MELT AWAY ANXIETY

A study indicates that seasonal affective disorder (SAD), often known as "the winter blues," diminishes your mental energy during the winter months. Feeling more down and anxious this winter? You might be experiencing SAD, and you're not alone.

It's quite common for stress and anxiety to increase as lower light levels and winter weather approach this fall.

Epidemiological studies show that SAD affects about 1-10% of the general population, 10 to 20% of those with major depressive disorder, and up to 25% of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Younger females living far from the equator, with a family history of depression, SAD, or bipolar disorder, are considered most at risk for the winter blues. These findings are crucial for understanding the prevalence and risk factors of SAD.

3) TAP INTO MEDITATION WITH MORE EASE

Meditation has been around for centuries — practiced by buddhist monks and now a common daily ritual for many successful entrepreneurs. With life often throwing us curveballs and leaving us juggling a lot of things at once, the idea of setting aside time for meditation can feel intimidating.

4) BOOST YOUR MOOD AND COMBAT DEPRESSION

A recent study released in February by Japanese researchers explored the antidepressant effects of matcha tea. The study found that mice given matcha tea following isolation experienced lower stress levels compared to those that did not receive matcha. The findings suggest that matcha powder might exert an antidepressant-like effect by stimulating the brain's dopamine system.

Additional research has indicated that matcha could be particularly beneficial in addressing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by reduced daylight and harsh winter weather.

5) IMPROVE SKIN HEALTH

You've likely heard of matcha, a powerful green tea powder rich in antioxidants, made from whole green tea leaves and known for its numerous health benefits when consumed. But did you know that matcha green tea powder might also enhance your skin health?

Emerging research indicates that matcha green tea has significant properties that can improve skin health when ingested regularly and used topically, addressing various skin issues in multiple ways.

From eliminating blackheads and detoxifying the skin to potentially slowing the aging process, matcha tea powder may offer an impressive array of benefits for your skin.

6) PROTECT HEART HEALTH

Embracing any chance to enhance the benefits of exercise and healthy activities is crucial, especially now with the heightened risks from the ongoing pandemic and cardiovascular conditions. Practices like sauna sessions, intermittent fasting, and consuming daily matcha green tea are recommended as safe, complementary strategies to proactively support heart health and surpass the usual standards.

The body should be viewed holistically, where sufficient sleep, hydration, nutrition, and physical activity contribute to a heart's longevity.

Regarding beneficial activity levels, there is 'basic movement' such as walking, which aids organ function and circulation. Additionally, activities like running or weightlifting enhance heart fitness.

7) FULL OF IMMUNE-BOOSTING PROPERTIES

When you consume matcha, you receive an unmatched amount of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and more. One fascinating fact we think everyone should know is that a single serving of matcha tea reportedly contains the same antioxidant potency as 100 cups of regular green tea! Yes, that's correct!

As expected, the health benefits are extensive. With its strong nutritional profile, matcha tea may help boost your metabolism, support your body's natural detoxification, calm the mind, enhance mood, and lower cholesterol. Matcha tea offers vitamin C, selenium, zinc, magnesium, EGCG, fiber, chromium, and more.

Matcha also promotes a healthier immune system. The antioxidant catechins (a special class of polyphenols) work to strengthen the immune system against various health issues, in addition to their positive effects on metabolism/thermogenesis and the improved concentration and cognitive focus provided by L-theanine.

Research also suggests that matcha may enhance immunity against the common cold and flu virus, as catechins are believed to protect our cells from infection by reducing their chance of attaching to pathogens. It might not be an exaggeration to say that matcha can help you feel better, think better, and live healthier!

8) SUPPORT HORMONAL BALANCE

Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the circulatory system to communicate with each other. These hormonal effects are interrelated and can directly affect cellular behavior throughout the body.

Examples include the control of respiration, energy production, growth, reproduction, and sexual health. An excess or deficiency of even a single hormone can lead to imbalances, potentially resulting in disease.

In this overview, we discuss some key hormones, how you can support your body's balance, and the role matcha green tea powder might play in a holistic health regimen.

