Rutin, which is a polyphenolic compound, is a potent antioxidant. Its synergistic interaction with ascorbic acid may enhance the protective effects of both substances in the cardiovascular system, strengthening blood vessels [ 36]. It also has antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, thus preventing diabetes-related pathologies [ 37, 38]. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action offers potential for preventing conditions of free-radical or inflammatory origin, including neurodegenerative conditions [ 39]. If you’re drinking more than 8 cups of green tea (or matcha) a day, however, you may want to talk to your doctor about your iron levels.

Some scientists say that a high intake of catechins can cause liver problems, although they note that this is unlikely when people consume green tea as food or drink ( 14). Baba Y, Kaneko T, Takihara T. Matcha consumption maintains attentional function following a mild acute psychological stress without affecting a feeling of fatigue: a randomized placebo-controlled study in young adults. Nutrition Research. 2021;88:44-52. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2020.12.024 Based on a study conducted, it was concluded that matcha tea has at least over a hundred times the number of catechins than regular green tea. This is because when you drink matcha, you simply add the powder to the boiling water, which ultimately includes the entire nutrients from the leaf. On the other hand, when you drink green tea, you only steep the tea leaves in the hot water and discard them afterward. Matcha contains more caffeine than green tea. While some caffeine may be beneficial, too much can have adverse effects, such as increasing the heart rate ( 1, 13).Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 cup of green tea contains about 2 calories. The number of calories in matcha may vary slightly by brand, but according to the USDA, matcha generally contains around 4 calories per serving. Both green tea and matcha are low-calorie drinks — it’s only when you add milk, cream, sugar, sweeteners, and other matcha latte favorites that the calorie count starts to creep up (but more on that later). Unlike green tea, which is made by steeping whole leaves or parts of leaves in hot water and removing them, Matcha powder is a finely ground powder that you don’t have to strain.

Furthermore, based on another study conducted, the EGCG inside matcha tea is an effective component in eradicating the risk of skin, lung, and liver cancer. Green tea in particular is known as a healthy beverage, as it contains catechins, which offer antioxidant properties. According to one study, the catechins in green tea can help protect against oxidative stress and its associated diseases. There are several catechins in green tea, but the most abundant one is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This antioxidant has been credited as giving green tea its health properties, which include anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties as well as cardiovascular protection, notes a research review.In addition, a randomized, controlled trial on 21 people found that those who consume green tea with a standard 500-calorie breakfast burned more calories in the four hours after breakfast compared with those who drank water with the meal, though the green tea group reported feeling hungrier than the water group.

One of matcha green tea’s touted health benefits is its ability to rev up metabolism and inhibit fat absorption — two mechanisms that may support healthy weight management, support cardiovascular health, and help to regulate blood sugar levels. That’s why they call it a “superfood!”The pathogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer is significantly affected by healthy diet and lifestyle. Obesity, especially of the visceral type, as a consequence of long-standing unhealthy lifestyle choices, increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer [ 60]. Consuming large amounts of EGCG may contribute to reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer, partly due to inhibiting tumour growth factors. What is more, EGCG is capable of inhibiting growth and inducing apoptosis of cancer cells [ 58]. Improving tissue sensitivity to insulin and leptin, and reducing blood lipid parameters, may inhibit obesity-related carcinogenesis. Supplementation of green tea extracts may additionally prevent recurring adenomas, which in the majority of cases may evolve into colorectal cancers [ 58]. Research findings regarding EGCG supplementation also include inhibition of growth and proliferation of gallbladder and bile duct cancer cells, as well as a decreased risk of biliary duct cancer [ 40, 57].

There may be something to the idea that matcha could enhance weight loss, though. A study found that when 13 female participants consumed a matcha drink before a brisk walk, they had improved fat burning during that walk. Research has suggested a link between EGCG and increased fat oxidation in men; although this was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, it involved only six people and took place over just two days. This can also be exacerbated by the caffeine in matcha, which can make indigestible food pass through your systems even faster. As mentioned above, there are a lot of compounds called catechins in green tea and matcha powder. These compounds can combine with iron and prevent absorption. As a result, drinking matcha green tea excessively and for long periods of time may lead to iron-deficiency anemia. So, for your safety, limit yourself to at least 5-7 cups of green tea per day to avoid this health issue. There is also possible exposure to toxic chemicals when you drink matcha tea. This may include chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and fluoride. This is drawn from the soil where some of the camellia Sinensis tea plant is grown and cultivated.

Typically, drinking green tea is not a significant risk for anemia if done in moderation, and if you’re getting enough iron from your diet. Matcha powder and green teas are not only good for internal conditions but can be used to improve skin health as well. “Green tea constituents may be useful topically for promoting skin regeneration, wound healing or treatment of certain epithelial conditions such as aphthous ulcers, psoriasis, rosacea and actinic keratosis,” notes the Food Research International study [5] Yu G, Hsieh C, Wang Y, Yu S, Li X, Jin T. Green-tea consumption and risk of stomach cancer: a population-based case-control study in Shanghai, China. Cancer Causes Control. 1995;6(6):532-8. . Warm your tea bowl and add matcha. Only add a splash of water at first and use your whisk to incorporate into a paste (this ensures that you brush away any clumps that remain). Jakubczyk K, Kochman J, Kwiatkowska A, et al. Antioxidant properties and nutritional composition of matcha green tea. Foods. 2020;9(4):483. doi: 10.3390%2Ffoods9040483 Kochman, J., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., Mruk, H., & Janda, K. Health benefits and chemical composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules. 2021;(1), 85.