Matcha And Sex Hormones
These are hormones which influence levels of testosterone, estrogen, androgens and other reproductive-related endocrine function.
Its also known that complexes of these hormones must be balanced for optimal health, and may also need adjustment based on disease, particularly that of hormonal-cancers .
Interestingly, many studies have affirmed active effects of green tea in regulating levels of these important hormones.
- The antioxidant polyphenols in matcha are reported to elevate FSH, and are suggested to both elevate or lower testosterone accordingly .
- Furthermore, certain evidence implies green tea antioxidants as having protective effects on sperm production, and balanced levels of FSH and LH in animals .
Final Word: Should You Try Matcha Tea
No food or beverage, no matter how many benefits medical studies may find, is right for everyone at all times. Matcha contains caffeine, and not everyone responds well to caffeine. If you find that it doesnt work for you no problem. Youll find some other fabulous, health-boosting beverages, here.
But for many people, quality matcha is worth a try. You can take a little time out of your day to savor the experience and let yourself bask in the rich flavors and calming energy it brings.
After all, we can all enjoy a little bliss now and then.
Reproductive Hormones And Matcha Green Tea
Most of the reproductive hormones are related to pituitary function, which signals a large group of hormones based on development, gender, and metabolism.
Many of the hormones, such as follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone which are involved in puberty still carry important function through adulthood.
Don’t Miss: Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea Nutrition Facts
Boosting Concentration And Cognition
L-theanine is an amino acid present in tea. Consuming foods and beverages rich in L-theanine may promote a state of relaxation and well-being. If a person combines this with caffeine, another chemical in matcha tea, L-theanine can induce a state of relaxed alertness.
A of 20 adult males found that consuming 200 milligrams of L-theanine improved cognition and selective attention. This effect was stronger in combination with 160 mg of caffeine.
A of 49 studies in humans found that plant compounds in matcha tea may improve mood and performance. For example, L-theanine alone promoted relaxation and calmness, while caffeine improved performance and energy.
When combined, L-theanine and caffeine improved alertness and attention, particularly when the study participants were multitasking.
Some people suggest that matcha tea contains of L-theanine than other types of tea. However, research shows that the amount of L-theanine in matcha varies widely from product to product.
It Might Boost Your Skin’s Glow
Miyashita recommends trying matcha instead of coffee for a week if you have skin concerns, because of its sky-high vitamin levels.Vitamin C stimulates collagen production when ingested according to this study in the journal Nutrients. And vitamin B can help to promote healthy skin cell turnover, according to a study from the Advances in Skin & Wound Care journal.
You May Like: Fit Tea Wraps Review
Drinking Green Tea May Promote Healthier Cholesterol Levels
EGCG strikes again: Science hasn’t exactly concluded why, but a 2016 review of studies suggests that thanks to this compound, consuming green tearegularly can result in a significantreduction in bad cholesterol .LDL is the type of cholesterol that leads to a buildup of fatty acids in the arteries, which some experts say increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.
The Bottom Line Of Green Tea And Hormones
Overall the results are encouraging for efficacy and safety, and it appears in the case of hormones that the natural compounds in green tea may work adaptogenically, contouring an individuals health status.
When considering the importance of regular endocrine function and its central role in health, its clear that wise choices may ultimately pair with healthy diet, exercise, and stress management tactics to achieve wellness.
Nevertheless, its important that we stay apprised of ongoing studies and always consult with your physician first. But if theres one takeaway, its that green tea is widely-reported to be active in the body in one way or another, and at least historically it has an impeccable track record for health.
So, whether it’s hormones or weight-loss, we say to take it from the Samurai: if it was able to optimize their Zen-like focus and strength then it probably can do the same for you.
