Matcha Health Benefits

The health benefits of consuming green tea have been widely studied for many years all over the world, however it is only recently that a “turbo-charged” form of green tea called macha green tea, has made it’s way all the way from Japan to mainstream North American consumers.

The key to understanding the healing power of matcha tea, is to understand how it is made.  Matcha green tea is actually the ENTIRE green tea leaf ground to a find powder, resulting in a “turbo charged” form of green tea resulting in hundreds, sometimes thousands more nutrients than regular brewed or steeped green tea.  Sometimes called the “hulk” of green tea, matcha imparts a tremendous dose of all the important health-promoting constituents contained in green tea, plus additional nutrients that come from ingested the entire leaf.  Drinking one cup of matcha green tea is approximately equivalent to drinking 8-10 cups of regular green tea!  And matcha actually contains more anti-oxidants than blueberries.

Below is a list of the most powerful healing constituents of matcha, and how they affect the body:

What Matcha contains:

Theophylline – This unique form of caffeine is found only in tea, particularly green tea.  Theophylline releases very slowly, over 8-10 hours, thus providing sustained energy without the negative effects of caffeine.  

Due to this powerful and healthy form of caffeine found in matcha, it is the ideal way to “quit” the coffee habit.  There are innumerable testimonials of die-hard coffee drinkers who have been absolutely amazed at how easy it is to “quit” coffee, with none of the usual side effects, when introduced to matcha tea.

Theanine –  This is a new and exciting amino acid found exclusively in green tea.
Theanine has been shown to significantly increase alpha waves in the brain.  This induces a profound relaxing and calming effect, as well as increasing mental alertness and learning capacity.

Thermogenics  – Green tea has long been studied as a weight loss aid. Research now indicates that drinking green tea can boost metabolism by 35-40%, thus increasing fat burning capacity without any adverse side effects.

Anti-oxidants – The catechins found in green tea are some of the most powerful natural anti-oxidants, thereby having a strong anti-aging effect on the body.
The anti-oxidants in green tea are 100 times stronger than Vitamin C, and 25 times stronger than Vitamin E.
Matcha green tea contains 70 times the anti-oxidant capacity of orange juice, and 9 times the beta carotene of spinach.

Chorophyll  - Matcha contains extremely high levels of Chlorophyll, thus the brilliant emerald green color.  Chlorophyll is one of the most powerful blood detoxifyers, as well as supporting a healthy blood alkalinity.

Polyphenols and Catechins –  These phytonutrients are quickly becoming known as the most potent cancer fighting substances known to man.  
Matcha green tea contains the highest levels of these precious derivatives.

Adaptogenics – Green tea is an “adaptogen” which means it supports the adrenal glands by lowering levels of the “stress” hormone Cortisol.

Blood Pressure Lowering Catechins – Green Tea contains specific catechins that can lower blood pressure by preventing contraction of blood vessels through inhibition of Angiotensin.

Cholesterol Lowering agents – Green tea has been shown to decrease the levels of LDL (‘bad”) cholesterol while having no effect on HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Blood Sugar Stabilizers – The polysaccharides in green tea can protect against insulin spikes thus stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Anti-microbials – Green tea contains potent anti-biotics and anti-virals, lending itself to the prevention and treatment of many common ailments including flu, cold, food poisoning etc.
These anti-microbial catechins also prevent tooth decay and gum disease, as well as sweetening bad breath by balancing the gut microflora.

Below is a short list of the main health benefits of green tea/matcha green tea:

Anti-Cancer Properties

An article in New Scientist magazine[3] mentions that numerous studies suggest that green tea protects against a range of cancers, including lung, prostate and breast cancer. The reason cited is the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), according to Hirofumi Tachibana's team at Kyushu University in Japan. Their research showed that growth of human lung cancer cells that have a cell receptor called 67 LR is slowed significantly after drinking just two or three cups of green tea, which contains EGCG. The research also showed that 67 LR is involved in the propagation of prion diseases such as human Creutzfeldt-Jakob (related to mad cow disease in animals). This is not direct evidence of tea's effect on prion diseases, but a hint that EGCG's effect on 67 LR is an interesting lead in the search for treatments.[4]

