Do the antioxidants in matcha tea help with weight loss?
Matcha tea is rich in catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). From the polyphenol family, these molecules have remarkable antioxidant properties. Fortunately, they are present in very large quantities in matcha, this powdered green tea long considered a medicine by the Samurai.
Antioxidants are thought to be essential for keeping the body healthy in the long term. They may help to:
- Combat cellular ageing and oxidative stress caused by the action of free radicals
- Limit the onset of certain diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases
- Help eliminate toxins present in the body more easily thanks to their draining and diuretic properties
As a shade-grown tea, matcha tea becomes packed with antioxidants during cultivation in the dark. Indeed, it comes from a variety of tea plant called Tencha, whose shrubs are protected from the sun by a canopy before harvesting. This process slows the growth of the tea plant and enables it to draw all the nutrients it needs from the soil, resulting in leaves packed with antioxidants and trace elements.
They are then picked and roasted to stop oxidation and boost their antioxidant properties. Finally, they are ground into a fine powder and retain all their benefits.
Drinking matcha tea therefore does not directly contribute to weight loss, but may help with elimination thanks to its draining and diuretic properties.
Caffeine, the ultimate slimming ally
Matcha tea also contains caffeine, an excellent slimming aid due to its fat-burning properties. Also called theine, as they are in fact one and the same molecule, it is found in all teas, in greater or lesser quantities. Matcha contains slightly more than average. Depending on the quality of your tea and your dosage, your cup will contain around 60 mg of caffeine. This caffeine provides an energy boost and is also known for its fat-burning effect. Indeed, it promotes the process of fat burning (lipolysis) and stimulates metabolism. This is why its properties are often highlighted in weight loss.
Did you know that caffeine is ergogenic? Indeed, it increases the availability of fatty acids in your body. Fat is then burned more easily during physical exertion, providing lasting, high-quality fuel during sporting activity.
Matcha contains dietary fibre
Matcha tea contains fibre. As it is ground into powder, when you drink matcha, you also consume the plant itself, including the leaves. In this way, you benefit from the fibre in tea leaves far more than with an infusion of these leaves. Green tea fibre is thought to be easily absorbed by the body; it may help stabilise blood sugar levels and aid digestion. Fibre also creates a feeling of fullness, meaning your brain feels that you no longer need to eat and have what you need to carry out your activities.
L-theanine to help release and eliminate fat easily
Matcha tea also contains L-theanine, a compound recognised for helping to relax and unwind. A cup of this Japanese green tea can therefore help take the pressure off while providing a feeling of wellbeing. Through its relaxing and soothing action, L-theanine has an impact on stress levels, which are well known to cause weight gain and fat storage in many people.
How can you incorporate matcha tea into your diet?
Matcha with water: the traditional recipe with 0 calories
Matcha with water is the 0-calorie option, as only water is added to the green tea powder. This recipe will have no impact on the number shown on the scales and is perfectly suited to people wishing to lose weight while still enjoying themselves. There are 2 ways to prepare matcha with water:
USUCHA STYLE: light and airy
- Pour matcha tea powder (¾ of a tablespoon) into the bottom of a cup or bowl.
- Heat 75 ml of water to 75°C and pour it into the cup or bowl. It must not be hotter, otherwise the matcha may become bitter.
- Whisk the mixture well to combine and make it smooth.
- Enjoy!
- Optional: add ice cubes to the mixture to make it even fresher.
KOICHA STYLE: thick
Follow the same process as for the Usucha method, but add more matcha (1 to 2 teaspoons) and less water (no more than 70 ml). Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
Matcha latte: the indulgent yet healthy option
- Place the matcha tea powder in the bottom of a cup.
- Heat 60 to 80 ml of water to 75°C and pour it into the cup (it should be hot but not scalding).
- Mix everything together using a special matcha whisk.
- Add a splash of milk and you are done!
- Optional: you can add ice cubes to make it even fresher and more refreshing.
The matcha and banana smoothie: the sporty option
If you would like to incorporate matcha tea into your diet in ways other than preparing it as tea, there are many possibilities. For example, discover the pleasure of a very easy-to-make banana and matcha tea smoothie. Dissolve one teaspoon of matcha tea in two tablespoons of hot water. Blend one banana, 125 ml of 0% Greek yoghurt and 125 ml of milk. Add the matcha tea and enjoy immediately.
Which matcha tea should you choose to make the most of its slimming benefits?
At Kusmi, we recommend choosing a premium ceremonial-grade Matcha from Japan. Also pay attention to the colour of the matcha tea: make sure it is bright green rather than khaki! Since drinking matcha tea means consuming ground tea leaves in their entirety, organic certification is also welcome. It guarantees a quality product thanks to the checks carried out during cultivation, production and processing.
As you will have understood, drinking matcha tea will not make you lose weight in a single sip and has only an indirect impact on weight loss. However, thanks to its draining and diuretic properties, it contributes to the elimination of toxins. It is a health ally you will soon be unable to do without. A healthy, varied diet and regular physical activity remain the best ways to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Discover our range of organic green teas!
Also read: Is green tea really a slimming ally?