Is Matcha Good for You?

Matcha is riding the crest of a wave right now. It is known and much loved for its energising properties and is a great addition to teas, lattes, and delicious smoothies. But what is matcha? Why is it held in such high esteem? Let’s find out now. 

What exactly is matcha?

Matcha comes in the form of a green tea powder. As such, it’s really easy to add to a range of drinks and dishes and can be used in lots of different ways. Matcha is a type of finely ground powder that is made from specially grown green tea leaves – a plant known as Camellia sinensis. It’s grown primarily in two regions in Japan – Kyoto and Nishio. The plants are shade-grown for 3-4 weeks prior to harvest, and the stems and veins are carefully removed during a delicate process. The reason for the shaded growth is that it enables the plant to produce more caffeine and theanine than ordinary green tea. This is what gives matcha its energising boost and is also responsible for its dark colouring. 

Why is matcha good for you? 

The reason that matcha has hit the mainstream in recent years is because of its incredible health benefits. For such a fine powder, it packs an awful lot of benefits, including: 

  • Matcha is rich in an antioxidant Called EGCc, which contains as much as twenty times more antioxidants than blueberries. Antioxidants serve as your body’s primary protection against free radicals, strengthening your cells and fighting infections simultaneously. 
  • If you drink matcha fairly frequently, your metabolism is likely to increase, which helps you burn calories. 
  • The levels of chlorophyll in matcha serve as a detoxifying agent and remove heavy metals and chemicals from the body. 
  • One of the unique properties of matcha is that it relaxes and energises you at the same time! L-Theanine is an amino acid known for calming the mind and increasing alertness. It’s for this reason that matcha has been enjoyed by Japanese Zen masters for generations. 
  • Thanks to the high caffeine levels within the tea leaves, matcha is known to boost your energy levels without the jitters that often accompany coffee consumption. 


As you can see, matcha is brimming with benefits and is loved for lots of great reasons. Try it today alongside your favourite fruits in a delicious, healthy smoothie to enjoy the benefits of this wonderful type of tea.

Kelly Tate