Does Matcha Help You Lose Weight? How to Drink Matcha for Weight Loss

While nothing replaces a healthy diet and exercise regimen, there are so many different homemade drinks to lose weight fast you can try adding to your weight loss regimen. Today we’re going to zero in on one of the most misunderstood: matcha for weight loss.

So, does matcha help you lose weight? Why is matcha good for weight loss? It’s packed with catechins like EGCG which boost your metabolism. It can also help break down stored fat for energy while suppressing your appetite thanks to L-theanine and caffeine. 

Learn more about how to drink matcha to lose weight below, including how much you drink on a daily basis and how to prepare matcha tea for weight loss. See for yourself what makes matcha one of the best teas to lose weight today!

Overview of Matcha

If you’re already familiar with matcha you can skip ahead - but if you’re just now hearing about the power of matcha for the first time you probably want to know more about what it is exactly.

It’s a finely ground powder derived from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. These leaves are shaded and harvested young, which increases their chlorophyll and nutrient content. Then they’re steamed, dried, and finely milled into the powdery form matcha is known for.

While commonly lumped into the same category as green tea, it’s very different. Traditional green tea leaves are steeped and then discarded. On the other hand, you consume the entire leaf when drinking matcha to lose weight - this brings in a greater concentration of nutrients.

Matcha originated in Japan where it was central to tea ceremonies for centuries. Today, it’s enjoyed worldwide as more and more are becoming wise to its potential benefits.

This type of tea has a vibrant green color and tastes sweet, yet slightly grassy. But most don’t consume it for the flavor. Rather, it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. That’s where the potential matcha weight loss benefits lie. 

How Does Matcha Help You Lose Weight?

So, does matcha help you lose weight? Yes - that much is clear. What we want to take a closer look at is exactly why is matcha good for weight loss? There are three different mechanisms at play here.

Boosts Metabolism

Your metabolism influences how easily you gain or lose weight. A faster metabolism is more conducive to weight loss (and more resistant to weight gain, for that matter). Matcha may be able to turn your metabolism up a notch through its high concentration of catechins.

The compound of interest here is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to increase thermogenesis. This is the body’s process of burning calories to produce heat. 

So, consuming matcha helps your body burn more calories, even during rest. This makes it easier to maintain a caloric deficit. The caffeine in matcha also works synergistically with EGCG to take your metabolic rate up even another notch.

Fat Oxidation

Fat oxidation basically refers to your body’s ability to break down fat molecules and use them as a source of energy. So, how does matcha help you lose weight here?

The combination of EGCG and caffeine may promote better fat oxidation as well, especially when you pair regular matcha consumption with consistent exercise.

This mechanism doesn’t just mean you’re burning more fat, it can also help you improve endurance and stamina during workouts. This can create a compounding effect where you’re able to push yourself harder in the gym to supercharge weight loss further.

Appetite Suppression

It’s no secret that losing weight requires a calorie deficit, where you burn more calories than you consume. This can be tough, as it feels like you’re starving yourself even if it's a minor caloric deficit. The good news is that matcha can help suppress your appetite to reduce this feeling.

The natural caffeine content in matcha provides a gentle energy boost without the jittery effects often associated with coffee, and it can also reduce cravings and the urge to snack between meals.

Matcha also helps regulate hunger hormones like ghrelin that signal to your brain when you're full. In saying that, drinking matcha before meals or throughout the day can help you feel full for longer, making it easier to shed weight through a caloric deficit.

Are There Any Side Effects of Drinking Matcha for Weight Loss?

Despite the benefits of drinking matcha for weight loss it’s important to look at the other side of the coin. Are there any matcha weight loss side effects you should watch out for?

Fortunately, drinking matcha to lose weight is fairly safe. There are just a few things you might want to be aware of before introducing it into your regimen.

Caffeine Sensitivity

Though the caffeine content is in lower quantities than coffee, individuals sensitive to stimulants may find consuming too much matcha can lead to side effects like restlessness, anxiety, increased heart rate, or trouble sleeping.

If you typically don’t respond well to caffeine you might want to limit your intake to avoid these symptoms. Consider starting with smaller portions of matcha to see how it affects you first.

Digestive Discomfort

Drinking a lot of matcha regularly may lead to digestive issues, such as upset stomach or diarrhea. This can be traced back to the catechins in matcha. Although they’re beneficial in moderate amounts, they can cause discomfort in higher concentrations. 

It’s best to drink matcha in moderation to avoid any adverse effects on your digestive system. We’ll talk about how much matcha per day for weight loss in just a few moments. 