Also Check: How Much Sugar Is In Twisted Tea Half And Half
How To Enjoy Matcha Green Tea
Our favorite way to enjoy matcha green tea is in a matcha latte! We make our matcha lattes with our Power Matcha mix. Not only does it include matcha, which we source from Japan, but also 4 other brain-boosting superfoods and a serving of greens!Of course, there are plenty of other ways you can enjoy matcha green tea than as a warm beverage. Here are some of our favorite matcha-fied recipes:Matcha Oatmeal Instead of a latte, get your morning matcha fix with a bowl of Matcha Oatmeal. We especially love Matcha Overnight Oats during the summer matcha without the heat!Matcha Pancakes What do you get when you combine matcha with pancakes? An amazing brunch that will keep you energized and focused all day long!Matcha Guacamole Guac is already extra, so why not add some extra nutrition with matcha.Matcha Ice Cream Ice cream is always a good pick-me-up, but add a little matcha to the mix, and its even better!
Improves Mood And Focus
Does matcha tea have caffeine? Yes, but the energy it gives you will leave you feeling very different than your morning coffee does.
Thats because, in addition to caffeine, matcha tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which is known to promote a feeling of relaxation.
The result is increased energy, but without the jitters that coffee can cause. Youll feel motivated, but relaxed. And this calm energy will last for six to eight hours.
In fact, Buddhist monks are said to enjoy matcha tea as a way to maintain a state of relaxed alertness while meditating.
Recommended Reading: How Does Smooth Move Tea Work
Cortisol And Green Tea Antioxidants
Cortisol is released by the adrenals, and typically becomes elevated in times of worry or fear. During these times when the body is under pressure or anticipating a stressful event, the sympathetic nervous system increases release of this fight-or-flight hormone.
Our body in-part relies on cortisol to focus cellular activities on survival, even though rarely these days is livelihood at risk. Its one signal that tells the body to slow digestion, increase heart rate, and elevate blood pressure, blood sugar.
On the backend, our bodies strong reaction to cortisol is one which is a shift away from balance. In essence, cells are temporarily shutting off many other essential, healthy functions.
And when chronically elevated? Cortisol is associated with oxidative stress, shortened telomeres , and lowered immune function.
This status is also associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system, inflammatory disorders, and more.
Are Matcha And Green Tea The Same
Matcha is technically a type of green tea. Matcha and green tea both come from a plant native to China, known as Camellia sinensis, which can be traced back almost 5,000 years to ancient China. Although they are both derived from the same plant of the Tencha variety, they are cultivated differently.
Conventionally, green tea is grown out in the sun until it is harvested. However, for growing traditional Japanese-style matcha, tea bushes are covered to stay in the shade for the last several weeks before harvest. The shade helps increase the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves, leading to denser, more vibrant shades of green in the matcha tea leaves and a higher nutrient count than traditional green tea.
Following the harvest, done by hand, the young leaves are stored in a dark place to protect the nutrients. They are deveined and destemmed and ground into a fine, bright green powder.
You May Like: Twisted Tea Six Pack
What Is Green Tea
Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves and is one of the least processed types of teas, meaning its full of antioxidants and polyphenols. Green tea has a very subtle flavor, and can be combined with herbs and fruit for a more enjoyable beverage. Like other teas, it is a watery beverage with a delicate taste and fragrance, though you can create a more intense flavor by allowing the leaves to steep longer in the pot.
Ways To Choose A Good Matcha Tea
How do you decide which matcha tea is a good one to choose?
There are three main ways you can judge a matchas quality:
- Flavor Due to the umami flavor , quality matcha teas will have a harmony of creamy, savory, grassy, and roasted flavors.
- Color What you want is a beautiful bright and vibrant green. If your matcha is on the yellow side, that means its of a lesser quality and comes from leaves harvested later in the year instead of during the spring.
- The Appearance of Froth The traditional method of drinking matcha involves whisking it with a bamboo whisk to create a frothy foam. If the bubbles are large and irregular, this means the matcha powder is coarsely ground and of lesser quality. The highest quality matcha, on the other hand, is finely ground and creates foam made of tiny, uniform bubbles when whisked with skill.
