Do matcha tea antioxidants help with weight loss?
Matcha tea is rich in catechins and in particular EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). Coming from the polyphenol family, these molecules have formidable antioxidant powers. This is good because they are present in very large quantities in matcha, this powdered green tea long considered by the Samurai as a medicine.
Antioxidants are essential to maintain the body in good health in the long term. They would help:
- Fight against cellular aging and oxidative stress due to the action of free radicals
- Limit the appearance of certain diseases (notably cardiovascular)
- Eliminate toxins present in the body more easily due to their draining and diuretic properties
Belonging to shade teas, it is during its cultivation (in darkness) that matcha tea is full of antioxidants. In fact, it comes from a variety of tea plants called Tencha, the bushes of which are protected from the sun by an arbor before harvest. This process aims to slow down the growth of the tea plant and allows it to draw from the soil all the nutrients it needs, thus giving rise to leaves full of antioxidants and trace elements.
These are then picked and roasted in order to stop oxidation and boost their antioxidant properties. They will finally be ground into a fine powder and will retain all their benefits.
Consumption of matcha tea therefore does not directly contribute to weight loss but would help eliminate it due to its draining and diuretic properties.
Caffeine, the ultimate slimming ally
Matcha tea also contains caffeine, a slimming ingredient par excellence due to its fat-burning properties. Also called theine because they actually form one and the same molecule, it is found in all teas but in greater or lesser quantities. Matcha has a little more than average. Depending on the quality of your tea and your dosage, you will find around 60 mg of caffeine in your cup. This caffeine offers a boost of energy but is also known for its fat-burning effect. In fact, it promotes the fat burning process (lipolysis) and stimulates metabolism. This is why its properties are often highlighted in weight loss.
Did you know that caffeine is ergogenic? In fact, it increases the availability of fatty acids in your body. Fats are then more easily burned during physical exercise. Enough to provide sustainable and quality fuel during a sporting activity.
Matcha contains dietary fiber
Matcha tea contains fiber. The latter being reduced to powder, when you drink matcha, you also ingest the plant, the leaves. In this way, you benefit from the fibers of the tea leaves much better than with an infusion of these leaves. Green tea fibers are easily integrated by the body, they help stabilize blood sugar levels and help digestion. Fiber also creates a feeling of satiety, that is, your brain believes that you no longer need to eat, that you have what you need to do your activities.
L-theanine to easily destock and eliminate fat
Matcha tea also contains L-theanine, an element known to relax and unwind. A cup of this Japanese green tea will allow you to relieve pressure while having a feeling of well-being. Through its relaxing and soothing action, L-theanine has an impact on stress levels, well known to cause weight gain and fat storage in many people.
How to integrate matcha tea into your diet?
Water matcha: the traditional recipe and 0 calories
Water matcha is the 0 calorie option as only water is added to the green tea powder. This recipe will have no impact on the weight indicated on the scale and is perfect for people wishing to lose weight while having fun. There are 2 ways to prepare water matcha:
USUCHA WAY: fine 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. This should not be hotter as it risks making the matcha bitter.
- Whisk the mixture to mix well and homogenize.
- Enjoy!
- Optional: add ice cubes to the preparation to make it even cooler.
KOICHA WAY: thick
You must 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). The dosages can be refined according to your tastes.
Matcha latte: the gourmet but healthy option
- Put the matcha tea powder at 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 hot).
- Mix everything using a special matcha whisk.
- Add a touch of milk and that’s it!
- Optional: you can add ice cubes to make it even cooler and thirst-quenching.
The matcha and banana smoothie: the sporty option
If you want to integrate matcha tea into your diet other than by preparing it as a tea, you have many options. Discover, for example, the pleasure of a banana and matcha tea smoothie that is very easy to make. Dissolve a small spoonful of matcha tea in two tablespoons of hot water. Mix a banana, 125 ml of 0% Greek yogurt and 125 ml of milk. Add the matcha tea and enjoy immediately.
Which matcha tea to choose to make the most of its slimming benefits?
At Kusmi, we recommend that you opt for a Premium matcha Ceremonial type from Japan. Also pay attention to the color of the matcha tea, make sure it is bright green and not khaki! Because drinking matcha tea means consuming entirely ground tea leaves, the organic designation is also welcome. This guarantees a quality product due to the controls that are carried out during cultivation, production and development of the product.
As you will have understood, drinking matcha tea cannot make you lose weight in one sip and has an indirect impact on weight loss. However, thanks to its draining and diuretic properties, it contributes to the elimination of toxins. It represents a health ally that you will soon no longer be able to do without. A healthy and varied diet as well as regular sporting 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? ?