Matcha is called Japan’s superfood and is now widely enjoyed around the world. Here are 10 benefits of matcha tea.
## Ingredients and Nutrients of Matcha
Matcha tea contains a variety of ingredients including protein, carbohydrates (dietary fiber), fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Among these, tea polyphenols such as tea catechins, the amino acid theanine, as well as caffeine and saponins are the most notable ingredients in matcha.
## 10 Benefits of Matcha
Here are 10 benefits of matcha tea.
### Anti-aging
The tea catechins (epigallocatechin) found in matcha have high antioxidant properties and help eliminate active oxygen that causes aging.
Matcha also contains several other antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamin C.
### Regulates the immune system
Tea catechins have been reported to activate immune cell macrophages. Since macrophages have the ability to eliminate bacteria that have entered the body, matcha tea can be expected to boost immunity.
In addition, saponin activates natural killer cells, which control immune functions to protect the body from viruses and bacteria.
### Cold and flu prevention
Tea catechins have antiviral effects and have been reported to be effective in preventing cold and flu infections. The habit of drinking tea frequently is also effective in terms of washing out viruses in the mouth.
### Dietary effects
Tea catechins and caffeine can be expected to have a weight-loss effect. In particular, tea catechins, a type of polyphenol, have the effect of slowing the rise in blood glucose levels and reducing the absorption of sugar and fat.
Similarly, saponins have been shown to prevent obesity by inhibiting the absorption and accumulation of fat.
### Detoxification Effect
Matcha contains about 30% insoluble dietary fiber, which can be expected to relieve or prevent constipation.
### Relaxation and stress reduction
Matcha is rich in theanine, a type of amino acid. Theanine has a relaxing effect and has been reported to relieve stress and improve sleep quality.
### Skin Beautifying Effects
Matcha tea contains various vitamins. Among them, vitamin C works with catechins to inhibit melanin pigmentation, which causes freckles and dark spots. Vitamin C is also necessary for collagen production.
### Prevention of bad breath
Tea catechins are a type of flavonoid, a plant polyphenol, and have deodorant and sterilizing effects. Drinking tea after meals can help prevent bad breath.
### Countermeasure against coldness
Theanine activates the parasympathetic nervous system and regulates the autonomic nervous system. Theanine is known to suppress the contraction of peripheral blood vessels, and is expected to help prevent sensitivity to cold.
### Care for lifestyle-related diseases
Tea catechins have the effect of decreasing bad cholesterol and neutral fat, as well as suppressing increases in blood pressure and blood glucose levels. As a result, it is expected to be effective as a treatment for various lifestyle-related diseases.
## A cup of matcha tea a day is a healthy habit
By consuming a cup of matcha tea every day, you can not only enjoy the taste and aroma of matcha, but also expect to gain benefits in terms of beauty and health. We hope you will try to incorporate matcha into your daily diet.