Matcha Tea Reduces Anxiety: Other Health Benefits Of Matcha Tea

Are you leading a highly stressful life? There are so many factors around you which can contribute to a stressed life. Worry not, Japanese Matcha tea will come to your rescue as researchers have found it to have various health benefits, such as reducing anxiety. Published in the Journal of Functional Foods, the study done on mice found that anxious behaviour in the rodents reduced after consuming Matcha powder or Matcha extract.

According to the researchers, the tea's calming effects are due to mechanisms that activate dopamine D1 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, both of which are closely related to anxious behaviour.

"Although further epidemiological research is necessary, the results of our study show that Matcha, which has been used as a medicinal agent for many years, may be quite beneficial to the human body," said study lead author Yuki Kurauchi from Kumamoto University in Japan.

RELATED STORIES

What To Know About Eco-Anxiety

Understanding eco-anxiety, its effects, and ways to address it is crucial for managing mental health while promoting positive environmental action.

How To Differentiate Between Anxiety And Depression

By understanding the nuances between these disorders, we can better support those who struggle with mental health challenges and promote a culture of empathy and informed care.

"We hope that our research into Matcha can lead to health benefits worldwide," Kurauchi added.

For the study, the researchers conducted an "elevated plus maze" test -- an anxiety test for rodents -- and found that anxiety in mice was reduced after consuming Matcha powder or Matcha extract.

In addition, when the anxiolytic activity of different Matcha extracts were evaluated, a stronger effect was found with the extract derived using 80 per cent ethanol in comparison to the extract derived from only hot water.

Matcha tea benefits: Drink this tea and fight anxiety
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: Top 10 Anxiety Triggers You Must Know

Other health benefits of drinking matcha tea

Matcha is the finely ground powder of new leaves from shade-grown (90 per cent shade) Camellia sinensis green tea bushes. Matcha contains large quantity of antioxidants just like green tea. It has some proven health benefits. Here are some notable health benefits of matcha tea.

1. Preserves liver health

Matcha tea is well known for its health benefits for the liver. If the liver enzymes increase, it can contribute to liver damage. Matcha tea can help you reduce liver enzymes. This also reduces the risk of developing liver diseases.

Also read: You Can Now Have Plenty Of Curd To Reduce Anxiety

2. Lowers blood pressure

Antioxidant named catechins present in matcha tea is responsible for lowering the blood pressure levels. You can keep a check on your blood pressure by drinking matcha tea. So, stop consuming pills to manage blood pressure and drink matcha tea instead.

Also read: High Blood Pressure: Top 10 Foods To Lower Your Blood Pressure

3. Promotes heart health

Along with liver health, matcha tea can help you promote heart health. It reduces the levels of bad cholesterol and controls your blood pressure. These factors together contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Improve your cardiovascular health with matcha tea
Photo Credit: iStock

4. Enhance weight loss

Matcha tea can help you lose weight as well. It triggers the fat burning mechanism. It will also improve metabolism which will help you lose weight effectively.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.