Matcha is rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds in tea that act as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help stabilize harmful free radicals, compounds that can damage cells and cause chronic disease. Matcha is grown in the shade. When the leaves are harvested, the catechin content is lower than in other types of green tea.

However, when you dissolved in water, it produces 3 times more 1. One study showed that giving mice matcha supplements reduced damage caused by free radicals and enhanced antioxidant activity 2. Including matcha in your diet could increase your antioxidant intake, which may help prevent cell damage and lower your risk of several chronic diseases 3.

The liver is vital to health and plays a central role in flushing out toxins, metabolizing drugs, and processing nutrients. Some studies have found that matcha may help protect the health of your liver. A review of 15 studies found that drinking green tea was associated with a decreased risk of liver disease 4.

However, in , some experts noted that while matcha may benefit people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD by reducing liver enzymes, it may increase liver enzymes in people without NAFLD 5.

More research is needed to look at the effects of matcha on the general population since most research is limited to studies examining the effects of green tea extract in animals.

Some studies have shown that matcha could prevent liver damage and decrease the risk of liver disease. However, additional studies are needed to look at the effects on humans in the general population.

Some research shows that several of the components in matcha could help enhance brain function. One study in 23 people looked at how people performed on a series of tasks designed to measure brain performance.

Some participants consumed either matcha tea or a bar containing 4 grams of matcha, while the control group consumed a placebo tea or bar. Those that consumed matcha showed improvements in attention, reaction time, and memory compared with those consuming the placebo 6.

Another small study showed that consuming 2 grams of green tea powder daily for 2 months helped improve brain function in older people 7. Matcha has a higher concentration of caffeine than green tea. Matcha also contains a compound called L-theanine , which alters the effects of caffeine, promoting alertness and helping avoid the crash in energy levels that can follow caffeine consumption 8.

How else can matcha boost your energy and focus? Matcha has been shown to improve attention, memory, and reaction time.

It also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can improve several aspects of brain function. Matcha contains some compounds that have been linked to cancer prevention in test tubes and animal studies. For instance, matcha is high in epigallocatechingallate EGCG , a type of catechin that may have powerful anti-cancer properties.

Some laboratory and animal studies have suggested it may help prevent some types of cancer, although more research is needed 1 , 9. Test tube and animal studies have found that the compounds in matcha may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Some research has suggested that drinking green tea, which has a similar nutrient profile to matcha, may help protect against heart disease. Green tea consumption has been linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, compared with coffee, and some studies have suggested it might help lower the risk of high blood pressure and other complications in people with heart disease The compounds in matcha are similar to those in green tea, and some people have suggested it may have similar benefits.

However, at least one animal study appears to contradict this claim Green tea is well known for its ability to enhance weight loss and often features in weight loss supplements.

A review concluded that, together with dietary measures and exercise, taking up to mg per day of green tea for 12 weeks might reduce body mass index Although most studies have focused on green tea, matcha comes from the same plant and contains similar compounds.

Some studies show that green tea extract helps increase metabolism and fat burning, both of which may aid weight loss. You can make traditional matcha tea by sifting 1—2 teaspoons 2—4 grams of matcha powder into your cup, adding 2 ounces 59 ml of hot water, and mixing it together with a bamboo whisk.

For a thinner tea, reduce the powder to a half teaspoon 1 g and mix with 3—4 ounces 89— ml of hot water. For a more concentrated version, combine 2 teaspoons 4 g of powder with just 1 ounce 30 ml of water.

There are many ways to prepare matcha, so you can choose the one you like best. It can also be incorporated into a range of different recipes. 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 , 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 Drinking matcha may also increase your exposure to contaminants like pesticides, chemicals, and even arsenic found in the soil where the tea plants are grown 15 , Research has suggested that mg of catechin and EGCG per day is safe for adults to consume.

This is the amount in around 4 g of matcha, or 2 level teaspoons 17 , 1. However, the maximum tolerable intake of matcha powder may depend on the individual. To be safe, make sure to consume matcha in moderation. Drinking a lot of matcha may not be beneficial for everyone.

Opt for organic matcha and drink 1—2 cups per day for maximum benefit. Matcha may help you manage your weight, think more clearly, and reduce disease risk because of the antioxidant content.

