Matcha Green Tea Benefits: Antioxidants, Metabolism & More

The health benefits of matcha green tea can be profound, not to mention it can help you kick the coffee habit. Although coffee is the go­ to for many to get their day going, it may be the reason for your jitters and afternoon crash.

Alternatively, matcha gives you the same jump start to your day, but with sustained energy that your nervous system will thank you for. The benefits, from cognitive function to cardiovascular health, are profound.

Why Matcha is the Healthiest Green Tea

Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.

~ Chinese Proverb 

Matcha tea is a non-fermented Japanese tea used in various ceremonies. Made from Camellia sinensis, the flavor comes from the fact that the leaves are not fermented and that they are grown in the shade during the last stage of the growth process. This helps to increase the chlorophyll content in the leaves and gives it its distinct flavor.

Because matcha tea is made from whole leaves that have been finely ground, you are actually ingesting the entire leaf. This means you’re getting more nutrients than if you simply steeped the leaves, as you do with regular tea, before discarding the leaves. Therefore, matcha powder may provide even more health benefits than regular tea.

Matcha green tea benefits come from a compound called catechins. Superfoods, such as apples, cocoa, and green tea, contain a form of antioxidants known as polyphenol compounds. Of these, catechins are the most common, and the more catechins, the better. Green teas are especially rich in catechins, which provide remarkable healing powers for those who consume them regularly. And while the levels of catechins in matcha are lower than in traditional green tea due to the shading of leaves, they are still there in abundance.

Plus, levels of other nutrients are higher, such as 1-theanine, which produces a relaxed alertness (unlike the sometimes jittery buzz of coffee). L-theanine is a unique amino acid that acts as the antagonist to caffeine. It helps to calm your nervous system, so you still get the energy boost but with less of the jitters or shakiness that people commonly associate with drinking lots of caffeine (i.e., coffee).

However, not all green teas are created equal. In 2003, scientists at the University of Colorado Springs decided to look into the theory that matcha green tea contained more catechins than other green teas. The study used micellar electrokinetic chromatography, a procedure that divides compounds into individual parts using various mediums, to determine the chemical makeup of matcha.

The groundbreaking results, which were published in the Journal of Chromatography, said, “The concentration of EGCG available from drinking matcha is 137 times greater than the amount of EGCG available from China Green Tips green tea, and at least three times higher than the largest literature value for other green teas.”

Since the results of this study were first published, numerous other studies have confirmed the findings. If you want to maximize the superfoods in your daily diet, matcha green tea benefits make this green tea a no-brainer.

Not all matcha is created equal, and understanding the difference between ceremonial and culinary grades can help you get the most out of this superfood. Ceremonial grade is made from the youngest tea leaves, offering a higher concentration of nutrients like L-theanine and EGCG.

• Ceremonial Grade Matcha – Bright green, naturally sweet, and packed with antioxidants, it’s ideal for sipping pure with hot water and offers the highest nutritional profile.
• Culinary Grade Matcha – Slightly more bitter and less vibrant, this form holds up well in smoothies, baked goods, and lattes but isn’t as nutritious.

While culinary grade uses older leaves with a bolder flavor, perfect for recipes, we use ceremonial grade for the health benefits.

7 Benefits of Matcha Green Tea Powder

Nothing lights up the senses quite like a fragrant cup of hot tea. The slightly toasty scent of tea leaves, the warm steam swirling off the surface of the liquid, and the soothing feel of the cup between your palms… these are classic comforts. As you chase after the Abundant Life, remember stimulants and caffeine like coffee can be helpful, but be cautious of overdoing it. Too much of a good thing is still too much.

In recent years, matcha green tea’s health benefits have caught on hard in the United States and other Western countries (it was already popular in Eastern parts of the world). And there is a very good reason that matcha is taking the world by storm. A pure, carefully sourced powder made from only the best parts of specially cultivated green tea leaves, Matcha is both a health-boosting superfood and a tasty, energizing alternative to other morning drinks with that same caffeine kick you crave without the nasty side effects.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

One of the first amazing benefits of matcha green tea is its antioxidant level. In fact, based on its Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) rating, a way of measuring the antioxidant capacity of foods, matcha contains more antioxidants than blueberries!
Antioxidants behave like a cleanup crew, helping to rid the body of harmful free radicals. So, increasing the consumption of matcha powder can give you bioactive compounds rich in antioxidants, offering a range of benefits such as:

• Supporting your immune system
• Supporting your body’s natural anti-inflammatory response
• Supporting healthy circulation throughout the body and brain

Additionally, antioxidant power helps you stay young by fighting free radicals in the body and supporting healthy aging. They also keep you healthy, fit, and alert, so it’s a good idea to combat oxidative stress as much as possible.

