The development of consuming matcha, which is claimed to “make you beautiful” and provide you with glowing pores and skin, is changing into more and more common, primarily as a result of it’s related to anti-aging results, zits prevention, and elevated pores and skin moisture.
Scientifically, Professor Nuri Andarwulan from the Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology at IPB University, explains that matcha is certainly wealthy in catechins, notably epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has antioxidant properties. However, its advantages aren’t as simple because the claims on social media.
“Matcha is green tea powder produced through a special process. The tea leaves are shaded for about three to four weeks before harvesting to increase their chlorophyll content (shade-growing). After drying, the leaves are ground very finely into a powder,” Prof Nuri defined.
According to her, as a result of it’s consumed in entire powder type, matcha has extra vitamins than brewed tea. “Matcha has a higher catechin content. EGCG in matcha can reach more than 120 mg per gram, which is higher than regular green tea,” she defined.
However, she emphasised that phenolic compounds reminiscent of EGCG have low bioavailability (absorption) in people. “If absorbed, it is very small, less than five percent. Most of it enters the large intestine and is metabolized by microbiota into derivative compounds (metabolites),” defined Prof Nuri.
These metabolites, stated Prof Nuri, can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and have organic results, reminiscent of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and immunomodulators, together with on pores and skin cells.
One of those organic results is thanks to the polyphenol compounds contained in matcha. Free radicals attributable to publicity to UV rays, air pollution, and an unbalanced way of life can harm collagen and elastin within the center layer of the pores and skin (dermis). This harm triggers untimely getting older and wrinkles.
“Polyphenol compounds help ward off free radicals, thereby reducing inflammation and maintaining collagen integrity,” she stated.
The Most Effective Method
Regarding the effectiveness of oral or topical consumption, Prof Nuri stated that each complement one another. “The ideal combination is internal intake for systemic protection and topical application for local protection on the skin’s surface,” she stated.
She added that pores and skin enchancment via dietary consumption is gradual and long-term as a result of it really works from inside the cells, particularly within the dermis and dermis layers. Meanwhile, topical merchandise work sooner on the pores and skin’s floor, however their results are short-term and require common use to preserve the pores and skin’s protecting operate.
Despite these advantages, Prof Nuri reminded us of consumption limits. Matcha accommodates a reasonably excessive quantity of insoluble fiber as a result of it’s consumed as entire leaf powder. “If consumed in excess and without enough fluids, it can cause digestive problems such as constipation. In extreme cases, for certain individuals, it can trigger issues in the digestive tract,” she defined. Therefore, consumption ought to stay average and never be swayed by exaggerated claims.
“Matcha can be part of a balanced diet, but it’s not an instant solution for glowing skin,” she concluded. (Fj)