9) SUPPORT HEALTHY HAIR AND SCALP

In recent years, matcha and green tea have gained popularity as active ingredients in various beauty and healthcare products, largely due to their antioxidant-rich and beneficial compound composition, which greatly benefits the skin and hair.

The majority of the potent antioxidants in matcha green tea belong to a group of compounds known as flavonols. Catechins are a significant type of flavonols that contribute to some of the benefits associated with matcha green tea. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and powerful catechin in matcha. It may enhance health by reducing inflammation, aiding in weight loss, and even preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease.

10) FEMALE-SPECIFIC HEALTH BENEFITS

Although both genders encounter different health challenges over their lives, managing female health can be particularly demanding.

Women face distinct health issues, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, monthly menstruation, menopausal hot flashes, post-menopausal bone weakening, and cancers like breast, cervical, and ovarian. Additionally, they experience certain conditions more often than men, such as depression, heart disease, and severe hormonal acne.

11) MATCHA IS SAFE WHILE PREGNANT

The concern about consuming matcha during pregnancy often arises due to its caffeine content. If not carefully managed, caffeine intake can accumulate quickly. Fortunately, matcha contains alkaline caffeine, which can assist in meeting the body's alkalinity needs during pregnancy.

Research indicates that the caffeine content in matcha green tea varies significantly, ranging from 18 to 50 mg/g, depending on the matcha's quality. Factors such as how matcha is cultivated, harvested, and prepared can greatly influence its caffeine levels. Our matcha selections at bumirasa.com fall within the range of 35-50 mg/g.

12) MALE-SPECIFIC HEALTH BENEFITS

Many leading fat-burning supplements available today include green tea as an ingredient, as numerous studies have shown that green tea can enhance metabolism. Unfortunately, as men age, their calorie-burning rate decreases sooner than expected. For instance, by the age of 25, men's metabolism slows by 2-4% each year. Fortunately, matcha may help counteract this change associated with aging in men.

Regarding skin health, men seem to have an advantage over women as they age. This is because men lose their skin-protecting hormones more gradually than women, allowing many men to retain their youthful appearance longer. However, this doesn't mean men are exempt from wrinkles and dryness.

13) BETTER DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH

Consuming Matcha green tea can eliminate the bacteria responsible for cavities, support gum health, reduce inflammation, and potentially strengthen weakened tooth enamel, among other oral health benefits of green tea. However, it's crucial to note that frequent consumption of matcha without proper brushing may lead to teeth staining. But don't worry — we've provided 6 tips to help prevent matcha from staining your teeth, allowing you to maintain a bright smile while enjoying the benefits of daily matcha consumption.

From fighting cavities and gum disease to eliminating bad breath and reducing the risk of oral cancers, drinking matcha can significantly enhance your dental and overall oral health. In the following article, we outline the seven benefits of drinking matcha for oral health — and explain why you should consider switching from coffee to matcha if you haven't already!

14) MATCHA FOR SUPPORTING CANINE HEALTH

WOOF! While the health benefits of green tea for humans are well-known, did you realize that your dog can also benefit from it? That's correct! Your furry companion can enjoy the advantages of green tea just like you – although it's important to understand that there are some risks involved.

When used properly, green tea can significantly enhance your pet's health – it can provide your dog with fresher breath, stronger bones, and relief from dry skin and itching, among other benefits. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks of regularly giving your dog green tea.

In this post, we outline what you need to know to safely give green tea to your dog. So, continue reading to learn how to keep your dog healthy and safe when sharing your matcha green tea with them.

15) PART OF A HEALTHY DAILY RITUAL

Many of us understand that children require a routine to develop healthy habits. As kids, we were frequently instructed on bedtime, homework time, dinner choices, shower schedules, and wake-up times. In fact, many of us even had playdates with friends planned for specific durations. But what about adulthood? Have you created any kind of routine or healthy rituals for yourself?

Although a single action might seem insignificant, consistently repeating even small actions can build up and contribute to achieving a goal. By practicing discipline and committing to daily routines or healthy habits, you can accumulate marginal gains.