10 Reasons to Drink Matcha

Matcha, the finely ground powder of specially grown Japanese green tea, is not just a time-honored tradition in Japanese culture—it is also considered one of the finest and most luxurious forms of tea available today. Derived from nutrient-rich young leaves of ancient green tea trees, the leaves are carefully stone-ground into a fine powder. This powder is then dried in cool, well-lit conditions to preserve its vibrant green color and maximize its antioxidant properties. Used for over a millennium in the Far East, matcha is now celebrated worldwide as a premium superfood. Below are ten compelling reasons to make matcha a part of your daily routine:

1. Extremely High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential compounds and enzymes that fight the harmful effects of UV rays, rejuvenate the skin, and help prevent serious diseases. Health-conscious individuals often turn to antioxidant-rich foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and dark chocolate. However, just a small serving of matcha provides more antioxidants than five servings of these foods—topping the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale.

2. Rich in Catechins, Especially EGCg
Not all antioxidants are created equal. Matcha is packed with a unique class of antioxidants known as catechins. Among them, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) is the most powerful and well-known for its cancer-fighting properties. Matcha contains over 60% catechins as EGCg—up to 100 times more than other teas, according to scientific research.

3. Promotes Calmness and Relaxation
For over a thousand years, Chinese Taoist monks and Japanese Zen masters have used matcha to aid meditation and relaxation. Science confirms that this calming effect comes from L-Theanine, an amino acid in matcha leaves. L-Theanine stimulates alpha waves in the brain, promoting a relaxed but alert state—calm without drowsiness.

4. Enhances Memory and Concentration
A notable side effect of L-Theanine is the increased production of dopamine and serotonin, two chemicals that uplift mood, improve memory, and enhance focus. That’s why drinking matcha can lead to clearer thinking and more productive mental activity—perfect for both work and study.

5. Boosts Energy and Endurance
Noble Samurai warriors of medieval Japan were known to drink matcha before battle for its energizing properties. While most green teas contain caffeine, matcha delivers a more sustained energy boost thanks to its unique combination of nutrients. L-Theanine in matcha promotes extended endurance—its effects can last up to six hours. Unlike conventional stimulants, matcha provides clean energy without the usual side effects like nervousness or high blood pressure.

6. Burns Calories and Fat More Efficiently
Drinking matcha enhances metabolism and helps the body burn fat about four times faster than average. Unlike many diet supplements on the market, matcha doesn’t cause negative side effects such as increased heart rate or elevated blood pressure.

7. Detoxifies the Body Naturally
During the final three weeks before harvest, matcha tea plants are shaded from sunlight. This increases the production of chlorophyll in the leaves. As a result, matcha develops its vibrant green color and powerful detoxifying properties—helping the body eliminate heavy metals and chemical toxins.

8. Strengthens the Immune System
The catechins in matcha have been shown to provide antibacterial and antiviral effects. A single bowl of matcha offers a generous amount of potassium, vitamins A and C, iron, protein, and calcium. Other studies suggest that nutrients in matcha can inhibit the attack of HIV on human T-cells.

9. Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Though the exact mechanism is still under study, research across various populations shows that regular matcha drinkers tend to have lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Drinking green tea may reduce the risk of heart disease in men by up to 11%.

10. Naturally Delicious Flavor
Unlike other teas that often require milk, sugar, or lemon to enhance their taste, matcha is naturally flavorful and satisfying on its own. Its rich, smooth taste comes from the high levels of L-Theanine. Simply relax and enjoy a warm cup of matcha for a healthy and flavorful experience—one of many reasons to embrace matcha as a daily ritual.

Collected & Translated from source materials.