Matcha is a popular drink in Asia known for its vivid green color and many health benefits. Matcha has been used in Japan for centuries as a coffee alternative to promote feelings of alertness while avoiding the ‘coffee jitters’.
Matcha green tea is an excellent drink for a morning pick me up or in an afternoon slump to aid work, studying, or even meditation.
But what does the science say when it comes to using matcha green tea for weight loss? Let’s take a look.
How Matcha Green Tea Aids Weight Loss
Drinking a cup of matcha can’t replace a balanced diet and regular exercise routine for weight loss; however, it can aid your weight loss journey. It is popular in the health and wellness community for several reasons:
1. Reducing Weight and Body Fat
Don’t just take my word for it. Studies have shown that green tea with caffeine (such as matcha) can significantly lower BMI (body mass index) compared to caffeine-free green tea.
Another study found that body fat was reduced with daily consumption of tea containing catechins (the main antioxidant found in matcha green tea). This suggests that matcha tea can be a useful addition in aiding weight loss.
2. Breaking Down Fat
Not only can the antioxidants found in matcha fight disease, but they can also slightly increase your metabolic rate (the rate at which you burn fuel in your body).
Therefore, with higher levels of antioxidants, it’s possible matcha can aid weight loss.
Recently, evidence indicates a relationship between drinking matcha before exercise and enhanced fat oxidation (breakdown of fatty acids) in females.
Matcha also contains caffeine which has been known to aid the breakdown of fat.
3. Reduce Stress
We can all relate to feeling stressed and overwhelmed, which inevitably leads to poor sleep and binge eating, a nightmare when trying to lose weight.
Matcha can help on this front as it contains an antioxidant called L-theanine, which is known to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Thereby allowing you to stick to your plan and lose weight gracefully (and with no under-eye bags which is a bonus!).
4. Stabilize Blood Sugar
Chlorophyll makes matcha the vivid green color that makes it so identifiable. But did you know chlorophyll can also stabilize blood sugar?
Unstable blood sugar levels can lead to cravings for foods in the chase of a sugar hit when sugar levels crash, leading to impulsive snacking and poor food choices.
Matcha Vs Green Tea For Weight Loss
Matcha offers more health benefits than green tea. For example, matcha contains 137 times the level of EGCG, compared to regular green tea. EGCG is a type of antioxidant that, as mentioned, can increase metabolic rate and, therefore, aid weight loss.
However, this comes at the price of caffeine in matcha. Unlike matcha, green tea is caffeine-free. Therefore, if you are avoiding caffeine, you may wish to stick to regular green tea. However, if you are partial to a cup of coffee or black tea, matcha is your best bet when it comes to aiding weight loss.
Best Matcha Green Tea For Weight Loss
Due to the surge in popularity of matcha in recent years, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a brand of matcha you love. So find a culinary-grade Japanese matcha green tea powder online and try this low-calorie drink today.
Other Health Benefits of Matcha
This delicious Japanese drink has also been linked to other health benefits, including improved heart and mental health, as well as reduced risk of diabetes.
How To Prepare Matcha Green Tea For Weight Loss
There are many ways to enjoy matcha green tea. The most popular options are a matcha latte or a smoothie.
How To Make Matcha Green Tea Latte
Hot
- Add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder and 2-3 tablespoons boiling water to a mug or small bowl. Use a Japanese matcha whisk or a fork to whisk the powder and water together. Mix until thoroughly combined and foamy on top.
- Add hot almond milk and stir gently.
- Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of runny honey or agave nectar (for vegan alternative).
TOP TIP:
For best results and creamy milk, heat your milk in an automatic electric milk foamer. For an affordable alternative, use a handheld milk frother. You can also use the handheld frother to mix matcha powder and water.
Iced
- Mix matcha powder and water as above.
- Pour over ice and top with cold milk. Add sweetener if desired.
TOP TIP:
When drinking matcha green tea as part of your weight loss journey, choose a low-calorie milk option, such as unsweetened almond milk or a skimmed cow’s milk.
When To Drink Matcha Green Tea For Weight Loss
Although it doesn’t matter when in the day you drink matcha, it does contain caffeine. Therefore, it can be a great alternative to a cup of tea or coffee to give you a boost of energy in the early-mid morning or during an afternoon slump.
How Much Matcha Green Tea For Weight Loss?
Matcha is a powerful drink, and you don’t need to drink it in huge quantities to feel the excellent health benefits. When drunk as tea or consumed in a smoothie, one drink per day is sufficient. Do not exceed 4 teaspoons of matcha powder per day.
Possible Matcha Green Tea Side Effects
As long as you do not exceed the recommended daily dose of matcha, the side effects should be minimal. Possible side effects include:
- Stomach issues such as bloating or pain
- Constipation
One thing to note is that matcha does contain caffeine, so you may experience side effects associated with caffeine intake. Especially if your body isn’t used to it, these symptoms could include:
- Headache
- Trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep
- Changes in your digestion and bowel habits
- Heartburn
Summary: So Can Matcha Green Tea Be Used For Weight Loss?
Matcha green tea has been linked to aiding weight loss such as reducing body fat and increasing metabolism. Why not incorporate matcha into your daily routine alongside a balanced diet and steady exercise routine? Not only this, but matcha tastes delicious and can be a great alternative to coffee and other high caffeine drinks.
So grab some matcha powder to try, and let me know if you experience these fantastic health benefits as you embark on your weight loss journey.
