Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
It was a humble drink from Japan revered for centuries in traditional tea ceremonies.
But matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea processed from shade-grown tea leaves, has surged in popularity recently, with millions of health-savvy consumers and influencers alike praising it for its unique flavor profile and perceived health benefits.
And now adding to its allure, a Harvard doctor claims it could help stave off cancer.
Dr Sauarbh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist now based out of San Francisco, says it is a drink that can lower your risk of the disease as it is a powerful source of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.
The 42-year-old physician said the beverage is rich in catechins, a flavonoid that has antioxidant properties promoting heart health, cognitive function and anti-cancer benefits.
Previous studies have suggested that catechins found in green tea may inhibit tumor growth in colon cancer. Green tea and matcha are both from the same plant, but differ in how they are prepared and their flavor.
One study out of the University of Salford in the UK found matcha ‘is indeed sufficient to inhibit the propagation of breast cancer stem cells’.
The researchers also found it ‘may help to overcome cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy’ and make the treatment more effective.
Matcha is a finely ground powder of green tea processed from shade-grown tea leaves (stock image)
Matcha has already been linked to a multitude of health benefits including boosting mental performance, aiding weight loss and improving heart health.
In 2023, a longevity expert at Harvard University even credited it with helping him de-age an entire decade.
In a 2023 study, researchers from Japan found there was evidence matcha helped to boost mental performance and reduce symptoms of depression.
The Researchers in Japan gave the tea to stress-susceptible mice that had been kept in social isolation for a week.
They found that those who drank the tea showed fewer signs of depression compared to rodents that received the water placebo.
Experts suggested this may be because the tea was prompting the release of dopamine, the body’s feel-good hormone, helping to boost the rodent’s mood.
Dr Yuki Kurauchi, a biochemist who led the research, said: ‘These results suggest that Matcha tea powder exerts an antidepressant-like effect by activating the dopaminergic system of the brain, and this is influenced by the mental state of the individual.’
It another study, conducted by the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore in 2014, a chemical present both in green tea and matcha was found to be an ideal carrier of proteins that help combat cancer.
Dr Sauarbh Sethi, a gastroenterologist based out of San Francisco, is a big advocate of matcha for its health properties
Both drinks are made up of a class of chemicals called catechins, the most abundant of which is EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate).
It is believed EGCG is responsible for their health benefits and could have anti-cancer effects.
Dr Joo Eun Chung and her colleagues found the anticancer protein Herceptin can be combined with EGCG to be more effective at targeting tumor sites.
The researchers injected the combination of EGCG and Herceptin into mice and found it was better at targeting tumours and reducing growth, as well as lasting longer in the blood.
Despite the purported health benefits, some experts are more cautious about the claims around matcha.
Suneel Kamath, who is a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic, told DailyMail.com he would like to see published data backing up the claims made by Dr Sethi.
He said: ‘Unless those data are available, these are just hypotheses that are worth studying potentially, but not enough proof for me to recommend people start consuming these things.’
A previous review of 50 studies on green tea and its role in preventing cancer published by the Cochrane database couldn’t reach a conclusion.
The authors said there was so much conflicting evidence and poor quality research.
The researchers from the University of Salford who said that matcha could possibly stave of cancer also concluded: ‘Surely, more molecular studies and clinical trials are warranted.’
The market for matcha has grown as more people flock to health food stores to stock up on the green powerhouse.
By some estimates, in the US, matcha sales have reached more than $10billion over the past 25 years.
Globally, the matcha market is estimated to be valued at $4.3billion, and the ever-increasing demand is putting a strain on the world’s supply.
If switching from coffee to matcha, you can enjoy all its benefits without giving up your need for caffeine.
According to Harvard Health, in one 8oz cup, matcha contains 38mg to 89mg of caffeine, compared to 100 to 120mg in coffee.
While the content may be lower, that energy boost is more stable and longer-lasting than coffee.