According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, in laboratory studies using animals, catechins inactivated oxidants before cell damage occurred, reduced the number and size of tumors, and inhibited the growth of cancer cells.[citation needed]White tea has been claimed to be even more effective, based upon preliminary work by Santana-Rios et al.[5]
Another study from the Oxford Life Science journal Carcinogenesis showing a capacity of green tea in combination with tamoxifen is effective in suppressing breast cancer growth in vitro human breast cancer tumors and in vivo animal experiments in mice.[6]

Increases metabolic rate

Clinical trials conducted by the University of Geneva in Switzerland indicate that green tea raises metabolic rates and speeds up fat oxidation. In addition to caffeine, green tea contains catechin polyphenols that raise thermogenesis (the rate at which calories are burned), and hence increases energy expenditure.[7]
There is also a suggestion that it can increase endurance in exercise by improving fat metabolism.[8]

Possible anti-diabetes effect

There is also epidemiological evidence that drinking green tea (but not black tea or oolong tea) may help prevent diabetes,[9] although it is worth noting that this is evidence of an association, and that future studies are needed to confirm the effect.

Boosts immune system and mental alertness

The amino acid L-theanine, found almost exclusively in the tea plant, actively alters the attention networks of the brain, according to results of human trials announced in September 2007. John Foxe, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience, biology and psychology at City College of the City University of New York, found that theanine is absorbed by the small intestine and crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it affects the brain's neurotransmitters and increases alpha brain-wave activity. The result is a calmer, yet more alert, state of mind.[10] [11]
On 21 April 2003 the Brigham and Women's Hospital released details of a research project which indicated that theanine may help the body's immune system response when fighting infection, by boosting the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T cells. The study included a four-week trial with 11 coffee drinkers and 10 tea drinkers, who consumed 600ml of coffee or black tea daily. Blood sample analysis found that the production of anti-bacterial proteins was up to five times higher in the tea-drinkers, an indicator of a stronger immune response.[12]

Lowers chances of cognitive impairment

A 2006 study[13][14] showed that elderly Japanese people who consumed more than 2 cups of green tea a day had a 50 percent lower chance of having cognitive impairment, in comparison to those who drank fewer than 2 cups a day, or who consumed other tested beverages. This is probably due to the effect of EGEC, which passed through the Blood-brain barrier.

Lowers stress hormone levels

According to a study by UCL researchers published in the journal Psychopharmacology, drinking black tea has an effect on stress hormone levels in the body and thus helps in recovering more quickly from life's stresses. The study showed that, 50 minutes after a high stress event, subjects who drank 4 cups of black tea per day for a 4 week period experienced an average cortisol drop of 47%, compared to 27% for the placebo group. Blood platelet activation, which is linked to blood clotting and the risk of heart attacks was also lower in the tea drinker's group.[15]

Effects on HIV

A recent study appearing in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology stated that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in Green Tea can help to boost one's immune system, therefore helping to prevent HIV. University of Sheffield Research Professor Mike Williamson stated that, "Our research shows that drinking green tea could reduce the risk of becoming infected by HIV, and could also slow down the spread of HIV" however was quick to point out that, "It is not a cure, and nor is it a safe way to avoid infection, however, we suggest that it should be used in combination with conventional medicines to improve quality of life for those infected" as well as the fact that the research is in very early stages.[16]

Black tea compounds, however, has been shown to be even more effective than EGCG, especially Theaflavins and Thearubigins, which bind to HIV's gp41, which unlike gp120, can't be shed easily by HIV. However, far less research has been conducted on black tea compounds as compared to green tea, probably related to reasons of profit. Theaflavins are not found in green tea, but are closely related to EGCG.

EGCG Specific Mechanism

EGCG does this by competing for gp120 binding sites with HIV, and also protects the brain, which modern anti-retrovirals medicines cannot do, since they can't pass the blood brain barrier. This is one reason why HIV can never be eliminated as modern medicines can't penetrate the testes[17], brain, and kupffer cells of the liver[18], where HIV regroups. Both green and black tea compounds do penetrate the blood brain barrier. It has been shown clinically that EGCG and closely related black tea theaflavins have protective effects on many types of dementia, including AIDS related. EGCG particularly has been shown to deactivate HIV related toxins in vitro that are found in the infected brain. EGCG is also interferes with other stages of HIV replication, including HIV protease.

