Matcha is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. The same plant that produces green tea. However, due to a slight difference in the way it is grown and produced, Matcha yields a higher anti-oxidant and amino acids content. You could say that it is a supercharged green tea.
If you’ve looked up ways to lose weight, you might have come across green tea or Matcha as an aid for weight loss. Many people recommend it for its high antioxidant content and ability to increase metabolism. It tastes good, too. It's an easy and tasty swap for the usual cafe latte that can induce a spike in your blood sugar. Here are the reasons why Matcha can be beneficial for weight loss:
The remarkable EGCg compound
Matcha contains a unique and powerful catechin, a plant-based polyphenol called Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCg) which gives it its antioxidant qualities. It is also responsible for increasing metabolism, reducing cravings, and increasing thermogenesis. Why is this important? 3 things.
- An increase in the metabolic rate of cells means that even if you’re doing nothing, you are still burning off more calories.
- EGCg increases Cholecystokinin, which is the hormone responsible for making you feel full. It also regulates the production of Leptin, a hormone your body releases when it is hungry. The EGCg reduces cravings so you don’t have to eat as much.
- The catechin EGCg is responsible for increasing the body’s thermogenesis by up to 4x its usual rate. This means that your body can break down fats to turn into energy at a rate 4 times faster.
The handy helper, L-theanine
L-theanine is a rare amino acid found in high concentrations in Matcha. It can help in 2 ways:
- It allows our bodies to absorb the natural caffeine in Matcha more slowly. This results in a sustained 3 to 6 hour period of energy without the caffeine crash or jitters that usually accompany other caffeinated drinks. Instead of a short burst of energy, you get a stable and extended energy boost that you can use for a workout or for choosing healthier activities.
- L-theanine promotes alertness, better concentration, and focus by encouraging the production of alpha brain wave activities. It also helps regulate the production of the stress hormone cortisol. As we know, stress is often related to weight gain. Either from binge eating or lack of sleep, we tend to gain weight when we are stressed. Drinking Matcha tea can help reduce stress and improve wellness by simply reducing your body’s cortisol production.
Matcha Zing to increase your metabolism
Delicious vanilla nutmeg green Matcha blend is perfect before and after exercise to help promote an increase in energy and metabolism.