Don’t Miss: Smooth Move Tea Where To Buy
Editors Note: Want An Excellent Matcha Tea Check This Out
Do you want to drink matcha tea? As youve seen above, selecting a high-quality brand is important like Pique Teas Sun Goddess Matcha.
Why is this organically grown matcha tea excellent? It starts with its source. This matcha comes from Kagoshima, the furthest point from industrial pollution and radiation in Japan and also neighbor to Okinawa, a Blue Zone where natives enjoy the longest lives in the world!
And then, the company quadruple screens for heavy metals and toxins, pesticides, mold, and radioactive isotopes harmful things you definitely dont want to be drinking in a healthy beverage!
This matcha tea also maximizes its health benefits because the tea leaves are shaded 35% longer to produce more amino acids, including L-theanine.
Not to mention, it has an incredible, creamy, umami flavor that is quite delightful and is also award-winning.
Tell us in the comments:
- Do you drink matcha tea? What kinds do you enjoy?
- Have you noticed any health benefits from drinking tea?
- Have you ever enjoyed a matcha ritual?
and receive the Top 10 Foods To Eat And Avoid For Longevity infographic poster!
It’s Loaded With Antioxidants And Vitamins
Green tea contains a type of antioxidant called catechins, as well as another group called polyphenols. “Matcha powder offers a megadose of these powerful antioxidants, which can help reduce cell damage and prevent chronic disease,” says nutritionist Jenna Gorham, RD, founder of Jenna Gorham Nutrition Consulting in Bozeman, Montana.
Matcha also contains a variety of vitamins including vitamin A, B, C, E, and K, Miyashita says.
Recommended Reading: Does Fit Tea Really Work
Reduce Inflammation And Arthritis
Tea is one of the most-studied drinks when it comes to its benefits for arthritis patients. Green, black and white teas are all rich in polyphenols. Studies have shown that green tea also helps preserve cartilage and bone.
Polyphenols are believed to reduce inflammation and slow cartilage destruction. Studies also show that EGCG blocks the production of molecules that cause joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Antioxidant-rich green tea may be useful in preventing arthritis and reducing the severity of arthritis in arthritic people.
Does Matcha Affect Hormones Hormones And Matcha
Endocrine glands release hormones into our circulatory system to signal between one another. These effects are interconnected, and can directly influence the behaviour of cells throughout the body.
Examples include the regulation of respiration, energy output and growth, as well as reproduction and sexual health. Too much or too little of even one hormone may cause imbalances to pile-up which may lead to disease.
Here we review some important hormones to know about, what steps you might take to support your bodys equilibrium, and where matcha might fit into a complete approach to health.
Don’t Miss: Fit Tea Review 2016
Matcha Vs Regular Green Tea
Loose-leaf green tea is rich in nutrients and health benefits. How does regular green tea stack up to matcha? Made from the entire leaf, matcha green tea’s health benefits far outweigh those of traditional loose-leaf green tea.
You will have to drink 10 cups of loose-leaf green tea to get the antioxidants, L-theanine, vitamin C, carotene, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and overall nutritional value you get in one cup of matcha.
Meet Matcha Connoisseurs Tenzo Co
Steve and Robbie, like myself, found that they too were tired, sick and enslaved by coffee. Both professional athletes, they felt the detrimental effects of coffee far more than the average person. Their athletic performance became negatively impacted because all they were doing was fuelling the very familiar cycle. Steve and Robbie sought out a change. Thats when they discovered the benefits of matcha green tea. They found matcha by googling healthy caffeine. Of all the alternatives, matcha was their favorite and the healthiest, so they ran with it!
Simply put, these two built matcha into their life, and felt good. Matcha green tea worked for them and they just wanted to share the love.
