- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30580081
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17479419
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19838489
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996917301941
A complete Matcha guide
Matcha Health properties
Explore what makes up matcha – and how its chemical composition lifts your body and mind.
What is matcha good for?
The human body is a complex masterpiece that needs extensive care to function at its best. Of course, “best” means different things to different people. However, one way to reach your personal best is to use the “Human optimisation pyramid”.
This pyramid is a step-by-step guideline for anyone wondering where to start on the road to their “best”. Following the sequence of this pyramid is a surefire way to produce unprecedented energy in your life. Below we explore how to use matcha green tea, and where its chemical properties fit within the pyramid…
The pyramid includes the following levels:
1. Sleep
Where would we be without sleep? Very broken is the answer, physically and mentally. That’s because during sleep our body heals and repairs blood vessels, processes thoughts from the day, and basically gives us time to recharge.
Of course, sometimes good sleep is hard to find, whether that’s due to work, stress, or lifestyle. And that’s where the below properties, all present in matcha, work their magic (and maybe help answer does matcha green tea help you sleep:
-
Keep calm with L-theanine
Matcha is rich in this amino acid, which is often praised for its calming effect. Studies1 found it ‘may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and sleep disturbance’. -
The force of flavonoids
Flavonoids are loaded with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-allergic and anti-viral properties, all helping to boost health and reduce diseases and infections. As if that wasn’t enough, scientists report flavonoids ‘significantly prolonged’ sleeping time2. -
Lie down with L-arginine
Another amino acid found in matcha, L-arginine enhances the positive calming effects of L-theanine. A study also found L-arginine “reduced waking during the first four hours”, which is great news for insomnia sufferers who may be wondering “What is matcha good for”.
2. Diet
If you’re wondering, “How to use matcha green tea?” one common answer is diet. Matcha is overflowing with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This marvellous mixture makes matcha a superfood, with a similarly super effect on your diet.
What’s more, in the unlikely event you don’t feel like drinking matcha but still want to give your body some matcha goodness, sprinkle some on your food (check out our matcha recipes for inspiration). Given that Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”, let’s take a look at some of matcha’s medicinal properties:
-
Calories? What calories?
Ok, not strictly a property, but still well worth highlighting. Matcha is super-low in calories, with estimates ranging from 0 to 3 calories per gram (a teaspoon = about four grams). -
Alkaline for a balanced body
The way matcha is harvested means it’s packed with chlorophyll, which is rich in magnesium. This mineral helps make matcha highly alkaline, and so is ideal for balancing your body’s pH levels, neutralising the inflammatory effect of too much acid in your diet. - EGCG for C (Cholesterol) Matcha contains the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A study3 found that consuming EGCG led to a reduction in LDL cholesterol – the ‘bad’ cholesterol that can build up fatty deposits in your arteries, negatively affecting blood flow.
Related articles:
3. Fitness
Maybe you’re wondering, “What is matcha good for?” Let’s start with more energy, faster metabolism, and higher endurance. In fact, matcha is pretty much your personal fitness trainer – in powder form.
Of course, matcha is also 100% natural, making it the ideal ingredient to add to your pre-workout drink or snack. Whether you’re looking for ways to boost performance, lose weight, or simply stay healthy, tap into matcha’s many beneficial properties, such as:
-
Less stress with L-theanine
As mentioned above L-theanine’s calming effect is great for sleep. This amazing amino acid also acts to reduce cortisol, a stress hormone you generate during physical exercise. - Phytonutrients for physical health Matcha is bursting with phytonutrients. These natural compounds are anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant – two vital helpers when it comes to protecting your cells against free radicals, which appear when your body converts food into energy and can damage your cells.
- Chlorophyll for cardio Matcha’s high levels of chlorophyll help generate haemoglobin. This protein is found in red blood cells, helping to deliver oxygen around the body – just what you need for your cardio workouts!
4. MIND
Enhancing your mind’s capabilities is the final – and most game-changing – element of the human optimisation pyramid.
While the previous three elements are more about prevention and recovery, here we’re looking at how matcha’s properties enhance and expand your mind.
So let’s explore the impact of matcha’s brain-boosting properties in more detail:
-
3 is the magic matcha number
A study4 analysing three of matcha’s properties (L-theanine, EGCG, caffeine) found matcha drinkers showed improved cognitive abilities in attention and memory. -
Theophylline for feelin’ good
Matcha’s L-theanine triggers the release of theophylline, giving you a balanced form of energy, rather than the ‘jittery’ feeling you can get from coffee. -
Caffeine for contemplation
Unlike coffee, matcha’s caffeine comes with phytonutrients, antioxidants and amino acids. This creates a sense of alertness, combined with calmness. That’s why matcha is popular with Zen Buddhist monks (including China, where matcha green tea is from) for meditation.
