A doctor has revealed that a lesser-known beverage, packed with more antioxidants than green tea, could potentially combat cancer and offer a host of health benefits.
Dr Sarah Jarvis suggests that matcha, a type of green tea, can aid in liver protection, heart health enhancement, and weight loss. Furthermore, its high antioxidant content could help ward off cancer and heart attacks by neutralising harmful chemicals, she claims.
Matcha is derived from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant and is traditionally consumed during ceremonies or special occasions in Japan. However, its consumption has broadened in recent years.
In My Weekly, Dr Jarvis explained: “Because of the way matcha tea is made (from the whole leaf), it’s higher in antioxidants than green tea. Antioxidants can neutralise harmful chemicals called free radicals.”
She added: “These can damage your cells and are linked to stroke, heart attacks and cancer. Coffee and regular tea also contain antioxidants, but matcha provides a more concentrated form.”, reports Surrey Live.
However, she also warned that matcha tea is high in caffeine, which can provide an energy boost but may disrupt sleep if consumed too close to bedtime.
Healthline reports that matcha is rich in catechins, natural antioxidants that can stabilise free radicals. One study suggested that matcha supplements reduced damage caused by free radicals and even increased antioxidant activity.
In a separate study, it was suggested that incorporating matcha into your diet could increase your antioxidant intake, which helps prevent cell damage and potentially reduces the risk of certain chronic diseases.
The publication stated that it has compounds that have been associated with cancer prevention in both test tube and animal studies, highlighting that it contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
EGCG is a type of catechin that could have significant cancer-fighting properties, with some studies indicating that it could help stave off some forms of cancer, although it conceded that more research is required.
However, Healthline advised moderation in consuming matcha, as it contains more caffeine than green tea, which can cause side effects like an increased heart rate.
Furthermore, scientists have warned that high catechin intake could lead to liver problems, though this is unlikely when consumed as a drink or food.
It could also increase the risk of a person being exposed to things like pesticides, chemicals, and arsenic that are in the soil where the plants are grown.
However, research suggests that a daily intake of 338 mg of catechin and EGCG is safe for adults. To give you an idea, this is roughly equivalent to 4g of matcha or 2 level teaspoons.