Matcha- Go With Your Gut

Posted on August 07, 2020 | by Madison Dipboye

These days, most people are familiar with the idea of probiotics. For those who are not, a probiotic is a live microorganism that helps support gut health by restoring the gut flora. In simple terms, probiotics are good bacteria that help you maintain a healthy digestive system. But there’s a new star on the scene…. or new to us anyways.

Recently, prebiotics have emerged as a companion to the more well-known probiotics. As opposed to the good bacteria that balances your gut health, probiotics, prebiotics are the food that gives the bacteria the fuel it needs to thrive. Prebiotics are made of a fiber that the body cannot digest. When they reach your intestinal tract, they act as food for probiotics. Together, prebiotics and probiotics create the ideal environment for a healthy gut and an active digestive system. Most often, you’ll find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt, tempeh, and sauerkraut. However, prebiotics are primarily present in fiber-rich foods instead of fermented ones. Think veggies, whole grains, and…. you guessed it, matcha

Prebiotics and Their Health Benefits

matcha gut health

Prebiotics have many, many benefits aside from supporting the growth of their counterpart microorganisms, probiotics. In addition to supporting the function of the digestive system, prebiotics have also been known to boost the immune system. Through both direct and indirect effects,

“Prebiotics stimulate the activity of gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) which confers a state of well-being and reduces the risk of diseases.”

Dr. Liji Thomas, MD

And, speaking of digestive health, prebiotics also play a significant role in preventing IBS and colorectal cancer by modifying the activity of the flora in the gut. Which is just a fancy way of saying that prebiotics keep your gut in check, making sure that all its parts are functioning as intended.

Prebiotics have also been shown to relieve constipation and help you lose weight. Relieving constipation only seems like a natural side effect of flourishing probiotics, but what about losing weight? No, prebiotics will not have you running to the bathroom. The microorganisms in the gut play an important role in the development of inflammation, which often upsets the metabolism of glucose and the absorption of fat. Prebiotics help improve your gut barrier, reducing intestinal inflammation, and therefore promoting weight loss. In laymen’s terms, prebiotics encourage your gut to absorb less fat.

In addition to this already impressive list of health benefits, prebiotics have been shown to aid in the absorption of other minerals, like calcium and magnesium. Similarly to how they aid your gut in turning away the not so good stuff, they also help it soak up the good nutrients. Basically, prebiotics make your gut work smarter, not harder.

Drink Down Some Prebiotics

In order to get a dose of the good stuff (we’re talking prebiotics and probiotics), you can always seek out fiber-rich and fermented foods. After all, they are the dynamic duo of gut health. But, there’s an easier way to ensure that you’re digestive system is functioning at full capacity. Drink green tea... or better yet, drink matcha.

And, matcha isn’t just full of prebiotics either. Matcha is what we call a synbiotic. A synbiotic is a combination of both prebiotics and probiotics. So basically, two birds one stone. If you start your day with a cup of matcha, you don’t have to worry about where you’re getting all your gut supplements from; they’re right there in your morning brew.

Game, Set, Matcha!

matcha health benefits

It seems as though matcha’s legacy as a healthy beverage continues to grow each and every day. And, we like to stay up on top of things, so to speak. The presence of prebiotics in matcha is just one small aspect of what makes this drink such a powerful punch of healthy benefits.

In addition to containing prebiotics, matcha possesses other health benefits that keep your digestive system in tip-top shape. EGCG and caffeine work together to naturally boost the metabolism and can help you lose weight by cutting unhealthy cravings. Pair this with matcha’s high levels of prebiotics and it’s safe to say that matcha is the ultimate beverage for gut health.

And, like all of matcha’s other health benefits, the potency of prebiotics is much higher in matcha than in other beverages, including green tea. As we mentioned, prebiotics occur naturally in the leaves of the green tea plant. But, when you’re drinking green tea, you aren’t consuming the entire leaf. You quickly steep the leaves for a few minutes and then cast them aside. With matcha, you’re consuming the entire leaf, and therefore, many more prebiotics.

So, if you want to step up your prebiotics game, and we think you should, matcha is a great way to get started off on the right foot.