5 Awesome Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea
30 Comments
Updated Nov 19, 2023
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The health benefits of matcha green tea are wide ranging. Here are 5 awesome health benefits that’ll have you adding matcha to everything.
Matcha green tea is taking the world by storm. If you scroll through any foodie’s Instagram feed you’ll see vibrant, electric green recipes, with matcha playing the starring role. And drinking matcha simply as tea? Oh, that’s so limiting! Matcha can be added, sprinkled and blended into almost any recipe under the sun.
Acai and pitaya are well loved in the wellness community, but matcha seems to be the new lovebug – and for good reason.
Now, in full disclosure, I may have been a little slow to the matcha party. I only discovered it a couple of months ago, after drinking a matcha green tea latte with the trademark barrista swirl on top. But since then, I’ve quickly fallen in love with this Japanese green tea and developed cravings for the slightly bitter, somewhat umami, grassy flavor – which, in all honestly, I didn’t think would happen.
What is matcha?
Quite simply, it’s a fine powder made from grinding whole green tea leaves. Unlike other green tea that’s manufactured into tea bags, then steeped in water – with matcha you’re drinking the entire leaf, in powdered form.
Matcha is also unique in how it’s harvested (mostly in Japan). The leaves are shaded from the sun several weeks before harvest to slow down growth, increase chlorophyll levels and boost the production of amino acids, like L-Theanine. That unique flavor you taste in matcha? That’s the amino acids you’re tasting (which is good!).
What are the health benefits of matcha?
It’s an anti-aging, antioxidant powerhouse
There are exponentially more antioxidants in matcha than other “superfoods.” It has 6 times more antioxidants than goji berries, 17 times more antioxidants than blueberries and 60 times more antioxidants than spinach. Antioxidants are chemical compounds that help to prevent aging, chronic disease and infection – and in this regard, matcha is unsurpassed.
It can help with weight loss
Studies have found that the concentration of ECGC (epigallocatechin gallate) in matcha is 137 times greater than that in a standard cup of green tea. Why is this important? Research has shown that ECGC in high doses may help increase calorie burn and alter levels of “hunger hormones,” helping to reduce appetite.
It can improve your concentration and energy
Many drink coffee for the jolt of caffeine. But what if you could have a similar boost without the jitters or post-caffeine drowsiness? Matcha is rich in L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes a state of relaxation and increased memory, while preventing the nasty side effects of caffeine. A boost in clarity without the jitters? Win win.
It’s a powerful detoxifier
You may know that green foods are natural detoxifiers in the body. This is purportedly due to the chlorophyll, which purge the body of harmful elements, chemicals and heavy metals. Because matcha is shade grown it has significantly more chlorophyll than other green teas.
It prevents heart disease
A 2011 study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that the catechins in green tea significantly lowered total serum cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Over time, reduced LDL-levels helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Bonus: Two of my Favorite Matcha Recipes
I’ve got several more matcha recipes coming your way, but if you’re looking for a little recipe inspiration, here you go! I use this particular matcha in my recipes, which is a culinary matcha and not ceremonial grade matcha. If you’re using matcha in recipes (rather than drinking straight up), I recommend choosing a culinary grade matcha. You get more bang for your buck. Enjoy!
Iced Matcha and Salted Caramel Latte
These health benefits made me a convert – how about you? Are you a matcha lover? What’s your favorite matcha recipe? Share in the comments below!
PS – This is the brand of matcha I use.
Matcha Tea
Description
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon matcha powder
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 cup additional hot water
- Optional: honey, maple syrup, or other sweetener to taste
Instructions
- Sift. Sift the matcha (to remove any lumps) into a mug or small bowl.
- Whisk. Pour the ¼ cup of hot water into the mug and use a matcha whisk to whisk vigorously in a "W" pattern for about 30 seconds, until frothy. Alternatively, you can use an electric frother.
- Fill up the mug. Add the remaining hot water and enjoy. Sweeten to taste, if desired.
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Hi!– Which ceremonial grade matcha would you recommend?
Hi Lucie – You can find the matcha powder I love to use linked in my Shop page :)
I started watching your YouTube videos. They are now one of my favorites next to Pick Up Limes. What I enjoy the meal prep ones the most. I’m married with two a 16 & 17 yr old. Between full time work and life, these new ideas have inspired me kitchen wise.
