Matcha is a go-to drink of the health and wellness crowd, and for good reason. Prepared from the ground leaves of green tea, matcha has incredible health benefits that are continuously studied and proven.

If you’ve never tried it, here are 10 reasons to enjoy a matcha latte next time you want a tasty and healthy drink.

Enhances Brain Function

The caffeine in matcha works as a natural stimulant, boosting focus and energy, but without the potential anxiety or energy crash that can happen with coffee. This is because of another amino acid that matcha contains, L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and alertness at the same time.

Healthy Skin

Consuming matcha offers skin benefits, too. One of the compounds found in matcha, epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG for short, provides antibacterial and antibiotic properties, which is great for acne-prone skin. It can rejuvenate skin cells, thus helping with smoother skin. Thanks to its high chlorophyll content, matcha can also protect the skin from sun damage or sunspots.

High in Antioxidants

Matcha is high in antioxidants due to its catechins, a class of plant compounds in the tea. The more matcha you consume, the higher your antioxidant intake, which can help prevent cell damage, and lowers risks of certain diseases.

Anti-Carcinogenic Effects

A 1995 study found that green tea consumption led to a lower risk of stomach cancer, and many other studies showcased the anticarcinogenic effects of matcha.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Green tea also contains flavonoids, compounds that are known to have antioxidant properties. According to a 2009 research, “tea flavonoids reduce inflammation, have antimicrobial effects and prevent tooth decay”.

Anti-Viral Properties

Green tea catechins, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have been reported to have broad-spectrum antiviral effects against various viruses.

Helps With Weight Loss

Green tea extract is known to boost your metabolism and burn fat, thus aiding with weight loss. A 2020 review demonstrated that taking 500 mg of green tea for 12 weeks, combined with a dietary plan and exercise, might lower body mass index.

The National Institute for Health claims that green tea “increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, reduces lipogenesis and fat absorption,” and also has a “possible modest effect on body weight.”

Promotes Dental Health

Thanks to green tea's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, matcha is great for dental health.

A 2011 Harvard review reported that “there is an explicit association between the consumption of green tea and oral health. It is also evident that green tea products have been used for preventing and treating several oral and periodontal diseases.” In the study, one double-blind trial involved participants rinsing their mouths with green tea after meals for 3 days, and the results showed that their plaque formation decreased between 30% and 43%.

Promotes Heart Health

Matcha can also promote heart health by lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases or high blood pressure. A 2019 study on heart strokes and the consumption of green tea discovered that people who drank 3 cups of green tea per day lowered their risk of stroke by 21% compared to those who drank just one cup.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Research from 2019 published in the Journal of Functional Foods suggests that drinking matcha can help reduce anxiety and stress. These calming effects are thanks to the activation of dopamine D1 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors.