Let’s be honest.
Most of us like having a quick fix for everything in our life- including our health. Even when we preach to others and tell ourselves that good health and wellbeing can only be built gradually and that it is a continuous process, we are always on the lookout for shortcuts. A miracle drink here, a super pill there; anything that claims to give fast results, we want it.
Green tea is one such superfood that is often quoted as an answer to all your prayers. From fat-burning to glowing skin, components in green tea are said to be a miraculous ingredient that gives you results at the snap of your fingers. But is it all true? Are green tea-infused products effective? In this article, experts at Teami Blends are ready to set the record straight and defend the star ingredient in many of our products- matcha green tea.
Matcha Green Tea- The Reality
Every single food that mother nature has blessed with us contains nutrients that can nourish and protect us in some way. Green tea- particularly matcha green tea is one such green food. Made from the Camellia sinensis plant, the leaves of the plant are not allowed to undergo oxidation, in contrast to the more commonly known and used black tea.
Farmers cultivating matcha cover their plants 20-30days before the harvest to avoid direct sunlight from falling on the leaves, thereby increasing chlorophyll production. This in turn boosts the amino acid content in the leaves, turning them a darker shade of green. This process differentiates green tea by its vibrant green color and specific flavor. Once the tea leaves are harvested, the stems and veins are systematically removed and the leaves are ground into a fine powder, which we call matcha.
Green tea is naturally rich in caffeine and various anti-inflammatory compounds. One of the most notable things about green tea is its high catechin content- particularly the Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG- an antioxidant that can protect our bodies from free radicals that are responsible for cell damage.
Due to the high EGCG content, matcha green tea powder is a highly sought-after ingredient in its pure form (ceremonial grade matcha) as well as a star component in various wellness products from food supplements to skincare products.
Various studies suggest the many benefits of matcha green tea powder, from promoting heart health to aiding weight loss. Here are some of the health benefits of matcha green tea according to science-
- Rich in antioxidants
As mentioned before, antioxidants, namely catechins, play a key role in stabilizing harmful free radicals. According to a widely used estimate, catechins in matcha are up to 137 times greater than in other types of green tea, making it a favored ingredient in many supplements. Intake of matcha green tea as a drink or through dietary supplements could therefore increase your antioxidant intake, which in turn reduce cell damage and provide protection against chronic diseases.
- Liver protection
Some studies note that the active ingredients in matcha may play a role in improving liver health. Matcha users are found to have significantly reduced levels of liver enzymes, which keeps the liver healthy, with reduced incidences of diseases.
- Improved brain functioning
Matcha green tea is found to have a positive impact on brain functioning. Researchers found that consuming matcha improves attention, reaction time and memory while performing various tasks. Matcha green tea has a higher amount of caffeine and L-theanine, a compound that can help avoid the crash in energy levels caused by caffeine. L-theanine has also been linked with inducing relaxation and reducing stress levels.
- It may help in cancer prevention
Matcha green tea is high in EGCG, which is a type of catechin that is believed to have powerful anti-cancer properties. Various test-tube studies conducted using EGCG in matcha have been found to kill cancer cells.
- Better heart health
Matcha green tea is also shown to reduce levels of total and “bad” LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides and prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, protecting against heart diseases and stroke. Observational studies comment that when combined with a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle, drinking matcha improves heart health.
- Helps lose weight
Matcha green tea is well known for its ability to speed up metabolism and increase energy expenditure, which in turn assists fat burning. Taking green tea extract during moderate exercise is found to increase fat burning up to 17%. Many weight watchers rely on green tea to reduce and maintain weight loss.
- Reduce acne
Matcha green tea is also widely used in skincare products due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Green tea facial scrubs and masks are found to be highly effective in the treatment of acne-prone and oily skin. The polyphenols found in matcha green tea can help control sebum production, without completely drying off the skin.
- Acts as a skin moisturizer
Matcha green tea contains several vitamins including vitamin E, which is known for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin. Green tea-infused skincare products are found to increase skin moisture and reduce roughness.
Green tea products- Are they effective?
Matcha green tea is undoubtedly a superfood. But how effective is it when infused in products?
Teami Blends have a wide range of matcha green tea products including Teami Matcha powder (original and flavored), Teami Greens Superfood Blend, Green Tea Detox Mask, Green Tea Facial Scrub, Superfood Liquid Cleanser and Superfood Moisturiser.
Our matcha green tea is a ceremonial Grade, USDA organic Japanese green tea powder, prepared and packed without losing any of its many benefits and goodness. The smooth and lightly sweet matcha can replace your cup of coffee and sustain you throughout the day. Matcha is also used in our Teami Greens superfood blend- a 16 green nutrients superfood that will help you meet your daily dose of veggies. Teami greens are packed with goodness from ingredients such wheatgrass, spirulina, spinach and our original matcha powder, promoting better energy levels and supporting digestion.
Apart from this, our matcha-infused skincare products are also highly popular among the Teami communitea. All these products have proprietary blends containing matcha green tea and other hand-picked vegan and Non-GMO ingredients, suitable for all skin types. Ingredients like matcha green tea, lemongrass, bentonite clay, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, olive derived squalane, avocado, hemp, etc. remove dirt, control sebum production, balance the pH, nourish and moisturize your skin, leaving it soft, supple, healthy and radiant. As the products are devoid of harmful chemicals, synthetic dyes, fragrance, alcohol, parabens and sulfates, they are completely safe and hypoallergenic as well.
Where to buy
All of Teami’s matcha green tea products are now available on the Teami Blends UAE website for purchase. If you wish to include the goodness of green tea in your everyday wellness routines, get your hands on these matcha-infused products today!
