Matcha and Weight Loss

by Vorst Canada June 01, 2022

matcha and weight loss

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

Matcha has been increasingly popular over the last few years because of its rich antioxidants and nutritional abundance, offering numerous health benefits including weight loss. The link between matcha and weight loss has been indicated by several modern scientific studies. If you’re wondering how this amazing superfood can help you lose weight naturally, then hang on with us.

In this article, we’ll explore several indicative factors of matcha and weight loss in order to understand how matcha can help with weight loss. So, let’s get started.

What is matcha?
The link between matcha and weight loss
How to use matcha
Precautions and side effects
Final words

What is matcha?

Matcha is nothing but green tea in its most potent form. Matcha leaves are derived from the same tea plant Camellia sinensis where green tea, black tea, as well as other types of tea, come from. The only difference is in its growing and processing.

The matcha green tea leaves are grown under shades and only 20% of sunlight is allowed to reach the plants during the end of the process. This meticulous process of growing significantly increases the chlorophyll levels of the leaves which is why they are capable of offering much more health benefits than regular green tea.

Then the matcha leaves are plucked, dried, and stone-ground into ultra-fine powder which is popular as one of the world’s best beverages, Matcha powder or Matcha tea or Matcha green tea.

The link between matcha and weight loss

Matcha is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can help lose weight naturally in many ways. Matcha powder comprises various natural weight loss compounds including catechins, caffeine, phenolic acids, quercetin, vitamin C, theanine, and chlorophylls, making it a super powerful natural weight loss supplement.

A 2009 meta-analysis review published in the International Journal of Obesity concluded that catechins or a mixture of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and caffeine may have positive effects on weight maintenance (WM) and weight loss (WL), but the result may vary in habitual caffeine intake and ethnicity.

Let’s have an in-depth look at how matcha can help with weight loss.

Low calories

Matcha is significantly low in calories. One gram of matcha ( a half teaspoon) powder is estimated to provide only 3 calories. This means that by consuming matcha green tea, you will get tremendous health benefits, but relatively fewer calories compared to other health drinks. The fewer calories you intake, the lesser the chances you will get stored unused calories as fats.

Improves metabolism

Metabolism plays an essential role in maintaining healthy body weight, in other words, losing weight. The higher the metabolic rate, the better. Your body won’t be able to cut down fat molecules unless or until your metabolism works well, no matter how less you intake. Catechins found in matcha tea can improve metabolism and help lose weight naturally.

Helps burn fats

The antioxidant compounds present in matcha powder help break down fat molecules so that the body can burn them to produce the energy required for several bodily functions. This process is called fat oxidation. Catechins and caffeine found in green tea help increase the body’s thermogenesis and fat oxidation. Thermogenesis is the process in which the body burns its calories.

A 1999 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that green tea extract by virtue of its catechin polyphenols and caffeine shows thermogenic actions and promotes fat oxidation in humans.

Helps balance blood glucose levels

High blood sugar levels may develop insulin resistance leading to diabetes and weight gain. Matcha contains a considerable amount of fibers and does not contain sugars. So, consuming matha has been found effective in balancing blood glucose levels, resulting in less risk of gaining weight and developing insulin resistance.

Provides energy

Unlike other caffeine-containing health drinks that boost instant energy, the unique combination of caffeine and EGCGs in matcha releases energy slowly but constantly. It helps the body release sustained energy throughout the day over a much longer period. The enhanced energy levels throughout the day make you feel more energetic and active for a longer period of time, resulting in more calories to burn and more weight loss naturally.

Helps keep cholesterol levels in check

The antioxidant properties of matcha green tea powder inhibit the absorption of bad cholesterols in the body and reduce cholesterol levels. This way, matcha improves circulation and speeds up the transportation of oxygen, foods, and waste materials, which are vital for producing energy, eliminating waste products, and maintaining a healthy body weight.

How to use matcha

Matcha tea or matcha powder can be taken in many ways including making teas, preparing health drinks, and adding it to other foods like smoothies or juices. Dosages of matcha powder may vary depending on the body weight and other health conditions. It’s best to get started with matcha in moderation and gradually increase the intake.

However, 2 grams to 4 grams of organic matcha powder per day is good to get started with. Mix matcha powder with adequate water and consume it two to three times a day. Take matcha powder with at least a couple of hours gap with other medications.

Precautions and side effects

Matcha powder is generally safe, but overdoses may lead to some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, constipation, or diarrhea. Besides, consuming excess matcha may cause caffeine toxicity. Therefore, always consult with a certified naturopathic professional before using matcha for weight loss.

Final words

Matcha is dense-packed with various nutrient components including catechins, caffeine, chlorophylls, theanine, and quercetin. Multiple studies have associated matcha with weight loss and many other health benefits. If you’re looking to lose weight naturally, matcha could be a good choice for you.

But before starting matcha for weight loss, it’s recommended to consult with a certified nutritionist or healthcare provider to determine the best dose for you.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Matcha with Organic Spirulina and Chlorella Powder (Unsweetened)

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