However, more research is needed to support many of these benefits. Some research suggests that taking green tea as a part of a weight management plan — alongside exercise and other dietary changes — may help reduce BMI and waist circumference While you can drink matcha daily, it is high in caffeine and may contain traces of pesticides and other chemicals.

The beneficial compounds it contains, such as catechins, may be harmful in high quantities. Matcha comes from the same plant as green tea, but it contains more concentrated levels of antioxidants and other plant compounds.

It may have a variety of health benefits, ranging from enhancing weight management to decreasing the risk of heart disease. It is also simple to prepare as a tea and suitable for adding to shakes, desserts, lattes, and other foods and drinks.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Matcha is a type of powdered green tea. It is very high in antioxidants and has numerous health benefits for your body and brain.

Like coffee, matcha contains caffeine , which is a central nervous system stimulant that can help increase alertness and concentration. However, unlike coffee, matcha also contains an amino acid called L-theanine , which has a calming effect on the brain and can help reduce anxiety and stress.

The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha is what makes it unique. While caffeine can sometimes cause anxiety, the L-theanine in matcha can help counteract these effects and promote a sense of relaxation and focus. This is because L-theanine has been shown to increase alpha brain waves , which are associated with a state of relaxed alertness.

Matcha has been the subject of several studies examining its effects on brain function. One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that consuming matcha improved attention and reaction time in participants compared to a placebo group. Another study found that matcha can improve cognitive function during or after stress conditions in young adults.

The high concentration of antioxidants in matcha is also thought to play a role in its brain-boosting properties. Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body from oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.

In particular, the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate EGCG in matcha has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may help prevent cognitive decline. The caffeine and L-theanine in matcha can work together to improve attention span and concentration.

One study concluded that the combination of L-theanine and caffeine is likely a safe and effective cognitive enhancer. Another study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that consuming a combination of caffeine and L-theanine, like that found in matcha, improved attention and task-switching in participants performing a demanding cognitive task.

In addition to improving attention and concentration, matcha may also have memory boosting benefits. A study published in the journal Bentham Science found that consuming green tea extract, which contains many of the same compounds as matcha, improved memory and cognitive function in healthy adults.

Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that drinking green tea was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. While more research is needed to determine the specific effects of matcha on memory, these studies suggest that the antioxidants and other compounds in matcha may counter memory loss.

The caffeine and L-theanine in matcha may also enhance creativity and productivity. The caffeine in matcha can increase alertness and energy, while the L-theanine can promote relaxation and focus. This combination can help stimulate creative thinking and increase productivity.

Furthermore, the antioxidants in matcha may also help protect brain cells from damage and promote overall brain health, which can support long-term creativity and productivity. Antioxidants play an important role in brain health, as they can help protect brain cells from damage and inflammation.

Oxidative stress, which is caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body, can contribute to aging and disease. By consuming foods and beverages that are high in antioxidants, such as matcha green tea, you can help support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Matcha is packed with antioxidants, including catechins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. One particular antioxidant found in matcha is epigallocatechin gallate EGCG , which has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may help prevent cognitive decline. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers found that EGCG can reduce beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Another study found that EGCG can improve cognitive function and reduce brain inflammation in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms.

These studies suggest that the antioxidants in matcha, particularly EGCG, may have powerful benefits for brain health and may help protect against cognitive decline and disease. L-theanine is an amino acid found in matcha that has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain.

It works by increasing alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxed alertness. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on cognitive function.

In a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, researchers found that consuming L-theanine improved relaxation and reduced stress in participants compared to a placebo group. Another study published in the journal Biological Psychology found that L-theanine can improve attention and reaction time in response to cognitive stress.

These studies suggest that the L-theanine in matcha can have powerful benefits for reducing stress and improving cognitive function.

The antioxidants and other compounds in matcha have powerful neuroprotective properties, which can help protect the brain from aging and disease.

In addition to its antioxidant content, matcha also contains other compounds that have been shown to have neuroprotective effects , including the amino acid theanine and the polyphenol catechin.

One study published in the journal Nutrients found that drinking green tea, which contains many of the same compounds as matcha, was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults.

