Matcha

Matcha is a special green tea made from powdered tea leaves. Compared to regular green tea, matcha contains a higher concentration of certain compounds and therefore offers a variety of health and brain benefits.



Here are some reasons why matcha is considered beneficial to health:

• Rich in antioxidants: matcha is rich in polyphenols, especially catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These antioxidants have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and protect the cells from harmful free radicals.
  
  
• Increase concentration and alertness: Matcha contains naturally occurring caffeine, which has a synergistic effect together with an amino acid called L-theanine. This combination can improve mental alertness and concentration without the usual side effects of caffeine such as jitteriness or loss of energy.
  
  
• Relaxation and stress relief: L-theanine, which is found in matcha, has calming and relaxing properties. It can help to reduce stress, improve mood and promote mental relaxation.
  
  
• Supporting brain function: The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha can boost cognitive performance, improve working memory and reduce reaction time. It is also believed that matcha has neuroprotective properties and can reduce the risk of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

In addition to antioxidants, important active ingredients in matcha include catechins, chlorophyll, amino acids and vitamins. These ingredients contribute to the health-promoting effect of matcha.

Studies on Matcha

fThere are several studies looking at the potential health benefits of matcha. Here are some well-known studies: 

 

• This study looked at the effects of green tea consumption, including matcha, on brain activity and cognitive function. The results indicated that regular consumption of green tea can improve brain activity and cognitive function.
  

  Unno K., et al. "Daily consumption of green tea catechins improves human cerebral cortical activity and cognitive function." Journal of Nutrition, 2011: 141(8), 1503-1508.

• This study investigated the influence of matcha tea on mood and cognitive performance and found positive effects on cognitive performance.

  Dietz, C., Dekker, M., & Piqueras-Fiszman, B. (2017). An intervention study on the effect of matcha tea, in drink and snack bar formats, on mood and cognitive performance. Food Research International, 99(Pt 1), 72-83. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.06.021

• The results of this study showed that matcha green tea had a high concentration of antioxidant compounds, especially catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin (EC). Antioxidants are important compounds that help to reduce cell damage caused by free radicals and protect the body from oxidative stress.
  

  "The antioxidant capacity of matcha green tea" (2010) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20333432/
  

• In this study, the combination of L-theanine (an amino acid in green tea, which is also found in matcha) and caffeine was examined for cognitive function and cerebral blood flow and showed positive results for cognitive performance.

  Dodd, F. L., Kennedy, D. O., Riby, L. M., & Haskell-Ramsay, C. F. (2015). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of caffeine and L-theanine both alone and in combination on cerebral blood flow, cognition and mood. Psychopharmacology, 232(14), 2563-2576. DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3895-0

• The results of the study showed that the group receiving matcha green tea powder showed significant improvements in certain cognitive functions, particularly in the areas of attention and memory. These improvements were observed in comparison to the placebo group.
  

  "The effects of matcha green tea on energy levels and alertness in humans: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial" (2014): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24805008/