Matcha tea is a type of green tea. Your doctor, nutritionist, and personal trainer may all agree that green tea is healthy and helps with weight loss. 

However, matcha tea is even better. To start with, it has more antioxidants. In fact, it is the beverage with the most antioxidants. These antioxidants and other nutrients (including vitamins and minerals) help with weight loss. How? Read on to find out…

Detoxification

The most prevalent antioxidant in green tea is EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate). Matcha, derived from the same plant as other green teas, has 137 times more ECGC than regular green tea. Scientists attribute that to the fact matcha is derived from young green tea leaves. Also, it is in powder form. As such, you consume the leaves in whole, as opposed to other teas where you strain and discard the leaves. 

But why are antioxidants important in weight loss? Unhealthy foods and other lifestyle choices such as smoking lead to a build-up of toxins in the body. These toxins contribute to weight gain. With the help of antioxidants, which reduce free oxygen radicals, your body flushes out toxins. 

Not only do antioxidants help with weight loss but also boost immunity, improve digestion, and prevent constipation. Ultimately, antioxidants improve your overall health. 

Boost metabolism

One of the things to watch out for when trying to lose weight is your metabolic rate. No matter how less you eat, if your metabolic rate is slow, you will not shed as much weight. Metabolic rate is the primary reason physical exercises are part of weight loss programs. 

Science supports that antioxidants help boost metabolism. Green teas have ECGC, one of the most potent antioxidants in metabolism-boosting. ECGC, which is in very high levels in matcha, improves the metabolic rate by as much as 17% during and after exercise.

Lower in calories

Your body can only use so many calories. And, unused calories are converted and stored as fat. So, one key to losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight is taking low-calorie foods, such as matcha tea.

One gram of matcha powder has three calories. You only need one or two grams of matcha powder per serving. 

Moreover, ECGC boosts the production of cholecystokinin, the hormone that makes you feel full. Therefore, a cup of matcha tea between meals will help resist the calorie-packed snacks in your pantry or vending machine.

Provides a long-lasting energy boost

Like other green teas, matcha has caffeine. However, it has L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation. Therefore, a cup of matcha boosts your energy levels without giving you jitters.

L-theanine boosts the alpha waves in your brain, thereby providing relaxed clarity that lasts hours. 

Additionally, matcha helps with endurance during physical exercise.  Caffeine combined with other natural properties in matcha improves physical endurance by as much as 24%. Even if your daily routine does not involve a grueling workout, enhanced physical endurance will help in your regular marathon: be it juggling class and work or balancing work and taking care of your kids. 

Inhibits absorption of fat

Your body breaks down the fat in your diet from large fat molecules to smaller absorbable units called triglycerides. If these triglycerides are not used in energy production, they are stored.

The catechins in matcha improve metabolism, therefore, improving the burning of these fats. Also, they inhibit the ability of your digestive system to breakdown fat. That translates to fewer triglycerides which can be absorbed and stored.

Lowers stress

Stress results in the secretion of cortisol, the stress hormone. High levels of cortisol result in inflammation, restlessness, and fatigue. Generally, stress results in weight gain, especially in the belly area. Remember, some people overeat when stressed. On the flip side, stress results in unhealthy weight loss. Being underweight is just as dangerous as being overweight.

The caffeine and l-theanine in matcha promote relaxation and calmness. Plus, the antioxidants will counteract the inflammatory effects of high cortisol levels in your system.

Reduces bad cholesterol

Most overweight people have high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). LDL clogs arteries and can lead to cardiac arrest and strokes. 

Green tea reduces LDL and increases HDL (good cholesterol). 

The bottom line: Matcha green tea is good for weight loss

If you are serious about weight loss and healthy living, matcha tea should be part of your diet. Aside from weight loss, matcha has other benefits such as:

• Promoting heart health
• Improving your skin
• Boosting your immunity
• Improving oral health
• Provides vitamin such as B1, B2, A, C and F

However, to reap the weight loss and other benefits, the quality of matcha matters. Here you will find a review of 5 matcha green teas with real matcha green tea benefits. 

Remember, matcha has caffeine, about 70g in one cup. So, overdrinking it might result in an unpleasant energy spike. For weight loss, experts recommend between three and five cups a day. 

Note that, matcha is not a miracle solution to weight loss. It does not replace your weight loss routine. It is a healthy you add to your diet to help with your weight loss.