Matcha Science
Scientific Studies on Matcha
Welcome to the world of Matcha Science, a unique resource dedicated to exploring the health benefits of matcha, a type of powdered green tea that has been gaining popularity for its numerous health benefits. This page is a treasure trove of scientific studies, neatly categorized, that provide evidence of the benefits of matcha consumption.
Matcha, originating from Uji, Japan, is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It's a natural powerhouse that may support heart health, aid weight management, and boost cognitive function. The studies linked on this page delve into these benefits and more, providing a comprehensive look at how matcha can contribute to overall health and wellness.
Stress, Depression, and Anxiety
Matcha contains a unique amino acid called L-theanine, which may help reduce stress and anxiety. It's believed to increase the levels of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA, soothing and relaxing the mind.
Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults
The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels
L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses
Effect of Green Tea Phytochemicals on Mood and Cognition
Stress-Reducing Function of Matcha Green Tea in Animal Experiments and Clinical Trials
Stress-reducing effect of cookies containing matcha green tea: essential ratio among theanine, arginine, caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate
Effects of Daily Matcha and Caffeine Intake on Mild Acute Psychological Stress-Related Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
An intervention study on the effect of matcha tea, in drink and snack bar formats, on mood and cognitive performance
Cognitive Function and Mental Performance
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha can improve alertness and memory performance, boosting energy metabolism throughout the brain.
The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness
The effects of L-theanine on objective sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Effects of Matcha Green Tea Powder on Cognitive Functions of Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals
Green Tea Suppresses Brain Aging
Matcha consumption maintains attentional function following a mild acute psychological stress without affecting a feeling of fatigue
Role of green tea catechins in prevention of age-related cognitive decline
Heart Health and Cardiovascular System
Regular consumption of matcha may help reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as managing cholesterol levels and preventing damage to cellular membranes.
Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study
Effects of green tea intake on the development of coronary artery disease
Cross sectional study of effects of drinking green tea on cardiovascular and liver diseases
Green tea intake lowers fasting serum total and LDL cholesterol in adults
Green tea consumption and risk of cardiovascular and ischemic related diseases
Weight Management and Metabolism
The plant compounds and caffeine in matcha may boost metabolic rate and speed up fat burning, especially in those with a high proportion of abdominal fat.
The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance
Green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced abdominal fat loss in overweight and obese adults
The effect of green tea extract on fat oxidation at rest and during exercise
Green tea extract thermogenesis-induced weight loss by epigallocatechin gallate inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase
Matcha Green Tea Drinks Enhance Fat Oxidation During Brisk Walking in Females
Gut Health and Digestion
Matcha is a good source of fiber, which can aid digestion and promote regular bowel movements.
Green tea polyphenols modify gut-microbiota dependent metabolisms of energy, bile constituents and micronutrients in female Sprague-Dawley rats
Effects of Polyphenols in Tea (Camellia sinensis sp.) on the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Human Trials and Animal Studies
Green Tea Polyphenols Modify the Gut Microbiome in db/db Mice as Co-Abundance Groups Correlating with the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect
Pharmacological effects of green tea on the gastrointestinal system
Effect of green tea on glucose control and insulin sensitivity
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which neutralize harmful molecules and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidant Properties and Nutritional Composition of Matcha Green Tea
Green tea extract supplementation gives protection against exercise-induced oxidative damage in healthy men
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is the most effective cancer chemopreventive polyphenol in green tea
Green Tea Catechins: Their Use in Treating and Preventing Infectious Diseases
Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells by Suppressing Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Salubrious Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review
Skin Health and Aging
The antioxidants in matcha may also contribute to skin health, protecting against damage that can lead to aging.
The Impact of Green Tea and Coffee Consumption on the Reduced Risk of Stroke Incidence in Japanese Population
Green tea and skin
Green tea and skin cancer: photoimmunology, angiogenesis and DNA repair
Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols
Polyphenolic antioxidant (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate from green tea reduces UVB-induced inflammatory responses and infiltration of leukocytes in human skin
The green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and green tea can protect human cellular DNA from ultraviolet and visible radiation-induced damage
Skin photoprotection by green tea: antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects
Green Tea and Bone metabolism
Protective effect of green tea polyphenols on bone loss in middle-aged female rats
Immune System Support
The vitamins and minerals in matcha, along with its antioxidants, can support a healthy immune system.
