Matcha – the green king among teas

Besides water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world. Matcha is a powdered green tea that represents a particularly aromatic enjoyment. However, it is not only used as a drink but also as an ingredient for smoothies, baked goods, and ice cream. It's no wonder, as the powdered tea from Japan is attributed with many positive properties that have also been proven in studies. In particular, the large number of cell-protecting antioxidants is said to be beneficial for health. The tea is said to have an effect on the cardiovascular system and cholesterol levels. In this context, both the quality of the plant and the method of production are crucial for a positive impact on health.

Table of Contents

What is Matcha Tea?

The plant Camellia sinensis is used to produce tea.It does not matter whether black, green, or white tea is to be produced. The color is achieved only through further processing. Matcha obtains its green appearance through a steaming treatment after picking. If Matcha tea is to be made from the plants later, they are covered with bamboo mats and tarps about 4 weeks before picking. In the dark environment, the leaves develop their popular aroma and increase chlorophyll production. Therefore, Matcha does not refer to a specific plant species but means "ground tea." In Japan, the consumption of Matcha is celebrated in tea ceremonies. Here, the popular drink of the Japanese has only gained significance with the rise of superfoods.

Matcha Ingredients - what's inside? 

Matcha contains particularly many valuable ingredients that are said to have a positive effect on the body.This includes:
  • Caffeine
  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Potassium
  • Zinc
  • Nickel
  • Phosphorus
  • Fluoride
  • Calcium
  • L-Theanine
  • Chlorophyll
  • Tannins
  • Catechins (4 different subgroups)
  • Theophylline
  • Vitamins A, B1, B2
The catechins contained are of particular importance. They account for over 80% of the detectable flavonoids. In comparison, black tea contains only 20-30%. Additionally, the interaction between caffeine and L-Theanine (amino acid) is said to have an impact on health and significantly influence cognitive abilities1. Due to the high number of antioxidants, matcha tea is described as very valuable for its anti-aging effect.Research has indeed shown that corresponding creams and tea extracts, when applied externally, can have a positive effect 2. Green tea could also be used for hair loss, as experiments have shown that EGCG (a subgroup of catechins) is capable of stimulating hair follicle growth 3. Last but not least, studies have demonstrated that the plant compounds contained can reduce fungi and bacteria in the body, thus acting as a kind of natural antibiotic 4

Green Tea - Effects and Studies

More than 2000 studies and experimental investigations focus on green tea. Many studies date back to the 1970s and were primarily conducted in Japan. However, Americans and Europeans have also dedicated themselves to this medicinal plant. Green tea is therefore considered to be particularly well-researched.Since the production of matcha is similar to that of green tea, the existing study results can also be related to matcha. According to researchers, the catechins contained, especially the EGCG, are particularly interesting in terms of their health-promoting effect. Dementia, cancer, and heart diseases are the focus of scientific investigations. Green tea affects cholesterol levels Initial indications that green tea could influence cholesterol levels were already provided by animal studies. In a study on humans that aimed to investigate the effect of EGCG on breast cancer, a slight reduction in cholesterol levels was also observed. Women who had very high cholesterol levels (200 mg/dl) before the study benefited from a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels.But the direct consumption of a matcha tea drink also showed effects. In 5 women who consumed 1.5 g of matcha over a period of 2 weeks, a reduction in cholesterol levels by an average of 10 mg/dl was observed 8

Matcha and Diabetes 

With the help of a randomized double-blind study, researchers investigated whether tea catechins could have a possible effect on hormone circulation and the development of breast cancer. Although no change in estrogen and testosterone levels was detected during the 2-month intake of 800 mg EGCG, blood sugar and insulin levels were significantly reduced 9

Green Tea and Atherosclerosis/Heart Attacks

There seems to be a connection between tea consumption and the development of severe atherosclerosis. The Rotterdam study involved 3,454 participants.It was found that they had a significantly lower risk (-69%) of suffering from vascular degeneration if they drank more than 4 cups of tea daily. The effect was notably more pronounced in women than in men. The risk of developing mild arteriosclerosis was, by the way, the same for tea drinkers as for the rest of the population 10.

