12 Matcha Health Benefits For Men
We all have a guilty pleasure. Maybe it’s a fruity cocktail at the bar, an episode or two of The Bachelor (don’t worry, we won’t tell), or a frothy matcha latte on your way to work. If you felt called out by that last one, don’t worry — there’s no such thing as a guilty mug of matcha.
In fact, matcha is chock full of benefits that can specifically support men’s health. It’s not just a trendy drink — it’s a verifiable superfood in a cup. Read on to learn everything you need to know about matcha and how it can supercharge men’s health.
What Is Matcha?
First, let’s spill the tea on what matcha is made of. The answer to that is, well, tea!
Matcha is a super concentrated form of green tea, which is made from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. While regular green tea is made by steeping dried leaves in hot water, matcha is made by grinding these leaves into a powder and mixing that powder with water. Tea plants that are used to make matcha are also grown differently to encourage higher levels of chlorophyll and L-theanine.
12 Matcha Benefits for Men
Enough backstory — we know what you’re really here for. Without further ado, here are the top matcha benefits for men.
1. Provides Energy
First of all, matcha naturally contains much more caffeine than regular green tea. While it doesn’t contain as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, matcha’s caffeine levels are still more than enough to help you get out of bed and over the afternoon slump.
In fact, matcha contains high levels of L-theanine, which can actually minimize the negative side effects of caffeine. Say “goodbye” to jitters and “hello” to simple, no-strings-attached energy.
2. Supports Clear Thinking
L-theanine doesn’t just protect you from caffeine sweats — it can also encourage focus and memory function. In one study, a single dose of L-theanine reduced reaction time, increased the number of correct answers, and encouraged the performance of working memory. We’d like to see your regular coffee order do that!
3. Eases Feelings of Stress
As if that wasn’t enough, matcha can also help relieve feelings of stress thanks to your new best friend, L-theanine. This amino acid can help support alpha brain wave production, which is associated with focused relaxation. It can also help encourage sleep, which can work wonders for mental health and overall health.
4. Encourages Weight Loss
Whether you’re trying to work towards a personal weight loss goal or simply trying to avoid tipping the scale after the holiday season, matcha is here to help. One study suggests that drinking matcha can actually lower weight gain caused by a high-fat diet. There are a few ways this works, but the main mechanism of action here is that matcha can support fat oxidation, or burning.
5. May Support Fertility
Matcha is extremely high in polyphenols, which are compounds that can help combat free radical damage. These antioxidants can not only support a healthy sperm count but also sperm motility and quality. Plus, since it can also support mental health, it may have a positive effect on male libido.
6. Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Even more unfortunately, men are more likely than women to experience heart attacks at a younger age. Because of this, it’s never too early to prioritize your heart health.
Coincidentally, drinking matcha is a great way to do this! Matcha may help encourage healthy levels of cholesterol, which can be a major contributing factor to many long-term heart concerns.
7. Provides Powerful Antioxidants
We mentioned the effects of polyphenols on sperm quality earlier, but these antioxidants are good for more than reproductive health. Matcha’s antioxidants, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can help support long-term health and wellness by fighting oxidative stress.
8. May Help With Erectile Dysfunction
If you struggle with erectile dysfunction, you're not alone — in fact, it affects about 30 million men at any given time. As common as it is, this issue can still spark a lot of insecurity in those who struggle with it. Fortunately, matcha green tea can support healthy blood vessels and circulation, which can help with these problems downstairs.
9. Supports Dental Health
We’re not telling you to skip brushing your teeth and drink a matcha latte instead. However, studies have shown that swishing matcha around like mouthwash can actually help minimize bad bacteria in the mouth and encourage healthy gums.
10. May Minimize Hair Loss
Hair loss is extremely common among men. About 25 percent of men are bald by their 30th birthday, while ⅔ of men are bald before they turn 60. While some men can really rock a sleek bald style, we understand that others may not want to throw in the towel so soon. Luckily, applying matcha topically and drinking it can actually help minimize hair loss and support hair regrowth.
11. Minimizes Signs of Aging
Most people probably don’t think about getting into an anti-aging regimen until they’ve already noticed smile lines, crow’s feet, or regular old fine lines. If that sounds like you, your morning cup of matcha could actually help you look younger over time! Thanks to the antioxidants and vitamin C present in matcha, this drink can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and support skin elasticity.
12. Encourages Physical Performance
If you like to decompress with an hour in the gym, don’t forget to take some matcha with you! One study suggests that matcha can help your muscles adjust to higher weights and keep you from feeling as exhausted after a workout.
The Bottom Line
Matcha might be a trendy drink with the ladies, but there are plenty of reasons why men may want to consider adding matcha to their morning routine. Among other benefits, matcha can support mental health, encourage male fertility, support hair growth, and even lend a hand in the gym.
You don’t need to waste time going through the drive-through at the nearest cafe, though. You can enjoy the benefits of matcha from home (plus a few more benefits just for fun) with our Mushroom Matcha+. Our blend is made with ceremonial-grade matcha and functional mushrooms to help you feel as good as you look. Try it today to see for yourself!
Sources:
L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state | PubMed
Green Tea for Weight Loss | NASM
Therapeutic Role of Green Tea Polyphenols in Improving Fertility: A Review | PMC
Why Do Men Have First Heart Attacks Earlier in Life than Women? | MedStar Health
The Important Health Benefits Of Matcha Tea | Piedmont Healthcare
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | Urology Care Foundation
Matcha Mouthwash Inhibits Bacteria That Causes Periodontitis | ASM.org
