Matcha is packed with catechins, which are very important antioxidants that help fight bacteria, free radicals and even infections. One very specific catechin that boosts your metabloism is called the EGCG catechin, or epigallocatechin gallate. EGCG is almost 140 times greater in matcha than in your average green tea. Matcha also blocks the ability of digestive enzymes to break down fat, a step necessary for fat to enter our cells. So instead of absorbing and storing the fat, it gets passed through the body. In addition to all of that, matcha is also a natural appetite suppressant. Burn more calories, lose more fat!

A 1999 study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that green tea extract rich in catechins has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by the tea's caffeine substance.

It was found that consuming matcha increased thermogenesis (the body's rate of burning calories) from 8-10% to 35-43% of daily energy expenditure.

Another study demonstrated that exercising immediately after drinking matcha tea rejected in 25% more fat burning during exercise.

Both studies suggest matcha tea can enhance both resting metabolic rate and fat burning – can I get an Amen ?!

Matcha green tea contains up to 5 times more L-theanine than conventional green tea. L-theanine is an amino acid with psychoactive properties, capable of inducing alpha wave activity in the brain.

Stress is known to induce the brain's beta wave activity, leading to a more agitated state. Alpha wave activity can relieve stress, promote relaxation and even lower blood pressure.

Although matcha contains some caffeine, the relaxing properties of L-theanine counterbalance the "jittery" effects of caffeine. Therefore, a cup of matcha green tea promotes concentration and clarity of mind without producing any of the nervous energy typically associated with coffee.

Matcha also contains high amounts of L-Theanines – a unique set of natural amino acids found almost exclusively in shade green green tea such as Matcha and Gyokuro, and also known to reduce stress and anxiety – This unique property of L- theanines, when combined with tea caffeine, will slowly release the body for sustained energy of 3 to 6 hours without any caffeine deficiency and other side effects.

This unique combination, which almost exclusively exists in Matcha, also heightens the concentration to help provide increased mental clarity and focus. With virtual zero calories, this makes Matcha the ultimate "energy drink" -without any of the side effects found in the highly sugared, over-caffeineinated beverages sold in stores today.