The new tea craze has apparently more to offer than the caffeine kick start in the morning. Matcha, the powdered form of steamed and dried green tea leaves that has been used in Japanese tea for many years, contain 137 times more disease-fighting polyphenols and that is equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea. Thus, it can be linked to weight loss and many other health benefits.
It contains polyphenols called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the main antioxidant in green tea. EGCG is well known for its many health properties. First off, it is a very potent weight loss compound. In fact, it can boost the metabolism. In many laboratory studies, they have shown thata EGCG may stop the formation of new fat cells as well as it contains lesser calories than other sugary drinks.
EGCG is also known as a disease fighter compound because they are both immune-boosting and cancer-fighting. Antioxidants are very important in keeping free radicals at bay. These free radicals are the culprit for cell oxidation that can cause a wide array of disease including cancer, Alzheimier's disease and even cardiovascular problems.
Meanwhile, EGCG is also known for its energy saving properties hence preventing chronic fatigue syndrome. Since matcha's green chlorophyll have been saved, it can boost energy for the day. Certain diseases are claimed to be prevented or treated by EGCG including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sjögren's syndrome, endometriosis, spinal muscular atrophy, neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular insult.
Many say that drinking matcha is better than green tea because you will ingest the whole leaf instead of dried ones. Hence, the chlorophyll content is preserved. It can also detoxify the body of the toxins accumulated from food and other body processes, calms and relaxes the body and brain, enhances mood and increases concentration, provides a good source of Vitamin C, selenium, chromium and magnesium; has a good amount of fiber, lowers cholesterol levels, and does not raise body sugar levels.
Matcha is the next good superfood for the body that is slowly gaining popularity not only in Asian countries but also in the United States.