2026Journal articleFree to read
Julia Ziemińska, Michał Małek, Oktawia Wojtaszek, Aleksandra Skowron, Jakub Orzeł, Aleksandra Przygoda, Patrycja Maria Pelczar
Quality in Sport
Introduction: Matcha is a powdered form of green tea, characterized by a high content of bioactive compounds, like catechins, caffeine, theanine and dietary fiber. By its unique cultivation and processing methods, matcha has attracted scientific interest as a functional food with potential health-promoting properties. Aim: The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge regarding the chemical composition of matcha tea and to evaluate the evidence concerning its effects on cognitive function, cardiometabolic health, inflammation, cancer prevention, and exercise performance. Methodology: A narrative review of the available scientific literature was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, reviews, experimental studies, and clinical trials concerning matcha tea and its major bioactive compounds. The collected studies were analyzed to assess the potential health effects of matcha consumption. Results: The available evidence indicates that matcha may support cognitive function, improve attention, reduce stress and enhance sleep quality. Furthermore, its consumption may improve lipid and glucose metabolism, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and exert favorable effects on cardiometabolic health. The high concentration of catechins, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate, appears to play a central role in its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The studies also suggest potential anticarcinogenic properties, while recent findings indicate that matcha supplementation may support adaptation to resistance training by reducing fatigue and enhancing muscle strength. Conclusions: Matcha tea represents a promising functional food with potential benefits for cognitive, metabolic, and overall health. However, many of the reported effects are based on animal…
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Study type
Randomized controlled trial
People were randomly assigned to matcha or a comparison.
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Topics
Matcha is a main subject here (named in the title).
Julia Ziemińska, Michał Małek, Oktawia Wojtaszek, Aleksandra Skowron, Jakub Orzeł, Aleksandra Przygoda, Patrycja Maria Pelczar. (2026). Matcha – an ordinary tea or a superfood with remarkable health benefits? A review of human and animal studies. Quality in Sport. https://doi.org/10.12775/qs.2026.65.73802
DOI: 10.12775/qs.2026.65.73802
Japanese matcha is a type of powdered green tea, grown in a traditional way. Shading of the plants during the growth period enhances the processes of synthesis and accumulation of biologically active compounds, including theanine,…
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Randomized controlled trialCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 66×