Exercise Performance and Recovery
Studies suggest that matcha could play a role in improving exercise performance and recovery by encouraging the body to break down fatty acids during exercise.
The effect of green tea extract supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress parameters in male sprinters
The Effect of Green Tea and Sour Tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage in Athletes
Effects of medium-term green tea extract supplementation combined with CrossFit workout on blood antioxidant status and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in young men
Japanese Study Summaries
1. Improvement of Sleep Quality and Social Cognitive Function by Continuous Intake of Matcha
This article discusses a clinical trial conducted by Ito En Ltd. and MCBI, a venture from Tsukuba University. The trial involved elderly individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and aimed to evaluate the effects of continuous matcha intake on cognitive function. The results confirmed that continuous intake of matcha improved sleep quality and social cognitive function. These findings were presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2022 in San Diego, California, USA. The article also highlights that theanine, a component of matcha, has effects such as stress relief, sleep improvement, and improvement of working memory, while catechins have effects such as lowering blood cholesterol, reducing body fat, and improving working memory.
2. Matcha's Bactericidal Effect on Pneumococcus and Inhibition of Toxin - Effective Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria
This research paper from Niigata University explores the potent bactericidal properties of matcha on pneumococcus, including drug-resistant strains, and its ability to inhibit the harmful effects of PLY toxin. Conducted by the Microbial Infectious Diseases Department of Niigata University's Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, the study found that matcha, even at drinking concentrations, can effectively kill pneumococcus and inhibit the effects of PLY toxin. The paper suggests that the consumption of matcha, which is increasingly being incorporated into various confectionery items, could potentially contribute to the achievement of the 'AMR Action Plan' proposed by the Japanese government. The research was funded by the 'Matcha and Health Research Association' and the findings were published in the international scientific journal Antibiotics.
3. Matcha: Quality and Health Benefits
This study explores the superior benefits of high-quality matcha, which contains more antioxidants and beneficial compounds compared to lower-quality variants. The quality of matcha significantly affects its nutritional profile, making high-quality matcha a healthier choice.
4. Uji Tea Village Publication
This article emphasizes the superior health benefits and unique taste profile of high-quality matcha, attributed to its higher theanine content. Theanine, discovered by Yajiro Sakado, is known for its calming effects and is more abundant in high-quality matcha. The document also highlights the importance of the tea bowl's size, thickness, and material in the overall matcha experience. It suggests that high-quality matcha, particularly those made from shaded tea like Gyokuro and Tencha, offers a richer taste and a more potent health boost. The potential of Tencha stems, rich in theanine, in food products is also discussed. This study reinforces the notion that choosing high-quality matcha is a worthwhile investment for both its superior taste and health benefits.
5. Elucidation of Part of the Mechanism by which Matcha Reduces Anxiety
This study from Kumamoto University provides significant insights into the calming effects of matcha, a type of powdered green tea. The research conducted by Assistant Professor Yuki Kurauchi and Professor Hiroshi Katsuki demonstrated that matcha and its extracts can reduce anxiety in mice. The study suggests that these calming effects might be due to the activation of dopamine D1 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. The article also highlights the potential of matcha as a lifestyle choice that can promote health in daily life. The research findings were published in the Journal of Functional Foods.
6. Matcha and Health Study Group
This study emphasizes that matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are known for their cancer-fighting properties. The research also mentions that matcha can help in weight loss by boosting metabolism and burning fat. It also points out that matcha can enhance mood and aid concentration due to the presence of an amino acid called L-Theanine. The research concludes by stating that matcha can also help prevent heart disease and lower bad cholesterol levels.
While the studies linked here provide a wealth of information, it's important to remember that everyone's body is different, and individual experiences with matcha may vary. As always, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or health regimen.