Iron Absorption Inhibition

Teas in general have a reputation for interfering with the body’s ability to absorb iron from food. Matcha is no exception. Drinking too much matcha may reduce certain types of iron absorption, especially from plant-based sources. 

If you are concerned about iron deficiency, try consuming matcha between meals rather than with meals to minimize this effect. We’ll share a few more tips on how to dink matcha to lose weight below so you can reap all its benefits without the potential downside. 

How to Drink Matcha to Lose Weight

From understanding how much matcha per day to lose weight to actually knowing how to prepare matcha tea for weight loss, there are a few things we want to cover below so you can make the most of matcha weight loss tea.

Is it Okay to Drink Matcha Every Day?

Absolutely, you can drink matcha to lose weight on a daily basis. In fact, this is how you should consume matcha weight loss tea. However, like anything, moderation is key. Let’s discuss how much matcha per day to lose weight without dealing with adverse reactions.

How Much Matcha Per Day to Lose Weight

It’s no secret that too much of a good thing can be detrimental, as matcha may cause discomfort in excessive quantities. 1-2 servings (1/2 to 1 teaspoon of matcha powder per serving) a day is typically recommended.

This will provide your body with an ample concentration of active compounds, like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and caffeine, to boost metabolism and suppress appetite - but without causing discomfort. 

Remember, matcha is essentially a super concentrated form of green tea. Overdoing it can lead to caffeine overconsumption and a suite of side effects.

How to Prepare Matcha Tea for Weight Loss

Preparing matcha tea for weight loss is fairly straightforward. Of course, you should start by sourcing premium-grade matcha from a trusted source. Potency and purity are of the utmost importance when it comes to matcha weight loss tea. Here’s how to prepare matcha tea for weight loss:

1. Start by sifting 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a cup. 
2. Add a small amount of hot (but not boiling) water, around 175°F (80°C)
3. Whisk the mixture until it becomes frothy. 

You can add more water or milk (such as almond milk) to adjust the taste. Just avoid adding sugar or sweeteners, as this can counteract the weight loss benefits.

Best Time to Drink Matcha Tea for Weight Loss

Just like with drinking kombucha to lose weight, timing plays an important role in drinking matcha for weight loss. So, what’s the best time to drink matcha tea for weight loss?

We mentioned earlier that many drink matcha to lose weight first thing in the morning. This can boost your metabolism and provide sustained energy throughout the day, especially before a workout.

That being said, you can also consider drinking matcha in the afternoon to curb those mid-day cravings. Just make sure you’re not drinking matcha for weight loss too late in the evening. The caffeine content could disrupt your sleep schedule. 

More Healthy Weight Management Tips

While drinking matcha for weight loss is an excellent step in the right direction, it won’t move the needle on its own. So as we prepare to draw our matcha weight loss guide to a close we want to leave you with a few more tips on healthy weight management in general:

• Get in a caloric deficit: Weight loss inherently requires burning more calories than you consume. You don’t need to starve yourself, but you do need to consume at least 100-200 fewer calories than your body needs on a daily basis.
• Avoid processed foods: Processed foods are often high in empty calories, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Stick to whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, fruits, and whole grains instead. These will better align with your goals.
• Regular exercise: A mix of aerobic exercises (like walking or cycling) and strength training helps burn calories and maintain muscle mass during weight loss. If you want to learn how to lose weight without gaining muscle, we have a guide just for you.
• Manage stress effectively: Chronic stress can cause overeating or poor food choices. It also slows your metabolism. So, use techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to keep stress in check.
• Prioritize sleep: Poor sleep can negatively affect hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, like ghrelin and leptin. So, aim for 7-9 hours each night.
• Stay hydrated: Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger, and water can also help you feel fuller between meals. When you feel hunger pangs, try and drink them away first.
• Eat more protein: High-protein diets help control hunger and prevent muscle loss, especially when you’re in a caloric deficit. 
• Be mindful of liquid calories: Sugary sodas, juices, or alcohol can quickly add up in calories without contributing to satiety. Stick to water, tea, or black coffee.

Remember, sustainable weight loss comes from consistency. Stick to your plan over the long term rather than seeking quick fixes. Drinking matcha to lose weight is just one piece of the puzzle.

You should also make sure you’re documenting your progress every step of the way - not just on the scale, but body measurements, photos, and how you feel. Journaling can help you assess just how well your efforts are paying off.

Bringing Our Matcha Weight Loss Guide to a Close

So, does matcha help you lose weight? It should be clear after reading through our matcha weight loss guide that this is a powerful addition to any weight management regimen.

It may boost metabolism, improve fat oxidation, and suppress appetite. Just be aware that too much of a good thing can have the opposite intended effect, so don’t overdo it with matcha for weight loss. 

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