2. Promotes Healthy Weight Management & Metabolism

Catechin-rich teas like green tea have a long proven history of supporting healthy digestion and metabolism, and matcha green tea is no exception. Matcha contains EGCG catechins and is known to regulate blood sugar and reduce cravings. Additionally, antioxidant properties in the tea can help boost metabolism and increase the amount of fat that is burned. This makes it a natural support for weight loss efforts.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared the effects of consuming one bottle of oolong tea with 690 mg of catechins with another bottle containing 22 mg of catechins. The 12-week study examined Japanese men divided into two groups by BMI and waist size, and saw significant results. The body mass (BMI), body fat, waist circumference, and subcutaneous fat areas were all reduced significantly in the group consuming 690 mg of catechins. And even more surprising is the fact that LDL cholesterol levels also decreased significantly for this group.

Daily consumption of tea containing 690 mg catechins for 12 weeks reduced body fat, which suggests that the ingestion of catechins might be useful in the prevention and improvement of lifestyle-related diseases, mainly obesity,” the researchers concluded.

Also, drinking matcha can help you regulate your appetite and reduce mindless snacking, explains Shape. The catechins may “help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells, which slows the rise of blood sugar and prevents high insulin and subsequent fat storage.” When your blood sugar remains stable, you’re less likely to give in to cravings.

Moreover, the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate, more commonly known as EGCG catechins, can help boost metabolism, making it more likely that you’ll tone up and slim down, especially if you are also exercising and eating a healthy diet at the same time. Note these benefits accrue to the green tea itself, not the green tea flavor… avoid sugary green tea snacks and anything made with extract or fake flavoring.

People have found that they can support weight loss efforts by choosing one Matcha green tea latte each day!

3. Improve Athlete Recovery Time

Another important aspect of catechins is their ability to help athletes recover quicker. Clinical trials with animals have suggested that catechins, such as those in matcha, may help speed recovery after intense exercise (such as high-intensity workouts) by reducing markers of oxidative stress.

Oxidative-nitrosative stress is just a fancy way of saying that you’re experiencing an imbalance in antioxidants and free radicals. For example, research published in the journal Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology looked at lab mice suffering from chronic fatigue that were forced to swim six minutes a day for 15 consecutive days.

This level of activity caused these animals to experience dramatic increases in oxidative-nitrosative stress as well as elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, both of which are biochemical markers for cell death.

Shockingly, by giving the rats regular doses of EGCG, scientists discovered that both alterations returned to normal.

4. Supports Heart Function and Cardiovascular Health

Heart attack is the leading cause of death, so supporting cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease should be something we strive for. Matcha green tea can be an easy heart-healthy lifestyle habit to adopt in supporting cardiovascular health through its unique combination of catechins and other beneficial bioactive compounds.

Research has shown that EGCG, the star catechin in matcha, works to improve your lipid profile by helping reduce harmful LDL cholesterol while supporting healthy HDL cholesterol levels. This natural balancing act is crucial for maintaining clear, healthy arteries and optimal blood flow, which all improve cardiometabolic health.

Recent studies have supported traditional uses for matcha, showing that regular matcha consumption helps support healthy blood pressure levels and improve cardiovascular health. The antioxidants in matcha protect your cardiovascular system from oxidative stress (which we know can contribute to heart disease over time).

What’s particularly exciting is that matcha’s heart-healthy benefits appear to work synergistically with its other properties. As Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes, matcha’s combination of L­ L-theanine and caffeine creates a unique “calm alertness” that may help reduce stress on the cardiovascular system while still providing that gentle energy boost you need.

