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10 Health Benefits Of Drinking Japanese Tea

People love Japanese tea for its great taste and many health advantages, which have a long-standing tradition.

Packed with antioxidants and unique properties, various Japanese tea varieties offer a holistic approach to well-being. In this article, we delve into the top 10 health benefits that accompany the consumption of different Japanese teas.

Woman sitting on a bed, holding a cup of tea. The room looks very calm and serene.

High in Antioxidants

Japanese teas, such as matcha and sencha, are renowned for their high antioxidant content, particularly catechins. These substances help fight stress, remove harmful molecules in the body, and support overall cell health.

Research shows that antioxidant compounds account for as much as 30% of the dry weight of green tea.

The abundance of antioxidants in Japanese tea contributes to a robust immune system. It also helps protect the body from various diseases.

Weight Loss & Fat Burning Support

Japanese green teas, particularly sencha and matcha, may be valuable allies for those on a weight loss journey. Caffeine and catechins in these teas can boost metabolism. This aids fat burning and supports weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. It's a flavorful and healthful addition to any weight management plan.

In 2022, a study revealed that consuming four or more cups of green tea daily was associated with a 44% reduction in the likelihood of developing abdominal obesity. Notably, this effect was found to be particularly significant among women.

Liver Protection

Delving deeper into the health benefits, Japanese green teas like hojicha have been associated with liver protection. The natural compounds found in these teas, including polyphenols and catechins, contribute to the detoxification processes in the liver. This, in turn, promotes a healthy and resilient liver, aiding in overall metabolic well-being.

2015 research found that frequent tea drinking may significantly reduce the risks of liver disease. While more research is still needed in this field, adding a cup of tea to your daily routine is definitely a healthy choice.

Immune System Boost

The antioxidants in Japanese tea and essential vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption may help ward off common illnesses and keep the immune system robust. The immune-boosting properties of Japanese tea add another layer to its reputation as a holistic wellness drink.

Explore our blog to learn how to introduce Japanese tea into your wellness routine.

Boosting Brain & Cognitive Function

One of the unique aspects of Japanese tea, especially matcha, is its composition of L-theanine and caffeine in balanced proportions. This distinctive combination enhances cognitive function, improving alertness and concentration without the jittery side effects often associated with high-caffeine beverages. We covered the benefits of replacing coffee with tea in this blog article.

Image of a man working on a computer. There is a glass of matcha tea right next to him.

Regular consumption of Japanese tea is a natural and sustainable way to support mental clarity and focus. A clinical study revealed that consuming two grams of green tea powder daily for three months improved brain function in older adults.

Promoting Heart Health

Japanese tea varieties such as genmaicha and gyokuro have been linked to cardiovascular health benefits. Regular consumption can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The presence of compounds like catechins and theanine promotes heart health, making Japanese tea a heart-smart choice.

In 2021, a study revealed that individuals who consumed seven cups of green tea daily experienced a 62% reduction in the risk of mortality from all causes, even among those with a history of heart attacks.

Cancer Prevention

Emerging studies suggest that the polyphenols in Japanese green teas may possess anti-cancer properties. EGCG, found in green tea, can help stop cancer cell growth. Studies have associated the consumption of green tea with a decreased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including lung and ovarian cancer.

While more research is needed, incorporating Japanese tea into your routine may contribute to a proactive approach to cancer prevention.

Blood Sugar Management

Individuals concerned about blood sugar levels may find Japanese teas, including sencha, beneficial. Studies suggest that the components of these teas may enhance insulin sensitivity, offering potential benefits for individuals with or at risk of type 2 diabetes. While not a substitute for medical advice, incorporating Japanese tea into a well-rounded diet may contribute to overall blood sugar management.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Green teas like sencha and matcha contain EGCG components that may help alleviate inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including arthritis. Regularly enjoying Japanese tea may contribute to an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, supporting overall joint and tissue health.

Read our Matcha Q&A to discover how anti-inflammatory matcha properties can help your skin.

Digestive Health

Beyond its other virtues, Japanese teas, such as sencha, may promote digestive health. Compounds like tannins found in sencha can help soothe the digestive system, reducing inflammation and supporting a healthy gut.

Research also indicates that the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) effectively reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Consuming green tea provides increased access to this beneficial EGCG compound.

Regular consumption may contribute to a well-balanced digestive environment, fostering overall gastrointestinal well-being.

Conclusion

Embrace the healthful tradition of Japanese tea and elevate your well-being. The benefits are boundless whether you choose matcha for its concentrated power or sencha for a refreshing daily cup. Enjoy Japanese tea daily for its delicious taste and the overall health benefits it provides for your body and mind.

Are you looking for a high-quality Japanese tea to introduce into your daily routine? Make sure to check out our list of approved UK tea merchants.


Sources:

  1. https://matchasource.com/health-benefits-of-matcha-tea/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7796401/
  3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538#weight-loss
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8910422/
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32067271/
  6. https://matcha.com/blogs/news/start-supplementing-l-theanine-naturally-with-matcha-drinking-matcha-green-tea-for-l-theanine-benefits
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25268837/
  8. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/tea-fact-sheet
  9. https://www.health.com/nutrition/what-is-matcha
  10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27634207/
  11. https://www.japanesegreenteain.com/blogs/green-tea-and-health/catechins

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