Much Ado About Matcha: 3 Important Benefits

Matcha, a special type of green tea, has numerous health benefits, and its powdered consistency adds to its nutritional benefits while making it easier to incorporate into your diet. Instead of drinking traditional green tea or using supplements containing green tea extract, matcha can be a better gateway to improved health.

Added Fiber

Unlike traditional green tea, which requires steeping to extract nutrients, matcha is a finely-milled powder which lends itself to better retention of nutrients. The powder is easily dissolved in simple liquids, such as milk or water, or can be added to more sophisticated preparations, such as those found at your local coffee shop, soups, and smoothies. Using the whole tea leaf also adds a boost of fiber that cannot be accomplished by steeping tea leaves. Since increased fiber is associated with better digestive function and lowering cholesterol levels, simply adding a spoonful of matcha to your drink can make it easier to integrate more fiber in your diet.

Increased Antioxidants

One of the major health benefits of green tea is that it is a rich source of antioxidants. Matcha is no exception. Antioxidants can help repair cell damage throughout the body and possibly protect you from further damage caused by free radicals. The effects of antioxidants can translate into improved aesthetic concerns, such as reducing the appearance of fine lines or sagging skin, but more important are the benefits you cannot see. Antioxidants are important for lessening systemic damage that may contribute to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease. Specifically, epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) is the major component that is associated with a reduction in chronic diseases and cancer.

Energy Boosting

Matcha is commonly associated with increased energy due to it being a natural source of caffeine. There is both a mental and physical aspect to increased energy. Having increased mental alertness is associated with a better mood and increased productivity at work, school, and when engaging in daily activities. Increasing physical energy is an added bonus, especially if you have weight or physical fitness goals.

Incorporating more matcha can enhance your current exercise program by increasing the amount of fat you burn during and after your workouts. Having increased energy can improve your motivation to engage in and maintain a fitness routine. Unlike other sources of caffeine, matcha also contains L-theanine, which prevents some of the negative effects of caffeine, such as jitteriness. This makes the energy from matcha feel more natural.

Since matcha powder is easily incorporated in any number of foods and beverages, it is an ideal addition to your diet. Matcha can enhance your specific fitness goals and improve your overall health.

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