What do antioxidants do to your body?
Before we get into what matcha does to your body, let's first take a look at a conversation between a grandfather and his grandchild about matcha:
In a quiet village on the edge of the Japanese mountains lived an old tea master named Haruki. Every morning before sunrise, he slowly walked to his small tea garden, where the leaves of the camellia sinensis—the tea plant—waited patiently for the morning dew. These leaves were different from ordinary tea leaves. They grew in the shade, protected from the harsh sunlight, making their green color deeper, brighter, and more intense. Haruki knew this secret was what gave the leaves their potency.
One morning, his granddaughter, Aiko, came to visit. She was curious about the powdered green tea her grandfather drank every day. "Grandpa, why do you always drink that green tea so slowly and with such care?" Haruki smiled and invited her to sit next to him. "This," he said, whisking the bright green powder into a frothy drink with a bamboo whisk, "is matcha. But it's more than just tea. It's an ancient ally of our bodies."
Aiko watched in amazement as he handed her a small bowl. "You see," he continued, "matcha is special because we drink the entire leaf, not just the infusion. And within those leaves live tiny warriors – antioxidants. They protect our cells from the attacks of free radicals, tiny enemies caused by stress, air pollution, and sometimes even aging itself."
Aiko sipped the warm drink carefully. The taste was soft, earthy, and creamy. With a hint of sweetness. “Those antioxidants,” Haruki said, “are like the guardians of a castle. They defend our bodies from within. The most powerful of them is called EGCG—a complicated name, but a true warrior. It seeks out damage and helps repair it.” Aiko looked at her grandfather, whose eyes shone with peace and vitality. “So… every time you drink matcha, you give your body a little help?” He nodded. “Exactly. And perhaps, if you appreciate this moment—the ritual, the silence, the attention—you also give your mind a little rest.”
From that day on, Aiko sat next to her grandfather more often in the morning. Not just to drink matcha, but to learn how small things, like a bowl of tea, can be powerful protectors of your health.
What exactly are antioxidants?
As mentioned in the discussion above, antioxidants are substances that protect the body against free radicals. These are aggressive molecules that are created by factors such as stress, air pollution, poor diet, alcohol, or even intense exercise. Free radicals aren't just bad: they neutralize bacteria, making them essential. They also act on healthy cells, which is why antioxidant levels must be kept under control. Too many free radicals are linked to all sorts of unpleasant things, such as accelerated aging, fatigue, poorer skin, inflammation, and chronic diseases like heart problems. Antioxidants are your internal cleanup crew. They clear away those free radicals and help your body maintain its balance. Simply put, antioxidants have so many electrons that they can donate them to free radicals, which then become normal molecules again (see photo).
So why is matcha so special?
Matcha is incredibly high in antioxidants. And we're not talking "a little more than regular green tea"—no, a real overload. The most important antioxidant in matcha is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a type of catechin. According to scientific studies, matcha contains up to 137 times more EGCG than a regular cup of green tea and more antioxidants than popular "superfoods" like goji berries, blueberries, or dark chocolate. Matcha scores extremely high on the ORAC scale (which measures antioxidants in foods). It's no wonder matcha is often called the "most powerful natural source of antioxidants."
What do antioxidants in matcha do for your body?
- Matcha supports your immune system. Antioxidants help keep your defenses strong. They neutralize harmful substances and help your body prevent inflammation. This is a huge bonus, especially during periods of stress, lack of sleep, or excessive stimulation.
- Matcha slows skin aging. Antioxidants protect your skin from damage caused by UV rays, air pollution, and stress. EGCG in matcha can help reduce wrinkles, blemishes, and redness. Many skincare brands incorporate it into creams – but it works even better when used internally!
- Matcha provides sustained energy. Matcha also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which provide a calm, focused energy boost. But it's the antioxidants that help support your cellular energy metabolism. You'll feel less tired, less "foggy," and more balanced.
- Matcha contributes to the liver's detoxification process. It supports enzymes that neutralize and eliminate harmful substances.
- Matcha supports metabolism. Research shows that EGCG can stimulate fat burning, especially when combined with exercise. This makes matcha a valuable tool if you're working on a healthier lifestyle or weight loss.
How do you recognize good antioxidant-rich matcha?
Not all matcha is created equal. For the greatest antioxidant effect, choose ceremonial matcha from Japan and look for freshness and a bright green color (high in chlorophyll). Matcha that appears dull green or brownish is often old or of low quality—and contains fewer antioxidants. It's also important to store it in an airtight, cool, and dark place.
Tip from The Matcha Man: Don't pour boiling water (100°C) on the matcha. This will burn the powder and destroy the antioxidants. So use water no hotter than 80°C.
How do you easily integrate matcha into your routine?
Prepare your matcha and other ingredients in the evening. Start your morning with a bowl of matcha and give your body an antioxidant boost for the entire day. You don't have to perform a tea ceremony to reap the benefits. For easy recipes, check out Blog 16 or the recipe page . Here are a few ideas:
- Matcha latte (with oat milk, almond milk or sweet coconut milk)
- Add to smoothies
- Make energy bars with matcha
- Make a shot with warm water and lemon
Give your body that extra protection too. Add matcha to your morning routine and boost your health from the inside out! Try a matcha latte every morning for a week instead of cappuccino or tea. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll feel the difference.