Matcha Tea: What Is It And What Is It Used For?

Matcha tea is a product that has become popular due to its unusual properties. It comes from the same plant as traditional green tea, Camellia sinensis , but it is a powdered product with a different nutritional profile as it is grown in a certain way.

To grow this type of tea, farmers cover the plants 20 or 30 days before harvest to avoid direct sunlight. Because of this, the plants produce more chlorophyll and amino acids. The plants become even a darker shade of green.

When it’s time to harvest them, they pick the best leaves by hand and remove the stems and veins of the plant. Then they grind it and get a light green powder, which they sell under the name matcha tea. Below we tell you about its properties and uses.

Nutritional properties of matcha tea

As we mentioned before, this tea is characterized by a unique nutritional profile. Although it may share some features with whole leaf green tea, it has a higher concentration. According to the nutrition database SELF , a serving contains matcha tea (1 teaspoon or 1 gram):

• Protein (between 250 and 300 mg)
• Total amino acids (approx. 272 ​​mg)
• Lipids (approx. 50 mg)
• Minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and iron
• Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and, K

Also read: Four recipes for green tea

On the other hand, an estimate published in the Journal of Chromatography A suggests that the number of catechins in this type of tea is up to 137 times higher than in other types of green tea. Because of this, health is one of the most preferred options.

Main uses of matcha tea

For the past few years, matcha has been used as a nutritional supplement to promote well-being. You just mix the powder with hot water and you get a beverage that complements your diet. In fact, because of its structure and taste, there are people who use it to make desserts, cocktails and other types of beverages.

In general, however, most people use it for its health benefits. Although many people actually still do not know it, several studies have determined that its components are excipients that help prevent certain diseases.

Brain health

The drink you make with this natural tea is often recommended to improve the health of your brain. Due to its content of stimulants such as caffeine and L-theanine, it can help you feel more alert and increase your energy levels.

A study published in Food Research International observed that matcha may cause an increase in attention span, reaction time, and memory compared to placebo. Although it is a topic that needs more research, these findings suggest that it may be a good supplement to improve your brain’s performance.

Also read: The best tips for maintaining a young, healthy brain

Heart health

Due to its concentration of catechins, this type of tea also has beneficial effects on the health of your heart. According to a review of studies published in the medical journal Current Medical Chemistry , catechins have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and antiproliferative activity.

Because of this, matcha and other forms of green tea are aids in reducing high cholesterol, blood pressure problems and other factors that increase the risk of chronic cardiovascular disease.

Body weight

Another use of matcha has to do with body weight. It is important to note that this is not one of those “miracle products” that promise to help you lose pounds in no time. However, if you include it in your healthy and calorie-controlled diet, it can promote weight loss.

In a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , consuming green tea extract helped increase fat burning by up to 17% during moderate exercise. In addition, other studies have linked the consumption of green tea with higher energy consumption.

In any case, it is a topic that is still being investigated and there is not enough evidence to make definitive statements. Therefore, if you are trying to lose weight, it is important to prioritize the recommendations given to you by your doctor and nutritionist.

Side effects and contraindications of matcha te

For most healthy adults, matcha tea is considered safe as long as you limit your consumption. Two or three cups a day are enough, each made with one gram of matcha. However, due to the caffeine content, it can cause side effects, especially when you exceed the dose, or in people who are sensitive to caffeine.

Such effects include:

• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting

In addition, the catechins in this tea, as stated in a literature review published in the Chinese Medical Journal, may affect your iron uptake, e.g. in patients with iron deficiency anemia. It can also affect your zinc uptake.

Patients with heart disease, kidney problems or stomach ulcers should avoid drinking this tea without first asking their doctor. Its components can interfere with certain drugs used to treat these disorders.