THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY WHEN YOU START DRINKING MATCHA
Matcha isn't just the latest caffeine craze to populate the shelves of
your local health food store or fuel your busy afternoon with an extra
(much-needed) kick. Matcha has a long history that's steeped in ancient
Chinese and Japanese tradition. In fact, matcha has been used for over
4000 years. But besides its ancient roots, it's also an untapped beauty
and health resource.
I love incorporating the powder into different facets of my diet for all
of its beneficial factors. From relaxation to improved focus, below are
five benefits of matcha.
1. IT GIVES YOU GLOVING SKIN
Matcha powdered green tea has
137 times more antioxidants, or EGCGs, than regularly
brewed green tea. These antioxidants help protect your skin from
ultraviolet radiation. They can even get rid of harmful free radicals
that your body's been holding onto. Additionally, they boost your blood
flow, which can help give you that oh-so-coveted rosy natural glow in
your cheeks.
2. IT HELPS YOU STAY RELAXED AND ALERT AT THE SAME TIME
Matcha is rich in L-theanine, a rare amino acid that actually promotes a
state of relaxation and well-being within your brain’s functionality.
While stress can induce beta waves
(which lead to an excited and agitated state),L-theanine
creates alpha waves
(which lead to a state of relaxed alertness). And while
L-theanine is common in all tea, matcha may contain up to five times
more of this amino acid than your regular ol' black and green varieties.
3. IT HELPS BOOST YOUR METABOLISM AND BURN FAT
The chemical components in matcha basically make up an internal gym for
your body (which means less work for you). Drinking matcha can help you
burn more calories, and studies show it can also help you burn up to 25%
more fat. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, matcha can kick
your weight loss into high gear.
4. IT KEEPS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTHY
ECGCs help keep sickness-inducing microbodies and oxidative
stress in check. Matcha is also great for the type of inflammation that
occurs when you have allergies or a sinus infection. Swap out your
coffee for matcha during cold and flu season to reap the holistic
benefits of catechins and theanine.
5. IT CAN BOOST YOUR HEART HEALTH
Studies have looked at the links between green tea and cardiovascular
disease. According to Harvard Health, these studies suggest that green
tea may lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which may be connected
to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