Green Tea and Mortality Risk

The so-called Ohsaki study provided evidence that tea drinkers suffer from fewer cardiovascular diseases. Over 11 years, data from 40,000 Japanese individuals were collected and analyzed. It was found that people who drink at least 5 cups of green tea daily had a 12% lower overall mortality risk. In women, the effect was significantly stronger at 23%.When only the risk of cardiovascular diseases is removed, a reduced risk was observed in men by 22% and in women by 31% 11.

Green Tea and Cancer Diseases

In vitro experiments and animal models provided evidence that EGCG products and extracts from green tea could positively influence cancer cells and tumor growth 12. However, the study results cannot be automatically transferred to humans. Therefore, further scientific investigations were conducted that examined tea consumption and cancer risk. It was found that there was no connection between tea consumption and the development of stomach cancer 13. However, it was discovered that EPCG is capable of stimulating cancer defense. Nevertheless, researchers view the thesis that green tea could have an inhibitory effect on tumors with caution. Several more studies need to be conducted first.It is also unclear whether EGCG may have an impact on the development of prostate cancer. In this regard, there are contradictory study results 14, 15. 

Green Tea and Alzheimer/Parkinson

A research group from the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin focused on the question of how the EGCG contained in green tea affects plaque formation in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, proteins in the brain produce toxic substances due to misbehavior, which in turn attack the nerve cells. In vitro studies have shown that EGCG binds to the corresponding proteins, thereby preventing the development of toxic substances 16. 

Green Tea and Dementia

Green tea may also have an influence on dementia diseases. In Japan, 490 participants took part in a study.The relationship between tea consumption and cognitive ability was examined. The study found that participants had more than a 60% reduced risk of suffering from mild cognitive impairment or dementia when they consumed green tea daily. People who drank green tea 1 to 6 days a week were able to reduce their dementia risk by half. 17. By the way: Green tea could also prove effective in autoimmune diseases. Animals that were administered EGCG products showed a milder course of the disease. 18.

Green Tea and Oral Health

In an experiment, a mouth rinse made from green tea was compared with the antiseptic chlorhexidine regarding their effects. Over the course of a month, participants in 2 separate groups used the mouth rinses.Result: Both groups showed a reduction in gum inflammation and plaque formation. Gum bleeding also decreased. Regarding the latter, the application of green tea had a significantly stronger effect 19.

Matcha Tea for Weight Loss

Matcha is often advertised for its fat-burning properties. While the tea catechins have been shown to affect insulin levels, which can contribute to a feeling of fullness, it has not yet been proven that Matcha can effectively burn fat. This is also supported by a meta-analysis that examined 14 studies on the topic of weight loss and tea 20.

Interactions of Matcha

Scientific studies indicate that green tea can affect the effectiveness of blood pressure medications as well as certain chemotherapeutics.Researchers suspect that the ingredients contained in tea block the absorption of the blood pressure-lowering medication Nadolol through the intestinal mucosa. Additionally, it has been found that the medication Bortezomib (a chemotherapy drug) loses its effectiveness when taken together with EGCG.

Dosage and Administration of Matcha

Matcha is very popular due to its refreshing and only slightly bitter taste. Users are also particularly fascinated by the versatility of matcha powder. It can be mixed into hot beverages and smoothies. But it can also add an appealing color and special flavor note to desserts such as cakes and sweets. There are almost no limits to its application. Matcha powder can also be used in pasta dough, sauces, and salad dressings. Good news for matcha fans: In a typical amount, matcha is well tolerated.Participants consumed up to 16 cups of tea daily, with side effects such as insomnia, headaches, and digestive issues occurring as frequently as in the EGCG group 22. 

Buy Matcha Tea

When purchasing Matcha tea, it is particularly important to pay attention to good quality. The production process is significant, as not all tea garden operators master the art of producing outstanding Matcha tea. The harvesting, drying, and processing of the tea leaves require both time and expertise. Therefore, high-quality organic Matcha powder is relatively expensive. However, the investment is worthwhile, as it convinces with both quality and taste. Buyers can be on the safe side by sourcing the Matcha green tea powder in organic quality. Since the whole tea leaf is processed, no herbicides or chemical fertilizers should be used.In online retail, various price levels are catered to. For every type of consumption, there is a suitable product, depending on whether the tea is to be consumed solely or also processed in the kitchen. Those who want to be on the safe side should buy matcha powder from a trusted dealer, as they can rely on the product information. Sources:
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