The National Institute for Health states that green tea “increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, reduces lipogenesis and fat absorption,” and has a “possible modest effect on body weight.”

One clinical trial in Obesity followed 76 overweight individuals for four months, determining that daily consumption of a green tea beverage aids in weight loss.

Matcha powder and green teas are not only good for internal conditions but can be used to improve skin health as well. “Green tea constituents may be useful topically for promoting skin regeneration, wound healing or treatment of certain epithelial conditions such as aphthous ulcers, psoriasis, rosacea and actinic keratosis,” notes the Food Research International study.

Micronutrients are abundant in matcha, especially one known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a plant compound that can have positive health effects. Research gathered on EGCG and its impact on cardiovascular and metabolic health shows it can “exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties including anti-atherosclerosis, anti-cardiac hypertrophy, anti-myocardial infarction, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant,” according to a study published in theJournal of Ethnopharmacology. Matcha helps support the healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system—preventing plaque build-up, thickening of heart tissue, as well as other conditions such as heart attacks.

Antioxidants remove bad molecules from the body, and decrease oxidative stress. Matcha, and green teas in general, are high in substances that act as antioxidants, including catechins. “Tea also contains flavonoids, compounds reported to have antioxidant properties having many beneficial effects,” points out a study in Food Research International. “Tea flavonoids reduce inflammation, have antimicrobial effects and prevent tooth decay.”

Many of the beneficial components of matcha have been researched for their anti-cancer properties. There are extensive cohort studies which examine consumption of green tea and inverse effects of gastric cancers. One such study in Cancer Causes & Control consisting of over 1,400 individuals, found consumption of green tea was associated with lower risk of stomach cancer.

Catechins and gallic acid, phytochemicals in matcha, have been used in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments, and have been researched to see if they improve efficacy of certain chemotherapy drugs.

When paired with caffeine in matcha, l-theanine does fantastic things for the brain. Drinking matcha may help help sharpen your memory, improve your focus, and shorten your reaction time. This makes matcha especially great to sip on during a hectic work day or before a big test.