Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, is often praised for its potential role in weight loss. In a recent episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, physician William W. Li shared insights from over 30 years of research on the relationship between food and health. Among his key points, he emphasised matcha's powerful ability to aid in weight loss.
How matcha supports weight loss
Dr Li explained, "Matcha is one of my favorite ways to enjoy green tea. Unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are steeped in hot water and then discarded, matcha consists of the entire tea leaf ground into a fine powder. This means you consume 100% of the polyphenols and catechins, which activate brown fat and help burn harmful white fat."
He highlighted that matcha offers more health benefits than tea bags, as it retains all the polyphenols and dietary fibre, which support gut health. Research from Japan even suggests that drinking matcha can help reduce waist circumference, with some individuals losing an inch off their belt size.
How to incorporate matcha into your diet
Traditional matcha tea is made by sifting 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a cup, adding hot water, and whisking it with a bamboo whisk. However, for those who find matcha’s taste too strong, Dr Li suggested blending it into a smoothie or shake, where it becomes nearly unnoticeable.
When asked whether adding sugar to matcha would reduce its benefits, Dr. Li reassured listeners that while matcha has a grassy taste due to its whole-leaf nature, incorporating it into smoothies can make it easier to consume without compromising its health properties.
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What is matcha?
Matcha is a powdered green tea made from specially grown and processed tea leaves. "Before harvesting, the leaves are shaded from sunlight, which boosts their chlorophyll content and gives matcha its vibrant green color. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then discarded, matcha is fully consumed, providing a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants," Ruchika Jain, Chief Dietician at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, explains.
Also Read | Benefits of matcha tea: Boosts cognitive function, promotes heart health, enhances mood
Can matcha help with weight loss?
Matcha may support weight loss by boosting metabolism, increasing fat burning, and enhancing exercise performance, thanks to its antioxidants and caffeine content. According to Jain, studies suggest that incorporating matcha into a balanced diet and active lifestyle can contribute to fat loss. However, she cautions that matcha alone will not lead to significant weight loss unless paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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