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 Matcha Tea: For Renowned Cancer Fighting Catechin EGCg Found Only In Green Tea
Not all Antioxidants
are Created Equal
Antioxidants are found in many foods including fruits and
vegetables. There are many types of antioxidants, however, the class known as catechins are only found in green
tea, and these maybe the most potent of all. And of the catechins, EGCg (epicgallocatechin gallate) is the
catechin with broadest and most potent cancer-fighting properties. Sixty percent of the catechin content
of matcha tea is EGCg. One gram of matcha contains 105 mg of total
catechin content, and roughly 61% is EGCg.
- Catechins are antioxidants only found in
green tea
- 60% of catechin content of matcha is
EGCg
- EGCg is the catechin with the broadest
and most potent cancer-fighting properties
- Dosage is concentrated in matcha powder,
when compared to brewed loose leaf tea
How much EGCg is
in a single serving?
One gram of matcha contains 105 mg of total catechin
content, and roughly 61% is EGCg. A single serving size is typically anywhere
from 2-4 grams or 1 tsp to 1T, depending on your preference. Matcha's ORAC
Rating
ORAC is a measure
of antioxidant efficacy of a particular food.The ORAC rating of matcha tea is 1300 umoleTE/g compared to 105 for pomegranate
fruit and 93 for wild blue berries. The USDA recommends
3,000- 5,000 ORAC units per day. One teaspoon of matcha tea, about 2 grams, contains approxiamately 2600 ORAC units.
Matcha Green Tea vs. Fruit and
Berry Juice
While fruit juices
can be high in antioxidants, they tend to contain a lot of sugar and calories,
and virtually no fiber. So enjoy them in moderation - or better yet, opt for the
whole fruit, which provides antioxidants and fiber with fewer calories.
EGCg Studied for Possible Breast Cancer Therapies
In a 2008 study conducted by researchers at the University of Mississippi
researchers found that consuming EGCG significantly inhibits breast tumor
growth in female mice. Researchers believe these findings can help lead to new
therapies for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in women.
Source: American Physiological Society (2008, April 8). Green Tea Ingredient, EGCG, Significantly Inhibits Breast Cancer Growth In Female Mice. ScienceDaily. Choose matcha teas rich in EGCg.
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