5. Enhances Brain Function and Mental Clarity

Battling brain fog and keeping our cognitive function healthy is a concern for many people, and a benefit to consider. Matcha green tea offers a natural way to support brain health and enhance mental performance without the crash associated with other caffeinated beverages.

What makes matcha so special is the way it blends natural caffeine with an amino acid called L-theanine. This unique combo delivers steady, focused energy without the jitters or crash you might get from coffee. Instead of feeling wired or anxious, most people report a calm alertness. This improved brain performance helps you think clearly all day long.

Recent emerging research suggests that matcha may also offer neuroprotective benefits, potentially helping to slow cognitive decline and support long-term brain health. The EGCG catechins in matcha powder can be helpful in protecting brain cells from oxidative damage. This serves as a potential buffer against cognitive disorders because it supports healthy aging of the nervous system.

6. Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties

Although we’re still learning, the research so far on matcha’s potential to support the body in fighting cancer is incredibly encouraging. Matcha is rich in catechins, especially one called EGCG, that’s gained attention for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Early studies suggest that EGCG may help slow tumor growth by preventing the development of new blood vessels that feed cancer cells. What’s more, the most emerging research shows it promotes the natural death of abnormal cells while leaving healthy ones untouched. That’s the kind of targeted support the body can truly benefit from.

Now, let’s be clear. We’re not claiming that matcha tea cures breast cancer or anything. But we are saying this: matcha’s nutrient profile makes it a smart addition to a well-rounded, cancer-conscious lifestyle. When combined with a clean diet, regular movement, and stress­ reducing practices like prayer and rest, matcha can be a helpful part of supporting your body’s God-given ability to heal.

7. Supports Liver Health and Detoxification

Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body, filtering toxins and keeping your system running smoothly. That’s why we’re always looking for natural ways to support it, and matcha green tea is one of our favorites. Research on the catechins in green tea and matcha powder is so encouraging.

Rich in antioxidants called catechins, matcha tea has been shown to help protect the liver from damage, reduce liver fat, and support healthy enzyme levels, especially in people dealing with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It also helps defend liver cells against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are two major culprits behind long-term liver issues.

What’s so encouraging is that matcha doesn’t force your body into a harsh cleanse. Instead, it gently supports your liver’s God-designed detox pathways by enhancing what your body is already created to do. Add a daily dose of matcha to your routine, and you’ll be giving your liver the loving support it needs to keep you energized, balanced, and well.

How to Use Matcha Green Tea

There are a number of ways that Matcha Green Tea can be prepared. Of course, it naturally makes a wonderful hot or cold beverage on its own. Personally, we love a matcha latte, flavored with stevia and essential oils. You can also add it to your favorite smoothie recipe for your daily dose of antioxidants.

Unlike some other supposed health foods, matcha and green tea are safe for practically everyone. Note that this is not the same as green tea supplements, which contain higher doses and may not be safe for “pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with heart disease or high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, stomach ulcers, or anxiety disorders,” explains Medical News Today.

Sourcing High Quality Matcha Tea

When it comes to choosing matcha for your family, it’s wise to know where it comes from-especially after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. That tragic event sparked understandable concern about radiation in Japanese products. But here’s the good news: when sourced properly from trusted regions, matcha remains one of the cleanest, safest superfoods you can enjoy.

The key is understanding geography. Japan’s traditional matcha­ growing areas-places like Uji, Nishio, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki-are located hundreds of miles from Fukushima, in the western and southern parts of the country. These areas were untouched by radiation and continue to uphold centuries-old farming practices with the highest safety standards.

For our home, we only buy matcha from companies that are transparent about their sourcing and provide independent radiation test results. A trustworthy brand will proudly share which region their tea comes from and make safety data available. Many even post test results online so you can verify for yourself.

So if you’re looking to add this antioxidant-rich green tea to your daily routine, make sure it’s from a clean, reputable source. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. With a little research, you can feel fully confident that your matcha is not only filled with bioactive compounds but also safe for your family.

As with any superfood, matcha works best as a complement to an overall healthy lifestyle rather than a replacement for medical treatment or a balanced weight loss diet.

Shop the Z Family’s Amazon Store to see our favorite brands we’ve pre-screened and use ourselves.

References: