Matcha: helps to lose weight and has more qualities than green tea

It’s no secret that teas can offer numerous health benefits. Carqueja, for example, is commonly indicated for digestive disorders and liver problems; lemon balm, for mild anxiety and insomnia, as a real tranquilizer… This is among many other tea options that really make a difference in people’s lives.

But when it comes to weight loss, one always stands out: green tea. Until recently it was even seen as the best option for those who wanted to speed up metabolism and promote fat burning.

However, although it has not yet completely lost its fame, a new tea has stood out and is already pointed out by most people as the main ally in weight loss: Matcha.

But what kind of tea is this anyway? What benefits does it offer? Is it, in fact, better than green tea? Check out all the answers below.

What is Matcha?

Camila Secches, endocrinologist, specialist in Nutrology and professor of Endocrinology at the Faculty of Medicine of Itajubá, explains that Matchá is a high quality powdered green tea, extracted from a plant called Camellia Sinensis.

“Traditionally it is used to prepare tea, but it can also be added to shakes, juices and other recipes”, adds the endocrinologist.

Matcha benefits

But why is Matcha so successful? Are the benefits it offers really important?

Below you can see the main advantages of its consumption:

1. Thermogenic and antioxidant

Camila explains that it is rich in flavonoids and caffeine, which are considered thermogenic (increase metabolism) and have antioxidant properties (slow down the aging of cells).

2. Energy

Caffeine, present in Matchá, according to Camila, is also a natural energy source and, therefore, foods that contain it are sought after by those who practice physical activity.

3. Muscle recovery

The endocrinologist adds that Matcha has a high concentration of amino acids due to its production method, which is different from other green teas. “Amino acids are essential for the maintenance of the body’s muscles and, therefore, this tea is recognized for helping in the recovery process after muscle fatigue”, she explains.

Does matcha help you lose weight?

Tea can be very useful in a weight loss diet, but like other teas/products, it doesn’t work miracles. What he will do is give a “stray” in the weight loss process if the person is eating properly and practicing physical activity.

That’s because the flavonoids and caffeine found in the plant speed up metabolism. In addition, Matcha can help by giving more energy to practitioners of physical activities, and still acts in muscle recovery.

How to consume Matcha?

Camila explains that the ideal daily dose should be recommended by the doctor or nutritionist, according to the needs and limitations of each individual. “But consumption should not exceed 20g a day,” he says.

“In addition to being used as tea, as it is sold in powder form, it can also be added to recipes for cakes, quiches, juices and shakes. Because it is associated with weight loss and improved muscle performance, it has become a sensation in the fitness world and there are already several ideas for recipes with Matchá”, adds the endocrinologist.

Matcha x green tea

Camila points out that both are extracted from the same plant, however, the process of preparing Matchá is different, especially in relation to the maturation and fermentation of the leaves. “Camellia Sinensis bushes are mulched a few weeks before their leaves are harvested, in order to avoid direct sunlight,” he says.

This procedure, as the endocrinologist explains, stimulates an increase in chlorophyll levels, which leaves the leaf with a darker green color and increases the production of amino acids. “At harvest time, only the best shoots are chosen,” she says.

“After being harvested, the leaves are stretched to dry and, when dry, they are crushed very slowly in stone mills, until they are reduced to powder. Only after this process, they will be used to manufacture Matchá”, adds Camila.

The endocrinologist points out that this is considered a higher quality tea than green tea. “The flavor is more pronounced and it’s also more expensive,” she explains.

Are there any contraindications for consumption?

Camila explains the contraindications of tea:

• Because it is rich in caffeine, it is not recommended for people with anxiety, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension and difficulty sleeping.
• Pregnant and lactating women should only use it with medical approval.
• The ideal is to use it as far away from bedtime as possible, so as not to compromise the quality of sleep.

“The contraindications are similar to those of coffee and other teas rich in caffeine”, adds the endocrinologist.

Where can you find Matcha?

Camila points out that tea is sold in powder form in natural products stores and oriental markets.

Recipes with Matcha

Below you can see some different ways to consume Matcha:

1. Milk matcha

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon of Matcha
• 50 ml of boiled water
• 300 ml plant-based milk (such as soy, oat, almond or rice milk)
• Honey or agave to sweeten

Preparation: Dilute the Matcha powder in hot water and beat well until it dissolves completely. Add the hot milk and mix more. Then just sweeten to taste.

2. Grape Juice and Matcha

Ingredients

• 50 ml of whole grape juice
• 1 teaspoon of Matcha
• 200 ml of water
• ½ cup of lemon
• mint to taste

Preparation: Combine all the ingredients and hit the blender until a homogeneous mixture is formed. Drink it iced/with ice.

Now you have all the information about the tea that has been stealing the show and standing out more than the traditional green tea. Remember that, although the use of Matcha can bring benefits, it should not be consumed in excess and that the ideal is to have the guidelines of a nutritionist to include it in the diet.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.