Another study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that the polyphenol catechin can improve spatial memory and reduce cognitive decline in mice. These studies suggest that consuming matcha, with its high concentration of antioxidants, theanine, and catechins, may help protect the brain from aging and disease and support overall brain health.

Now that we've explored the science behind matcha and brain health, let's take a look at some delicious matcha recipes that can help support cognitive function.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and a splash of hot water until it forms a smooth paste. This matcha latte recipe is a great way to start your day and give your brain a boost of energy and focus. The almond milk provides a creamy and nutty flavor, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness.

Matcha tea is a kind of green tea. It may be good for your heart, weight, and other aspects of health due to its antioxidant content. Matcha is popular in health stores and coffee shops, available as matcha shots, lattes, teas, and desserts.

Like green tea , matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Farmers shade the plants used for matcha for most of the growth period. This lack of direct sunlight increases chlorophyll production, boosts the amino acid content, and gives the plant a darker green hue 1.

After harvesting the leaves, producers remove the stems and veins and grind the leaves into a fine powder. This is matcha. Matcha contains the nutrients from the entire tea leaf and contains more caffeine and antioxidants than are typically present in green tea.

Studies of matcha and its components have unearthed a variety of benefits, showing that it can help protect the liver, promote heart health, and even aid in weight loss. Matcha is rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds in tea that act as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help stabilize harmful free radicals, compounds that can damage cells and cause chronic disease.

Matcha is grown in the shade. When the leaves are harvested, the catechin content is lower than in other types of green tea. However, when you dissolved in water, it produces 3 times more 1. One study showed that giving mice matcha supplements reduced damage caused by free radicals and enhanced antioxidant activity 2.

Including matcha in your diet could increase your antioxidant intake, which may help prevent cell damage and lower your risk of several chronic diseases 3. The liver is vital to health and plays a central role in flushing out toxins, metabolizing drugs, and processing nutrients.

Some studies have found that matcha may help protect the health of your liver. A review of 15 studies found that drinking green tea was associated with a decreased risk of liver disease 4. However, in , some experts noted that while matcha may benefit people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD by reducing liver enzymes, it may increase liver enzymes in people without NAFLD 5.

More research is needed to look at the effects of matcha on the general population since most research is limited to studies examining the effects of green tea extract in animals. Some studies have shown that matcha could prevent liver damage and decrease the risk of liver disease.

However, additional studies are needed to look at the effects on humans in the general population. Some research shows that several of the components in matcha could help enhance brain function.

One study in 23 people looked at how people performed on a series of tasks designed to measure brain performance. Some participants consumed either matcha tea or a bar containing 4 grams of matcha, while the control group consumed a placebo tea or bar.

Those that consumed matcha showed improvements in attention, reaction time, and memory compared with those consuming the placebo 6. Another small study showed that consuming 2 grams of green tea powder daily for 2 months helped improve brain function in older people 7.

Matcha has a higher concentration of caffeine than green tea. Matcha also contains a compound called L-theanine , which alters the effects of caffeine, promoting alertness and helping avoid the crash in energy levels that can follow caffeine consumption 8. How else can matcha boost your energy and focus?

Matcha has been shown to improve attention, memory, and reaction time. It also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can improve several aspects of brain function.

Matcha contains some compounds that have been linked to cancer prevention in test tubes and animal studies. For instance, matcha is high in epigallocatechingallate EGCG , a type of catechin that may have powerful anti-cancer properties.

Some laboratory and animal studies have suggested it may help prevent some types of cancer, although more research is needed 1 , 9. Test tube and animal studies have found that the compounds in matcha may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Some research has suggested that drinking green tea, which has a similar nutrient profile to matcha, may help protect against heart disease.

Green tea consumption has been linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, compared with coffee, and some studies have suggested it might help lower the risk of high blood pressure and other complications in people with heart disease The compounds in matcha are similar to those in green tea, and some people have suggested it may have similar benefits.

However, at least one animal study appears to contradict this claim This combination can help stimulate creative thinking and increase productivity. Furthermore, the antioxidants in matcha may also help protect brain cells from damage and promote overall brain health, which can support long-term creativity and productivity.