Thank you,
April J. Hunt
Hi April – So happy to hear that and welcome to the Downshiftology channel :) I love Pick Up Limes as well, as we both have similar taste and style! I hope my recipes will help simplify your life and inspire you to start cooking easy, healthy, and delicious recipes in the kitchen.
These are my absolute two favourite channels! Pick up Limes and Downshiftology – I love how you compliment each other somehow. It would be a lot of fun to see you do a collab together! Perhaps showing one or two recipes with your own unique twists and spins on them?
Thank you Lisa for your wholesome recipes and ideas. I have just bought a Vitamix and your videos were very helpful by the way for that. Sending kind regards, Marina
Hi Marina – I’ve definitely gotten that a lot! It would be amazing to do a collaboration with her. And congrats on your new Vitamix :)
Hi Lisa, recently following your YouTube channel and blog from France and I’m loving it, a lot of good informations about nutrition. I’ve watched your q&a video and you grabbed my attention about you preparing your matcha drink and I was so curious about it that I made it to your blog for more info. I have one remaining question, why adding some collagen powder to your matcha , what is the benefits of the combination ? Thanks!
Hope you’ll be able to make a video on the subject
Hi Rosa – I’m happy you’re loving all my recipes and videos! I have more info about how I prepare my matcha on my Instagram highlights. Though I’m sure I’ll have a recipe in the future. And I have a separate blog post all about collagen. :)
Hi Lisa, lover your blog, this website & follow your IG. Discovered you relatively recently. I also have PCOS + hypothyroid +… In other words, I’m also trying to avoid caffein. How do you feel about matcha containing relatively high amount of caffein? Thanks so much! Your well-though through recipes and insights are beyond useful and helpful. Thank you!
Thanks so much Lana! I’m happy you love all my recipes and videos. :) I have no problems with matcha and the caffeine in matcha is significantly less than coffee and it doesn’t have the same side effects of coffee. But everyone is different. Definitely give it a try and see how you feel.
Thank you! Got everything from amazon. Tomorrow is the day:)
Awesome, let me know how it goes!
I picked up a matcha tea with rose water by mistake – thought it was raspberry flavoured water – and I dig it. Would you be able to come up with a recipe for that? Hope so, as I really liked it.
Oh interesting! I haven’t tried a flavored matcha tea yet. Will have to keep my eyes peeled for one!
Thanks for the article. I’m only new to drinking matcha but I absolutely love it! My favourite is an organic matcha from Matcha Pure Tea ( http://www.matchapuretea.com ) I’ve been adding it to my morning smoothie but I’ll have to try your matcha pistachio bliss ball recipe now :)
Super cool article… thanks for sharing :)
What is your opinion on ceremonial matcha vs. traditional organic matcha? I have been drinks it as a tea and the only reason I haven’t branched out in experimenting is the expense of the ceremonial grade. I know more money doesn’t always mean better….but, that is why I’m asking! Love your recipes and everything you share!!!
Hi Heather – ceremonial matcha is great if you’re drinking it pure (i.e. – only mixed with water). But when making lattes, smoothies, bliss balls or added to any other recipes, I only use culinary matcha. Yes, it’s cheaper, but the main reason is it’s stronger flavor profile. In fact, ceremonial matcha would not do well in these recipes as the other ingredients (even just sugar or milk) would over-power the more delicate flavor. So save some money, buy culinary matcha and have fun experimenting! :) x
Thank you so much for your reply and the information, I will add your recommended brand to my Amazon order. I can’t wait to make your bliss ball recipe and add it to smoothies!!!
My pleasure! Enjoy! xo
Matcha is awesome in smoothies and desserts :D
Try frozen bananas, matcha powder, pistachios, vanilla and milk of choice. And if you need it a bit sweeter, add either a date or honey (your choice).
Love your blog btw, it looks great :)
Thanks sounds fabulous – and thanks for the compliment! Much appreciated Angie!! :)
Oh matcha – I’ve eyed it off but haven’t given it a whirl yet. The bliss balls sound amazing. xx
The bliss balls are a great way to ease yourself into the matcha flavor, if you’re a newbie. The dates help to offset some of the slightly bitter/grassy green tea flavor (which, I now love!). :) x
wow Lisa, I had no idea what the mythical matcha was or it’s many benefits… I’m definitely going to put it on my to try list!
thanks so much for sharing. xxx
Awesome – great to hear Sue! It did take me a while to get used to the flavor, but now I absolutely love it. Hope you do too! :) x