Green tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, a plant full of polyphenols, the active ingredient found in many green teas. Since 1988, there have been more than a thousand studies exploring what catechins are and documenting the cancer-preventive ability of tea’s polyphenols.
Catechins, a subgroup of polyphenols, are powerful antioxidants that are thought to be responsible for most of the health benefits attributed to green tea. Many research studies focus on matcha green tea’s cancer-fighting properties in large part because of the high-dose of catechins in matcha.
What Are Catechins?: EGCG, Matcha’s Potent Catechin Anticancer Agent
Many of matcha’s health benefits are related to epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major group of catechins that modulate immune system functions and promote anticancer activity. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), EGCG can protect cells from DNA damage, activate detoxification enzymes that inhibit tumor growth, and promote cancer cell destruction.
It is also believed that matcha’s catechins may even protect the skin against UV radiation, reducing one’s risk of skin cancer. Researchers have found the effects of tea on the skin include decreasing the risk of cell carcinoma and cutaneous malignant melanoma (a more severe type of skin cancer).
Matcha Linked To Cancer Prevention
One of the most exciting new developments in the study of what catechins are and can do is a new study from the University of Salford in the UK which analyzed the effects of matcha on human breast cancer cells. This study showed that matcha’s active ingredients can have an almost surgical effect, blocking signaling pathways between cancer stem cells. The study suggests that matcha’s catechins suppress mitochondrial metabolism which prevents the re-fuelling of damaged cells and renders them inactive (making them die eventually).
Matcha cancer-fighting properties are also linked to the prevention of other types of cancer. Some animal studies revealed that green tea can inhibit tumor incidence and multiplicity in different organs such as the lungs, liver, stomach, and colon. Research practiced in humans shows that polyphenols can also play an important role in chemopreventive treatments. They suggest that consuming green tea can even lower the risk of several types of cancer such as prostate and lung cancer.
If you are curious about what catechins are and want to find out more about matcha green tea’s health benefits beyond cancer prevention, explore our other blog posts on matcha’s amazing abilities!
Other Incredible Health Benefits of Catechins
Here are some of the many other health benefits of EGCG catechins:- May reduce the risk of heart disease: EGCG has been shown to have a positive impact on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control, all of which are important risk factors for heart disease.
- May help with weight loss: EGCG may help to boost metabolism and increase fat burning, which may aid in weight loss efforts.
- May reduce the risk of certain types of cancer: EGCG has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help to prevent the growth and spread of certain types of cancer cells.
- May improve brain function: EGCG may help to improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- May have anti-inflammatory effects: EGCG may help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a number of chronic diseases.
- May improve dental health: EGCG has been shown to have antibacterial properties that may help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Enjoy all the incredible health benefits of Catechins with MariGold Matcha
100% USDA Certified Organic
Ceremonial Grade
NON-GMO Project
Verified
MariGold 100% Pure Organic Matcha Green Tea is sourced from the finest tea pastures of Kagoshima, Japan, where the leaves are shaded from sunlight prior to harvest in order to preserve their natural nutrients, color, and flavor.
This allows you to enjoy all of its antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. One cup of matcha has the nutritional equivalents of 10 cups of regular green tea!
MariGold Matcha contains a natural source of caffeine combined with L-Theanine with for relaxing muscles, reducing anxiety. This means you can enjoy a calm, clean energy boost without the jitters. The caffeine will gently pick you up, provide you with an extended energy boost and then will let you softly back down – feeling relaxed and calm for the end of the day.
- ORAC units – One gram of ceremonial matcha green tea contains 1384 ORAC units*.
- High in antioxidants – more than 15 times that of blueberries! One cup of matcha has the antioxidant equivalent of 10 cups of brewed green tea.
- Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Enhances mood and aids in concentration.
- High in EGCG catechins, which have been linked to better heart health and metabolism.
- L-Theanine – relaxes muscles and reduces anxiety, provides calming energy.
- Clean energy boost – a natural source of caffeine combined with the relaxing properties from L-Theanine gives you an energy boost without the jitters.
** Because MariGold matcha is a natural and organic product with nothing added, the caffeine levels and EGCG levels will always seasonally vary from crop to crop.