Antioxidants play an important role in brain health, as they can help protect brain cells from damage and inflammation. Oxidative stress, which is caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body, can contribute to aging and disease. By consuming foods and beverages that are high in antioxidants, such as matcha green tea, you can help support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Matcha is packed with antioxidants, including catechins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. One particular antioxidant found in matcha is epigallocatechin gallate EGCG , which has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may help prevent cognitive decline.

In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers found that EGCG can reduce beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Another study found that EGCG can improve cognitive function and reduce brain inflammation in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms.

These studies suggest that the antioxidants in matcha, particularly EGCG, may have powerful benefits for brain health and may help protect against cognitive decline and disease.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in matcha that has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain. It works by increasing alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxed alertness.

This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on cognitive function. In a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, researchers found that consuming L-theanine improved relaxation and reduced stress in participants compared to a placebo group.

Another study published in the journal Biological Psychology found that L-theanine can improve attention and reaction time in response to cognitive stress. These studies suggest that the L-theanine in matcha can have powerful benefits for reducing stress and improving cognitive function.

The antioxidants and other compounds in matcha have powerful neuroprotective properties, which can help protect the brain from aging and disease. In addition to its antioxidant content, matcha also contains other compounds that have been shown to have neuroprotective effects , including the amino acid theanine and the polyphenol catechin.

One study published in the journal Nutrients found that drinking green tea, which contains many of the same compounds as matcha, was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults.

Another study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that the polyphenol catechin can improve spatial memory and reduce cognitive decline in mice. These studies suggest that consuming matcha, with its high concentration of antioxidants, theanine, and catechins, may help protect the brain from aging and disease and support overall brain health.

Now that we've explored the science behind matcha and brain health, let's take a look at some delicious matcha recipes that can help support cognitive function.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and a splash of hot water until it forms a smooth paste. This matcha latte recipe is a great way to start your day and give your brain a boost of energy and focus. The almond milk provides a creamy and nutty flavor, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness.

This matcha smoothie recipe is packed with antioxidants and brain-boosting nutrients. The banana adds a creamy texture, while the blueberries provide a sweet and tart flavor. The almond milk and honey bring everything together and create a delicious and healthy drink. These matcha energy balls are a great snack to help boost mental clarity and focus.

The rolled oats provide fiber and sustained energy, while the almond butter and honey add a touch of sweetness. Matcha Research. Matcha Recipes.

About Us. Matcha Prime. Health Benefits. Lab Results. Log in. Pause slideshow Play slideshow NEW YEARS WELLNESS FREE SHIPPING MOST ORDERS. Introducing: The Brain Benefits of a Daily Tea Habit Not only did the research compare the brains of tea-drinkers and not, it similarly measured the benefits from tea-drinking compared to other caffeine sources like coffee [1], in order to control for whether it's solely caffeine.

Examples of those measurements included changes both: Functional — How the brain behaves and communicates with itself. Structural — How the brain anatomically changes in response to tea drinking, ultimately influencing function and vice versa.

Keep reading for the whole story: Your Brain on Tea: Japanese Matcha Tea and Brain Health Benefits Fueling more research just in the last year alone, these findings bring together numerous reports measuring the brain-health benefits of tea, especially the unique polyphenols found in green teas.

Moving on… Why Brain Connectivity Matters Tea and Brain Health The newest research between brain health and tea drinking is predicated on the neuroscience of neuro-connectivity. Measuring Brain Health: How tea drinking may protect neurological health Any given cognitive indicator is interconnected with most other measurements of brain health.

How Matcha Tea Boosts Brain Health — Japanese Green Tea and Brain Connections Pointing out how both types of connectivity are involved with one another, it appears that tea drinking may make for positive changes in both areas and through one another. Default Mode Network and Tea Drinking As the study highlighted, some measurements of cognitive improvements were not as conclusive as others.

The Bottom Line For centuries, tea drinking has been thought to safely boost longevity and sharpness of cognition through age. Habitual tea drinking modulates brain efficiency: evidence from brain connectivity evaluation. Aging Albany NY , 11 11 , Natural mood foods: the actions of polyphenols against psychiatric and cognitive disorders.

Nutritional neuroscience, 15 3 , Polyphenolic compounds as electron shuttles for sustainable energy utilization. Biotechnology for Biofuels, 12 1 ,