13 Female-Specific Matcha Benefits for Women
Don’t you just love it when one of your favorite treats is actually good for you? For instance, your daily cup of matcha green tea isn’t simply delicious — it can actually support your health in more ways than one.
Made from crushed tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, matcha is much more concentrated than regular green tea — and so are its benefits. And, while matcha might seem like a recent trend, it’s been enjoyed in China and Japan for thousands of years because of these benefits, especially as they pertain to women. Read on for a full breakdown of how matcha can support women’s health.
13 Health Benefits of Matcha for Women
Women are superheroes, superstars, and super everything else. However, women’s unique health needs are often overlooked during discussions on supplements and their benefits.
That’s why we’re here to flip the script and discuss the specific benefits of green tea for women. Read on to learn why women should make this superfood a daily drink.
1. Encourages Weight Loss
Some weight loss products are better than others, but nothing can really compare to nature’s own remedies. Matcha powder contains a compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG for short.
This compound can support a healthy metabolism and actually encourage fat oxidation in women, especially if they engage in some light exercise after drinking it. Why not try it for yourself? Throw some matcha into your morning breakfast smoothie and let the magic begin.
2. Supports Mental Health
Matcha green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine. This compound can help support sleep and relaxation by encouraging alpha brain waves.
L-theanine has also been shown to relieve feelings of depression and anxiety in women, as well as support brain function. That’s why we include extra L-theanine in our Mushroom Matcha+ blend.
3. Minimizes Menstrual Cramps
Because matcha contains antioxidants that can help soothe internal irritation, it can help calm menstrual cramping. In fact, one study found that green tea was better than any other tea for relieving menstrual cramps. Of course, it’s important to work with a doctor to make sure your cramping isn’t a sign of a deeper issue. Still, who knew drinking matcha could help with these monthly problems?
4. Provides Energy While Pregnant and Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’ve likely been told to limit yourself to a couple of cups of coffee a day. Not only can drinking too much caffeine affect the baby, but it can also cause side effects like jitters and anxiety, which are only made worse by the regular discomforts that come with breastfeeding and pregnancy.
Matcha has a lower caffeine content than coffee, so it’s already a great alternative. However, its high concentration of L-theanine also means that you may not experience as many side effects of caffeine. So, next time you need a little pick-me-up, try swapping your regular coffee for a matcha latte!
5. Supports Glowing Skin
While EGCG is certainly a superstar when it comes to green tea compounds, matcha also contains plenty of other catechins and polyphenols. These compounds can all have antioxidant properties, which can minimize oxidative stress.
Free radical damage is one of the main causes of early skin aging, as it damages collagen production in the skin. Matcha also contains vitamin C, which the body uses to build collagen.
Finally, one study showed that drinking matcha could even help clear breakouts. Make sure you don’t skip drinking matcha as part of your daily skincare routine!
6. Minimizes Bloating
Bloating always seems to show up at the worst times — for instance, when we need to rock a bikini or slip into a pair of skinny jeans. And, while we fully believe in being confident no matter what (#slay), bloat is often a sign that your gut needs some serious attention.
When the gut microbiome gets out of balance, bad bacteria can cause symptoms like indigestion, mental health issues, skin problems, and bloating. Fortunately, one study showed that matcha could significantly support a balanced gut microbiome thanks to its antioxidants and fiber.
7. Encourages Heart Health
Women are generally more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack than men, which is why supporting heart health should be at the top of every woman’s to-do list. Luckily, there’s a way to do this that’s both delicious and effective — drinking matcha, of course.
Catechins in green tea can help support healthy LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which are both risk factors for heart disease. The antioxidant properties of matcha can also significantly support long-term heart health.
8. Minimizes Symptoms of Menopause
Every woman will go through menopause eventually. This time is characterized by a drop in hormone levels that can cause all kinds of not-fun symptoms. These can include everything from night sweats and mood swings to hot flashes and skin changes. Luckily, the hormone-supporting effects of matcha can help minimize hot flashes.
9. Encourages Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Matcha green tea powder can also support healthy blood sugar levels, which can help protect against long-term complications and health conditions. While men are more prone to developing diabetes, women are more prone to suffering complications from diabetes. Because of this, managing your blood sugar is a must even if you don’t have diabetes.
10. Supports Hormone Balance
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is unfortunately quite common among women. This condition affects up to 10 percent of women and is the most common cause of infertility. PCOS can be caused by decreased insulin sensitivity and can cause increased testosterone levels in the body.
As we just mentioned, green tea leaves can support healthy blood sugar, which may help support reproductive balance in the body. Plus, one study suggests that matcha can help encourage healthy levels of testosterone in women.
11. Encourages Bone Health
Women naturally lose some bone density as they get older thanks to a drop in estrogen. This means that unfortunately, women are also more likely to break bones and fall. Luckily, drinking a few cups of matcha can help support bone health so that you can keep doing what you love for longer.
12. Minimizes Oxidative Damage
We’ve talked a little about the specific effects of oxidative stress on the heart and skin. However, oxidative stress can affect pretty much every area of your body, including cognitive function and digestion.
We are all exposed to free radicals every day, but some people are exposed to far more than normal. For instance, people who smoke generally experience much more oxidative stress than people who don’t. Luckily, green tea’s high antioxidant content can help minimize oxidative stress.
13. Encourages Detoxification
Finally, matcha contains chlorophyll, a compound that gives high-quality matcha its signature bright green look. However, this compound has a trick up its sleeve. Chlorophyll can actually bind to toxins and heavy metals and transport them out of your system. Add green tea consumption to your yearly detox checklist!
Wrapping Things Up
Of all the supplements out there for women’s health, matcha has got to be one of the best ones. Not only are the benefits of matcha tea uniquely helpful for women but matcha is also known for its delicious umami flavor.
At Everyday Dose, we know all about the power of matcha — that’s why we use ceremonial-grade matcha in our Mushroom Matcha+ blend. All you need to do is add some hot water, and you have a delicious wellness cocktail that draws on the power of tea and medicinal mushrooms.
Interested in learning more? Head on over to our blog to get the tea on matcha (no pun intended).
Sources:
Matcha Green Tea Drinks Enhance Fat Oxidation During Brisk Walking in Females | PubMed
An overview about oxidation in clinical practice of skin aging | PMC
Green Tea Catechins and Cardiovascular Health: An Update | PMC
How Diabetes Affects Women Differently Than Men | Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC
The Effects of Green Tea on Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes | PMC
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Endocrine Society
L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state | PubMed
The Important Health Benefits Of Matcha Tea | Piedmont Healthcare
Antioxidant Properties and Nutritional Composition of Matcha Green Tea | PMC
What Is Your Gut Microbiome? | Cleveland Clinic
Heart Attack Symptoms in Men vs. Women: Key Differences | Temple Health
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