Benefits of Drinking Matcha in the Morning
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder popular in East Asia. It's a rich source of antioxidants and other nutrients. Many people drink matcha in the morning to start their day off right. Some also enjoy a cup of matcha throughout the day as an energy booster. Nevertheless, matcha has different benefits that can help improve your health.
Here are some benefits of drinking matcha in the morning:
1. It Boosts Energy Levels
Matcha contains caffeine, which gives you a boost of energy when consumed. However, drinking matcha doesn't give you the jitters like coffee does.
Instead, it provides a feeling of calmness and focus, especially if you're not sensitive to caffeine. Drinking matcha helps you feel more energized in the morning. This makes it ideal for those who want to get things done throughout the day.
You'll have better concentration and less fatigue. Plus, if you're having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, matcha will help wake you up.
2. It Has Antioxidant Properties
Matcha is known for its antioxidant properties. It's rich in catechins, which are powerful antioxidants found in green tea. Catechins prevent free radicals from damaging cells in your body. They also reduce inflammation. There's even a study that shows how matcha supplements reduce free radical damage in mice.
So when you consume matcha regularly in the morning, you can expect to see improvements in your overall health. The tea contains many nutrients that promote good digestion, healthy skin, and strong bones.
Those who have toddlers, however, may consider providing green powders for their children. Since matcha contains caffeine (which toddlers should avoid), a green powder for toddlers can offer similar benefits.
3. It Improves Brain Function
Matcha is high in L-theanine, an amino acid that relaxes the brain and calms the mind. Studies show that consuming L-theanine improves memory retention and attention span. If you're looking to improve your mental performance, matcha could be just what you need.
Japanese Zen Buddhists have also drunk matcha for years to enhance meditation. The drink helps them stay awake and focused during long meditation sessions. They believe that matcha is one of the best ingredients for improving mindfulness.
4. It Helps Improve Your Mood
In addition to improving brain function, L-theanine can also help improve your mood. It alters the amounts of dopamine and serotonin that the brain emits. Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that regulate emotions. When these levels of these hormones rise, we feel happy and energetic.
Some studies also show that matcha helps combat depression. In Japan, researchers have found that individuals who drink more green tea daily are less likely to suffer from depression. Drinking matcha in the morning can help you achieve a positive mindset all day. When you're stressed or anxious, matcha can provide you with a sense of peace and tranquility.
5. It Boosts Metabolism and Weight Loss
Studies show that matcha boosts metabolism and aids weight loss. It contains properties that increase fat oxidation. This means that when you drink matcha, your body speeds up breaking down fats into usable energy.
When you drink matcha with a proper diet and exercise routine, you can lose weight faster. In addition, you won't experience any negative side effects such as headaches or dizziness when drinking matcha.
6. It May Lower Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates through our bodies. High cholesterol levels can lead to heart problems.
As such, lowering your cholesterol levels can help reduce your risk of heart disease. When you drink matcha in the morning, it helps lower your cholesterol levels.
7. It Can Help Prevent Cancer
Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death around the world. However, some natural remedies can help prevent cancer. One of those natural remedies is matcha. Matcha and green tea have health-promoting compounds that help prevent cancer.
Studies have theorized that people who drink matcha daily have fewer chances of developing certain cancers. Some researchers believe that this is because matcha contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that protect against cell damage. While more research is needed to confirm this theory, it's still worth noting that matcha can help prevent this disease.
8. It Can Improve Your Immune System
Green tea is known to boost immunity. Catechins found in green tea also fight off bacteria and viruses. These antioxidants can help keep your immune system strong.
As a result, you'll get sick less often and recover more quickly. You'll enjoy life without worrying about getting sick all the time. If you want to boost your immune system and avoid colds and flu, try drinking matcha every day in the morning.