Originating from traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha has swept the modern world off its feet. As a hot beverage that has been enjoyed in the far reaches of the East for centuries, and now here in the West, matcha tea offers a unique taste, one that has converted many to this superfood that is rich in history and potency.

However, matcha isn’t beloved solely for its taste, but also for the health benefits it provides. Matcha tea is often referred to as a superfood because of the incredible benefits it provides for both mind and body. The intense, unique flavour of matcha entwines and dances with its many health properties to create a beverage unlike any other.  

When it comes to matcha, the science speaks for itself. There are several health benefits that matcha provides, enabling you to become a healthier and happier version of yourself just by introducing this drink into your day-to-day life.

Thanks to its incredibly high levels of antioxidants, drinking matcha can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as support your body’s natural defences.

If you are unsure what antioxidants are and why they’re so important, they are crucial compounds that combat free radicals. Free radicals are harmful, unstable molecules that possess the ability to cause cell damage and contribute to various diseases/conditions. There are many different forms of antioxidants in matcha, with the chief among them being catechins, and the most potent catechin found in matcha is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

EGCG is responsible for fighting against oxidative stress, which is what can contribute to such health risks as heart disease, and it helps further by generally supporting the body’s natural defences. By introducing matcha into your daily routine, you’re essentially coating your body in a strong, unwavering shield against everyday toxins and stressors. 

Matcha can also help to boost your metabolism, leading to more efficient weight loss and increased energy levels.

When consumed, matcha increases thermogenesis – the body’s process of burning calories to produce heat. This means that matcha holds the ability to boost your overall calorie expenditure. This thermogenic effect is caused by the combination of the previously mentioned antioxidants, EGCG, and caffeine.

Matcha also enhances fat oxidation, leading to an improvement in how the body breaks down and utilises stored fat. So if you are in the process of (or hoping to start) losing some weight, matcha can be of dutiful assistance.  

If you are someone who is prone to reaching for the coffee machine to improve your energy levels, matcha may be a healthier alternative. After all, caffeine is a main component of matcha and can release and sustain energy better than coffee. This sustained energy release improves your endurance and fights fatigue for longer. 

Matcha can also be used as a tool for boosting your brainpower. In particular, matcha can improve your ability to concentrate and stay focused.

The caffeine found in matcha can also be paired with other components of matcha, such as L-theanine, to create a synergistic effect that can enhance your focus, better your memory, and generally improve overall cognitive function. As we mentioned before, matcha provides a sustained energy release that can’t be provided by coffee. This is what allows you to stay sharper with no risk of energy crashes or jitters.

As for L-theanine, this contributes to better memory focus and promotes relaxation, making mental clarity easier to achieve. 

Matcha contains L-theanine, which is an amino acid that is great for us humans – it provides a calming effect on both mind and body.

As they get to work on improving cognitive function, L-theanine and caffeine join forces once again to create a state of relaxed alertness which refers to a mental and physical state where one feels both relaxed and focused. It's a balance between the stimulating effects of caffeine and the calming properties of L-theanine. This is often likened to a “zen-like” experience.  

These same properties of matcha can also help you sleep better by regulating your sleep-wake cycle; this makes it easier to fall asleep and then allows you to enjoy a more complete night’s sleep until you wake in the morning. 

The chlorophyll properties contained in matcha act as a natural detoxifier for the body, protecting you against harmful toxins and purifying your bloodstream.

In a world where our bodies are exposed to environmental toxins and pollutants, matcha – packed with chlorophyll, a natural detoxifier – is an invaluable asset to your health. Chlorophyll is not only a natural detoxifier but an incredibly powerful one which can bind heavy metals and toxins to facilitate their elimination and help to purity your bloodstream.

The high levels of chlorophyll in matcha also support the liver, which is vital for the body’s natural detoxification process. With a healthy liver, the body can eliminate waste products more effectively, allowing our bodies, other organs, and systems to perform as they’re supposed to. 

Consuming matcha is a great way of boosting your immune system thanks to its blend of antioxidants and vitamins.

With a strengthened immune system, you are more protected from illnesses, such as the common cold and the flu. With matcha and the antioxidants and nutrients it provides, the immune system is not only supported but strengthened. This means that infections such as these won’t last as long and won’t be as severe.

The EGCG antioxidant is responsible for combatting oxidative stress and also supporting the production of immune cells, helping the body respond to infections. As for vitamins, matcha is a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for keeping a healthy immune system. 

We know how great matcha is for metabolic health, which also ties into its power to help manage your blood sugar levels.

If you are someone who is living with diabetes or insulin resistance or perhaps you’re hoping to prevent these issues in the future, matcha can be of assistance. This is helped particularly by EGCG and other antioxidants and bioactive compounds as they help regulate the glucose levels in your bloodstream.

EGCG plays another vital role in enhancing insulin sensitivity. This is what allows cells to use glucose more effectively, which in turn reduces blood sugar spikes. Some may have to deal with post-meal energy crashes and inconsistent energy levels throughout the day, but matcha can help prevent such instances. Better yet, because of this stabilisation in blood sugar levels, you can lessen the risk of related chronic conditions, like cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. 

The contents of matcha can even have health benefits that translate to your physical appearance. Benefit from radiant, more youthful skin with matcha.

If you’re searching for a natural way of improving your skin and enhancing natural beauty from within, you may be surprised to discover matcha can help. The antioxidant, EGCG, helps to combat free radicals that are responsible for accelerating the signs of ageing, including the appearance of wrinkles and a duller complexion.

As well as defending skin against environmental and future damage, matcha can support your skin at a cellular level with repairing and rejuvenating functions. This means that existing imperfections can be addressed, leaving you with a clearer skin tone.

We also cannot forget matcha’s anti-inflammatory properties help the skin by soothing irritation and redness. So, those with sensitive skin or acne can utilise the power of matcha to minimise flare-ups, leaving skin fresh.

With soothing and balancing properties, matcha can support digestive health, leading to a healthier digestive system and the benefits that come with it.

Physical wellness and wellbeing often start with a healthy digestive system. Once again, it’s this unique blend of antioxidants and chlorophyll that aids digestive health by detoxifying the body and cleansing the digestive tract. This allows you to benefit from a healthier system that does its job more efficiently.

Matcha is also rich in fibre content, which is how it supports digestive health further. Fibre is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and ensuring your digestive system operates efficiently.

Joining antioxidants and fibre are also anti-inflammatory properties that help to lower inflammation in the gut lining. These three components work in their own way to help your digestion, but they also work together. This combination promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria which is necessary for optimal digestion, the absorption of nutrients, maintaining a strong immune system, and reducing other digestive issues.

These are just a few of the health benefits linked with matcha. By drinking matcha tea, you can easily achieve these benefits for yourself. Matcha tea is a delicious beverage that offers a unique and refreshing taste.

Moreover, when you consume matcha as a tea, you are receiving all of its beneficial content that has been mentioned in this blog, such as antioxidants, chlorophyll, anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins, caffeine, L-theanine, and much more. Explore Ossu’s traditional matcha in our store which is organic and free from additives.

If you have tried matcha tea before and were not a fan of the taste, have you tried flavoured matcha? Ossu offers a range of flavoured matcha powder that can be used to create your ideal cup. Choose from:

• Ginger matcha powder
• Turmeric matcha powder
• Peppermint matcha powder
• Lemongrass matcha powder