Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear
Matcha tea is recognizable by its vivid green color.
Traditionally used in Japan in tea ceremonies as well as in pastries, it is now renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it also offers numerous other health-promoting properties.
Matcha tea: nutritional composition
Its cultivation conditions, which shield it from direct sunlight, enhance the chlorophyll and polyphenol (catechin) content of its leaves, as well as levels of L-theanine, caffeine, and vitamin C.
Matcha tea: nutritional properties
Theanine is a regulator of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It provides an overall relaxing effect while enhancing concentration, memory, and alertness.
Catechins confer the antioxidant properties of matcha tea. It specifically contains epicatechin gallates, which are responsible for its high antioxidant potential.
These catechins neutralize free radicals, contributing to anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and liver detoxification effects.
Caffeine also exhibits antioxidant properties and acts synergistically with catechins. It reduces chronic oxidative stress and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Phenolic acids are also antioxidants, with hypoglycemic and neuroprotective properties. They modulate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, thereby contributing to weight management.
Rutin, an antioxidant, acts to protect blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. Like phenolic acids, it is thought to exhibit antidiabetic properties and prevent diabetic complications.
Quercetin acts synergistically with rutin to maintain glycemic balance by improving insulin sensitivity. It also exhibits neuroprotective activity.
Matcha tea is thus beneficial for:
- balancing blood glucose levels
- supporting weight loss
- enhancing cognitive functions such as memory, attention, alertness, and concentration
- relaxing the nervous system
- slowing down the effects of aging
- protecting the cardiovascular system
- supporting immune defenses
|| Discover matcha tea in our no-added-sugar lemon – matcha protein bars.
|| Need more information about our matcha bars?
Contact us >
Sources:
Molecules 2020 Dec 27;26(1):85
Curr. Pharm. Des. 2017;23:2876–2905
Oxid Med. Cell Longev. 2016;2016:2986796
J. Food Sci. 2018;83:2280–2287
Nutrients 2020 Nov 26;12(12):3639
