The question we all want to know the answer to: Can your children drink matcha?
Due to the amazing health benefits of Matcha green tea you might consider giving your children a small cup each morning.
Green tea is known to be rich in catechins which are disease-fighting nutrients; this is reported in many medical and scientific studies now and cited by the Harvard School of Public Health. EGCg the most powerful of these catechins is found most abundantly in Matcha green tea.
Below are listed some of the potential benefits for children who drink Matcha.
Oral Health
Children are at an increased risk of tooth decay, according to a 2012 study published in a well-known peer review journal *.The phytonutrient catechins in green tea, specifically epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCc), protect your child's mouth against cavity-causing bacteria, while the sulphur components work on bad breath.
Keep Colds & Flu at Bay
The catechins in Matcha have antiviral properties that may protect your child from the flu. A study published in "The Journal of Nutrition” in 2011, explored the relationship between green tea consumption and the flu infection in a group of school children in Japan. The researchers found fewer cases of flu in children who drank one to five cups of green tea a day.
Heart Health
According to the American Heart Association the build-up of plaque in our arteries begins in childhood. Including Matcha tea into your child's diet may help improve heart health.
Another Japanese study into obesity, published in 2008 found a decrease in cholesterol levels and blood pressure in a group of obese Japanese children who were given a catechin-rich drink.
Caffeine Content
You may have concerns about giving your child a drink that contains caffeine. An average cup ofMatcha contains 30 milligrams of caffeine whilst a regular coffee has 70-75milligrams. However, the caffeine in Matcha works with the L-Thenaine to give a slow release over 3 to 6 hours and as a result it is energising and calming at the same time, not at all like the caffeine effects experienced when drinking coffee. In addition it is worth noting that caffeine is commonly found in a number of foods that your child may already be consuming, including chocolate. Therefore the health benefits for children drinking Matcha in small amounts, maybe one cup a day first thing in the morning, far outweighs any negligible negatives.
