Matcha soars past superfoods like blueberries and goji berries as far as antioxidant amount goes and is particularly rich in a specific group of antioxidants known as catechins.

One specific catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has received a lot of attention as an extremely powerful plant compound that can lower inflammation, protect cells from free radical damage, and potentially prevent cancer. (1)(2)

EGCG is mainly found in different types of green tea, but matcha contains up to 137 times more of this health-boosting antioxidant than other green teas. (3)

Boosts Brain Health and Energy

Drinking matcha also benefits your brain in a few ways.

It contains more caffeine than regular green tea, and caffeine is known to boost brain power, alertness, mental energy, and mood. Studies are also revealing that caffeine may help to protect brain function and lower your risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. (4)(5)

Of course, there are downsides to caffeine, particularly the crash that happens when it wears off or the jitters that come from consuming too much of it.

However, matcha contains an amino acid known as L-theanine that complements and also balances out caffeine. It promotes a state of calm alertness, rather than jitteriness, without an energy crash later. (6)

To add to this, consuming matcha regularly may also improve general brain function over time, keeping your mind “young”. (7)

Studies have repeatedly shown that drinking tea that is high in catechins (like matcha) helps to reduce body weight, body fat, BMI, and also aids weight loss maintenance. This is mostly because it can boost metabolism and fat-burning. (8)(9)

Of course, just drinking matcha won’t cause you to lose weight, but it can help as a “supplement” and is especially excellent at helping you burn more fat while exercising.

Helps Detoxify Your Body

Helping your body to detoxify itself is extremely important for your overall health. There are many herbs that aid natural detox, and matcha can also help because of its rich chlorophyll content.

Chlorophyll promotes natural detoxification by encouraging the elimination of heavy metals and other harmful toxins, while the antioxidants in matcha fight free radicals at a cellular level. (10)

Good for Heart Health

Drinking matcha regularly has benefits for your heart as well as the rest of your body. In fact, one study from Japan found that drinking green tea daily could reduce your risk of dying from heart attack or stroke by as much as 26% and reduce your risk of death from all causes. (11)

Other research has shown that it can lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure. All good things for your heart! (12)

Because it’s so high in antioxidants, particularly EGCG, matcha has huge potential for protecting your body from cancer.

Studies so far have indicated that it may specifically lower the risk of breast, bladder, prostate, colorectal, liver, and lung cancer. (13)(14)(15)

Much of the research has yet to be confirmed in human trials, but that doesn’t mean you should wait to benefit from the antioxidants found in matcha, since antioxidants are one of the few confirmed cancer-fighters we know of.

Boosts Skin from the Inside

By providing your body with antioxidants and having a detoxifying effect, matcha helps to keep your skin glowing from the inside out. One of the ways toxins exit your body is through your skin, so getting rid of them effectively is key to keeping your skin from getting overloaded.

The anti-inflammatory action of matcha is also great for keeping skin calm and happy.

Boosts Skin from the Outside

If you don’t like the taste of matcha, you can still get skin-boosting benefits by using it externally. In fact, it may be one of the best natural skincare ingredients to use in a face mask or scrub.

The chlorophyll in matcha can help to protect your skin from sun damage and has also been found to improve wrinkles and skin elasticity. (16)

EGCG has antibacterial properties that may be helpful if you struggle with breakouts and also promotes skin cell turnover, giving it anti-aging effects. (17)(18)

On top of this, matcha powder is exfoliating for your skin and can help with inflammation and puffiness (due to the caffeine).