You May Like: Does Dunkin Donuts Sell Boba Tea
The Taste Is Delicious
Matcha is similar to green tea, but with an earthier taste: Something between wheatgrass and sweet vegetables, like cucumber. Matcha delivers a seaweed aftertaste but in a good way. It has a richer taste than normal green tea and blends well with lavender, jasmine, coconut and other flavors. Try adding a scoop of matcha powder to your green smoothie or vanilla yogurt to boost the benefits. The leafy taste adds rich flavor and thickening texture to either. Don’t worry about the cost: With all these health benefits, you should thank yourself very matcha.
Matcha Is An Incredible Source Of Energy
Matcha delivers the same kick as caffeine, but without the jitters or anxious feeling. Why? Matcha has a balanced combination of caffeine and L-theanine, which is a natural amino acid found in plants that helps with relaxation without the drowsiness. Some people also consume it when they are dealing with stress. And dont worry about feeling too relaxed, the caffeine will help jump-start your day and the L-theanine will make you feel grounded. Generally, one scoop of matcha, 1 gram, equals the same caffeine in an espresso shot, or 35 mg of caffeine.
Read Also: Dunkin Donuts Bubble Tea
Matcha Tea Is Very Easy To Prepare
Taking advantage of the many health benefits of matcha is simple and the tea tastes delicious.
You can make traditional matcha tea by sifting 12 teaspoons of matcha powder into your cup, adding 2 ounces of hot water, and mixing it together with a bamboo whisk.
You can also adjust the ratio of matcha powder to water based on your preferred consistency.
For a thinner tea, reduce the powder to a half teaspoon and mix with 34 ounces of hot water.
If you prefer a more concentrated version, combine 2 teaspoons of powder with just 1 ounce of water.
If youre feeling creative, you can even try whipping up matcha lattes, puddings, or protein smoothies to boost the nutrient content of your favorite recipes.
As always, moderation is key. Although matcha is brimming with health benefits, more is not necessarily better.
In fact, liver problems have been reported in some people who drank high amounts of green tea daily .
Drinking matcha may also increase your exposure to contaminants like pesticides, chemicals, and even arsenic found in the soil where the tea plants are grown (
Matcha Vs Green Tea: Matcha Powder Is Better Here’s Why Plus 5 Tips
CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR: TEAM MATCHA.COM
Have you ever found yourself wondering about the difference between matcha vs. green tea? You’re not the only one! While green tea has long been linked to various health benefits, such as weight loss, reduced stress, and better cardiovascular health, a brighter shade of green tea is stealing the spotlight: matcha.
Matcha is a powdered, high-grade green tea with higher amounts of caffeine, antioxidants, and added health benefits due to how it is grown and prepared. Keep reading to find out precisely what matcha powder is and why it’s considered healthier than other types of green tea.
Recommended Reading: How Many Calories In Twisted Tea Half And Half
How Does Matcha Compare To Green Tea
Both regular brewed green tea and matcha contain caffeine, but less than coffee or black tea. Matcha appears to contain more caffeine that regular brewed green tea.
It also appears to contain more EGCG. ConsumerLab.com, an independent testing group, tested matcha products in 2015 and found that matcha provided 17 mg to 109 mg of EGCG per serving. By comparison, the average brewed green tea provides 25 to 86 mg per serving. While matcha powders contained more catechins per gram than brewed green tea, it was substantially more expensive: The lowest cost matcha powder was available at the time for $2.31 for 200mg of EGCG, compared to 27 cents for the same amount from brewed green tea. Compared to the powders, matcha in tea bags provides significantly less EGCG.
Part of the whole aura is that its an experience, says Dr. Tod Cooperman, the president of ConsumerLab.com. But you are paying a premium for that nice experience.
It Is Rich In Antioxidants
Are you health-conscious? If you are, you must be eating a lot of leafy greens, fresh fruits, and dark chocolate to ensure that you get your fill of antioxidants. Antioxidants are powerful, naturally occurring substances that protect the body from the free radicals that are responsible for diseases and early aging.
Add matcha green tea to your diet and you strengthen your immune system, acquire protection from the ill-effects of UV radiation, and feel and look younger, to boot.
Don’t Miss: Is Cold Green Tea Good For Weight Loss