Oxalates
Oxalates, including those found in all teas are a mixed bag (see problems below), oxalates help with HIV and in general infections by mopping up free iron, one less thing for the immune system to do. Oxalates chelate zinc as well, a crucial nutrient for HIV to hijack a cell, as it has zinc fingers.

Effects on bad breath
Researchers at the University of Chicago stated that polyphenols help inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.[19]

Iron overload disorders
Researchers in Germany have found that a daily cup of black tea can help stop excess iron damaging the bodies of people who suffer from haemochromatosis due to its high content of tannin which limits iron absorption.[20]

References

• N. H. Woodward, Teas of the World (1980), as cited in D. A. Balentine, M. E. Harbowy, H. N. Graham, Tea: The Plant and Its Manufacture; Chemistry and Consumption of the Beverage in Caffeine ed G. Spiller (1998)
• Green Tea: from the University of Maryland Medical Center Alternative/Complementary Medicine library
• New Scientist, 20 March 2004
• Hirofumi Tachibana, Kiyoshi Koga, Yoshinori Fujimura & Koji Yamada; A receptor for green tea polyphenol EGCG, Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, 2004, http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1038/nsmb743
• Santana Rios, G.; Orner, G. A.; Amantana, A.; Provost, C.; Wu, S-Y.; Dashwood, R. H.; Potent antimutagenic activity of white tea in comparison with green tea in the Salmonella assay Mutation Research, 495 61-74 (2001)
• "The combination of green tea and tamoxifen is effective against breast cancer." Sartippour MR, et al. Carcinogenesis. 2006 Dec;27(12):2424-33. Epub 2006 Jun 19.
• Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans -- Dulloo et al. 70 (6): 1040 -- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [1]
• Takatoshi Murase, Satoshi Haramizu, Akira Shimotoyodome, Ichiro Tokimitsu, and Tadashi Hase Green tea extract improves running endurance in mice by stimulating lipid utilization during exercise Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 290: R1550-R1556, 2006. [2]
• Iso H et al. (2006). "The Relationship between Green Tea and Total Caffeine Intake and Risk for Self-Reported Type 2 Diabetes among Japanese Adults" 144 (8): 554–62.
• Fourth International Scientific Symposium on Tea & Human Health
• Juneja, LR, Chu, DC, Okubo, T, Nagato, Y, & Yokogoshi, H. (1999). L-Theanine - a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 10(2), 199-204.
• Drinking Tea May Boost Immune System
• "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" (Vol. 83, pp.355-361).
  [http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?id=66142 Green tea could protect against Alzheimer’s]
  Black tea soothes away stress
• Green tea 'may keep HIV at bay
• [3]
• [4]
• http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-05/uoia-tfb051403.php
• http://members.tripod.com/~hemochromatose/onderwerpen/teabbc
• http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=58604-calls-for-fda
• http://www.bruha.com/pfpc/html/green_tea___.html
• Bhagwat, T et al., "Flavonoid composition of tea: Comparison of black and green teas", USDA Agricultural Research Service
• FDA Issues Information for Consumers about Claims for Green Tea and Certain Cancers
• Lorenz, M et al., "Addition of milk prevents vascular protective effects of tea", European Heart Journal (DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehl442)
• Milk wrecks the health benefits of tea, New Scientist, 09 January 2007
• Vijayakumar C. Reddy, G.V. Vidya Sagar, D. Sreeramulu, L. Venu, M. Raghunath, Addition of Milk Does Not Alter the Antioxidant Activity of Black Tea, Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 2005;49:189-195 PMID 16020939 [5]
• Widlansky ME, Duffy SJ, Hamburg NM, Gokce N, Warden BA, Wiseman S, Keaney JF Jr, Frei B, Vita JA. Effects of black tea consumption on plasma catechins and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease. Free Radic Biol Med. 2005 February 15;38(4):499-506. PMID 15649652
• http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0876/is_n56/ai_9164614

Effects Associated with Caffeine

Main article: Caffeine
A cup of green tea contains between 15 and 50 mg of caffeine. Certain cognitive benefits are associated with caffeine consumption, such as a reduction in the likelihood of Parkinson's disease and a temporary increase memory.

The key ingredients in matcha when it comes to imparting good health are EGCG  (Epigallo Catechin Gallate),  which is a powerful anti-oxidant found in high, therapeutic amounts in green tea.  Also, l-theanine, which is an amino acid found only in green tea and which imparts a powerful and unique relaxing effect on the nervous system.  Lastly, the form of caffeine found in matcha green tea is unique in that it creates a smooth, slow sustained release of energy in the body resulting in a healthy and powerful energy “boost”. 

Additionally, the combination of the above three key constituents (EGCG, caffeine, and l-theanine) is believed to be responsible for the strong thermogenic effect  of drinking matcha….in other words, you burn more calories!  Sustained consumption of green tea over 6-8 months has been show to increase the metabolic rate by almost 40%.  Matcha is a smart way to lose weight and gain better health!

Below is an more detailed overview of l-theanine, the amino acid found exclusively in green tea, and occurring in the highest doses in matcha green tea.  It is primarily responsible for the blissful, calming effect of drinking  matcha tea, and is perhaps why the Zen Buddhist monks and Samurai warriors drank it almost a thousand years ago!

Hundreds of studies exist showing the many health benefits of green tea. But what makes it the most consumed beverage in the world after water is its pleasant taste and relaxation effect. Both of these qualities—and more—can be traced to a unique, neurologically-active amino acid in tea called L-theanine (gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid).
L-theanine is a free (non-protein) amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants (Camellia sp.), constituting between 1 and 2-percent of the dry weight of tea leaves. It is the predominant amino acid in green tea leaves, giving tea its characteristic umami or "5th taste" (besides the four traditional tastes: sweet, salty, acid, and bitter). Attempts to isolate the L-theanine, with its physical and neurological benefits, from the tea leaves were once difficult, expensive, and inefficient. Economically feasible methods of producing the identical L-theanine now exist and do not require a mountain of tea leaves.

Physiological Effects The calming effect of green tea may seem contradictory to the stimulatory property of tea's caffeine content but it can be explained by the action of L-theanine. This amino acid actually acts antagonistically against the stimulatory effects of caffeine on the nervous system. (1) Research on human volunteers has demonstrated that L-theanine creates a sense of relaxation in approximately 30-40 minutes after ingestion via at least two different mechanisms. First, this amino acid directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation. Second, L-theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA influences the levels of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, producing the key relaxation effect. (2)

Alpha Brain Activity
The brain emits weak electrical impulses (brain waves) that can be measured on the surface of the head. The predominant frequency of electrical impulses correlates with different types of mental states and activities. Brain waves are classified into four categories (delta, theta, alpha, and beta)—each with an associated mental state (Fig. 1). Delta is seen only in the deepest stages of sleep. Theta is seen in light sleep and drowsiness. Alpha is present in wakefulness where there is a relaxed and effortless alertness and Beta is seen in highly stressful situations and where there is difficulty in mental concentration and focus. It is well known that alpha brain waves are generated during a relaxed state and therefore alpha waves are used as an index of relaxation.

In one study of these mental responses to L-theanine, brain wave topography showed that alpha waves were observed from the back to the top of a person's head (occipital and parietal regions of the brain) within approximately 40 minutes after the subjects had taken either 50 or 200 mg of L-theanine. In a separate study, the intensity of alpha waves were determined to be dose dependent (with a 200 mg dose showing a significant increase over controls) and detectable after 30 minutes. (2,3)
Additional Benefits L-theanine has a significant effect on the release or reduction of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, resulting in improved memory and learning ability. L-theanine may also influence emotions due to its effects on the increased release of dopamine. L-theanine reduces brain serotonin concentration by either curtailing serotonin synthesis or increasing degradation in the brain.

The regulation of blood pressure is partly dependent upon catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons in both the brain and the peripheral nervous system. Studies on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) showed an impressive blood pressure lowering effect with L-theanine. The lowered blood pressure effect was dose-dependent with the highest test dose creating the most significant drop. L-glutamine was used as one of the controls. Although L-glutamine is similar in chemical structure to L-theanine, it did not exhibit an anti-hypertensive effect (Fig. 2). (3)

Preliminary studies report that L-theanine has been found to increase the anti-tumor activity of some chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin and idarubicin) and to ameliorate some of the side effects of these drugs. It appears to increase the inhibitory concentration of these drugs in the tumor cells, although the mechanism is not known. At the same time, L-theanine decreased oxidative stress caused by these agents on the normal cells, possibly due to its mild antioxidant activity. In this regard, L-theanine has been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation, catalyzed by copper, in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in vitro. (4)

Stress Relief
Stress and anxiety are debilitating conditions that upset the balance of our hormones leading to a loss of our well-being, performance, and even lifespan. Stress impairs the immune system, leaving us vulnerable to opportunistic infections, and can cause depression. In 1998, pharmaceutical sales of anti-anxiety drugs totaled over 700 million dollars, while sales of antidepressants totaled close to 5 billion dollars! People under stress can mitigate many of the harmful effects of stress with L-theanine without becoming sedated in the process. L-theanine doesn't make one drowsy, nor does it promote sleep because this amino acid does not produce theta waves in the brain. It should be noted that if an individual were already relaxed, taking L-theanine would not produce further relaxation.

Status and Usage
L-theanine has just recently been introduced to the U.S. market. Japan is credited with most of the clinical studies and information we possess thus far on L-theanine but research is ongoing. We do know that it is absorbed from the small intestine via a sodium-coupled active transport process. It crosses the blood-brain barrier, as evidenced by the mental effects. L-theanine competes for absorption in the intestinal tract and the brain with the amino acids found in the methionine group (leucine, isoleucine, and valine), however the concentrations of amino acids are unchanged by simultaneous ingestion of L-theanine.

L-theanine is extremely safe. There are no dietary limits on L-theanine intake by the Japan Food Additive Association. In 1964, the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare approved L-theanine for unlimited use in all foods, with the exception of infant foods.

The intended use of L-theanine is that of a mental and physical relaxant that does not induce drowsiness. Although there is no set schedule for taking L-theanine, it may generally be taken at the first signs of stress. Based on the results of the clinical studies, L-theanine is most effective in the range of 50-200 mg, with the effect being felt within 30 minutes and lasting for 8-10 hours. Individuals with high stress levels may increase their dosage of L-theanine to at least 100 mg, with no more than 600 mg being taken in a six hour period. FDA recommends a maximum dose of 1200 mg daily, although the reason for this limit is not clear, due to its demonstrated safety. There are no known adverse reactions to L-theanine and no drug interactions have been reported. L-theanine is not affected by food and may be taken anytime, as needed. Because it has a mild taste, capsules may be opened and dissolved in water. Although it is probably safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers, we discourage its use by them pending conclusive research.
Conclusion Research into L-theanine derived from the contradictory observation that green tea, with its high caffeine content, produces a very calming effect. The seemingly multi-dimensional reasons for this relaxation effect will continue to be studied. Current areas of ongoing research include using L-theanine as an alternative to Ritalin in children and adults, as a treatment for PMS, in controlling certain conditions of high blood pressure, in sharpening mental acuity and concentration, and as an anti-cancer agent alone and in synergy with other cancer-fighting agents. L-theanine may find another area of application for its use as a supplement in reducing the negative side effects of caffeine brought on by the over-consumption of coffee, soft drinks, or other caffeine-containing substances.

References

• Kakuda T, Nozawa A, Unno T, et al. Inhibiting effects of theanine on caffeine stimulation evaluated by EEG in the rat. Biosci Biotechno Biochem 2000; 64:287-293.
• Mason R. 200 mg of Zen; L-theanine boosts alpha waves, promotes alert relaxation. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 2001,April; 7:91-95
• Juneja LR, Chu D-C, Okubo T, et al. L-theanine a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends Food Sci Tech 1999; 10:199-204.
• Yokozawa T, Dong E. Influence of green tea and its three major components upon low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Exp Toxicol Pathol 1997; 49(5):329-335.

Below is a more detailed overview of EGCG (Epigallo Catechin Gallate), the most powerful anti-ocidant found in green tea, and one of the most potent cancer-fighters known today.

EGCG belongs to a class of compounds know as catechins, found almost exclusively in green tea, and in the highest doses in matcha tea in particular.

As study from the University of Colorady discovered that matcha tea contains 1327 times the amount of this powerful cancer-fighting subtance, EGCG, than regular brewed green tea. (See below).

This study, published in the Journal of Chromatography (Sept 5, 2003), was conducted at the University of Colorado, and determined that Matcha green tea contains 137 times more of the powerful anti-cancer catechin ECGC than regular “brewed” green tea. 

This is substantial evidence behind the potent health-promoting benefits of Matcha tea.

Determination of catechins in matcha green tea by micellar electrokinetic chromatography.

Weiss DJ, Anderton CR.

Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA. dweiss@uccs.edu

Catechins in green tea are known to have many beneficial health properties. Recently, it has been suggested that matcha has greater potential health benefits than other green teas. Matcha is a special powdered green tea used in the Japanese tea ceremony. However, there has been no investigation to quantitate the catechin intake from matcha compared to common green teas. We have developed a rapid method of analysis of five catechins and caffeine in matcha using micellar electrokinetic chromatography. Results are presented for water and methanol extractions of matcha compared with water extraction of a popular green tea. Using a mg catechin/g of dry leaf comparison, results indicate that the concentration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) available from drinking matcha is 137 times greater than the amount of EGCG available from China Green Tips green tea, and at least three times higher than the largest literature value for other green teas.

PMID: 14518774 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Another article, published  in the New Scientist magazine[3] mentions that numerous studies suggest that green tea protects against a range of cancers, including lung, prostate and breast cancer. The reason cited is the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), according to Hirofumi Tachibana's team at Kyushu University in Japan. Their research showed that growth of human lung cancer cells that have a cell receptor called 67 LR is slowed significantly after drinking just two or three cups of green tea, which contains EGCG. The research also showed that 67 LR is involved in the propagation of prion diseases such as human Creutzfeldt-Jakob (related to mad cow disease in animals). This is not direct evidence of tea's effect on prion diseases, but a hint that EGCG's effect on 67 LR is an interesting lead in the search for treatments.[4]
According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, in laboratory studies using animals, catechins inactivated oxidants before cell damage occurred, reduced the number and size of tumors, and inhibited the growth of cancer cells.[citation needed]White tea has been claimed to be even more effective, based upon preliminary work by Santana-Rios et al.[5]
Another study from the Oxford Life Science journal Carcinogenesis showing a capacity of green tea in combination with tamoxifen is effective in suppressing breast cancer growth in vitro human breast cancer tumors and in vivo animal experiments in mice.[6]

EGCG has been granted so much press recently as a powerful cancer fighter, not only in prevention but also in treatment of cancer, that a new  green tea drink has been released that has been granted the very FIRST FDA approved “anti-cancer” health claim.  Dr. Lee’s TEAFORHEALTH 710EGCG “in a bottle” drink contains the required amount of EGCG per serving to be granted this historical health claim.  Matcha tea has comparable,  therapeutic concentrations of EGCG, if consumed 2- 3 times daily.  In addition, when matcha contains l-theanine which has been touted as having anti-cancer properties also.  The combination of both substances in matcha tea provide a strong, natural defense against cancer.

This  profound and powerful statement by the FDA, recognizing the cancer fighting abilities of EGCG, and their public endorsement of this ingredient is  unequivocable evidence of it’s powerful health-promoting properties.

Again, Matcha green tea has 137 times the amount of EGCG in it than regular brewed green tea!  Matcha is an obvious choice in the arsenal of natural products used to fight and prevent cancer.

Matcha tea and green tea have also been shown to combat diabetes and exhibit  powerful anti-hyperglycemic activity.  This is incredibly important for North American’s who are struggling with pre-diabetic symptoms and “syndrome X”.

Additionally, matcha and green tea have powerful anti-hypertensive effects, lowering blood pressure significantly in studies, as well as preventing various forms of coronary heart disease, one of the biggest “killers’ in North America today.

 In summary, Matcha tea is the strongest form of green tea on the planet, and as such it imparts all of the health benefits of green tea in a super-concentrated form.  Additionally, the form of caffeine found in matcha green tea is absorbed slowly and steadily by the body, resulting in a strong and pleasant “healthy” energy boost, while the l-theanine compoment imparts a distinct feeling of calmness and “bliss”.

Matcha tea is a one of the most healthy, naturally occurring beverages in the world!