Matcha Tea: What Is It And What Are Its Uses?
Matcha tea is a product that has become popular for its curious properties. It comes from the same plant as the traditional green tea, Camellia sinensis, but it is a powdered product with a different nutritional profile, as its cultivation is also unique.
To grow this type of tea, farmers cover the plants 20 to 30 days before harvest to avoid direct sunlight. In this way, the production of chlorophyll increases, as does the content of amino acids. Therefore, the plant acquires a darker green tone.
When harvest time comes, the best leaves are hand-picked and the plant’s stems and veins are removed. Then they are ground and a bright green powder is obtained and distributed under the name of matcha tea. We will detail its properties and uses below.
Nutritional properties of matcha tea
As we mentioned, matcha tea is characterized by its unique nutritional profile. Although it has similarities to green tea, its nutritional concentration is higher. According to the SELF Nutrition Database, one serving of matcha tea (1 teaspoon or 1 gram) contains:
- Protein (between 250 and 300 mg)
- Amino acids (about 272 mg)
- Lipids (about 50 mg)
- Minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and iron
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and K
On the other hand, an estimate published in the Journal of Chromatography A suggests that the number of catechins contained in this type of tea is up to 137 times greater than in other types of green teas. For this reason, in health matters, this is one of the preferred options.
Main uses of matcha tea
In recent years, matcha tea has been used as a nutritional supplement to promote health and well-being. The powder is beaten with hot water and a drink to complement the diet is obtained. Now, due to its texture and flavor, some people are using it to make desserts, cocktails and other types of beverages.
However, in general, most consumers prefer it for its health benefits. Although many still don’t know it, several studies have determined that its components are adjuvants in the prevention of some diseases.
brain health
The drink made with this natural tea is often recommended to improve brain health. Due to its content of stimulating substances, such as caffeine and L-theanine, it can contribute to a greater state of alertness and an increase in energy level.
A study published in Food Research International found that matcha can bring about improvements in attention, reaction time and memory compared to placebo. Although it is a subject that still requires research, the results suggest that it can be a good complement to improve brain performance.
heart health
Due to its concentration of catechins, this type of tea also provides protective effects for heart health. According to a review of studies published in the medical journal Current Medicinal Chemistry , catechins have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and antiproliferative activity.
Due to the above, matcha and other green tea varieties are helpful in reducing high cholesterol levels, blood pressure problems and other factors that increase the risk of chronic cardiovascular disease.
Body weight
Another use of matcha tea has to do with body weight. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also one of the many miracle products that promise to reduce those extra pounds in no time. Simply put, as part of a healthy diet, it can help with 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 research has associated its consumption with greater energy expenditure.
In any case, this is a matter that is still being investigated and the evidence for which is still insufficient to make claims. When it comes to losing weight, it is essential to prioritize the recommendations of your doctor and nutritionist.
Matcha tea side effects and contraindications
In most healthy adults, matcha tea is considered safe as long as consumption is moderate. Two or three cups a day are enough, each made with one gram of the product. However, due to its caffeine content, this tea can cause side effects, especially when doses are exceeded or in those who are sensitive to this substance.
Such effects include:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
Furthermore, as detailed in a literature review published in the Chinese Medical Journal , the catechins in this tea can affect iron absorption, harming patients with iron deficiency anemia, for example. It can also affect zinc absorption.
Patients with heart disease, kidney problems or stomach ulcers should avoid consuming this tea without consulting their doctor. Its components can interfere with the action of medications used to treat these conditions.
