Does matcha curb hunger?

Par Valentin Van Nhut

Bienfaits / Effets sur la Santé

Many people are looking for natural ways to control their appetite and maintain a healthy weight. Matcha, a green tea powder that has been elevated to superfood status, is often viewed as an ally in appetite management.

So, can matcha tea really curb your appetite? In this article, we'll review the effects of matcha tea on appetite and weight loss.

The benefits of matcha tea on appetite regulation

Matcha stimulates the metabolism

Matcha tea is known to contribute to a dynamic metabolism, which could explain its effects on hunger control. Green tea is believed to have thermogenic properties and the ability to burn more fat than a placebo when at rest. These properties are thought to be directly due to the catechin contained in green tea.

Matcha contains a lot of fiber, a natural appetite suppressant.

Thanks to the reduction of tea leaves into green tea powder, matcha contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, particularly a soluble fiber called beta-glucan.

Insoluble fibers, in addition to supporting digestive health, absorb water and provide bulk. They are responsible for regular bowel movements. Thanks to this action, they provide a feeling of fullness.

Soluble fibers, on the other hand, can reduce the rate of sugar absorption and reduce fat absorption. As a result, they help prevent hyperglycemia, which is responsible for sugar cravings.

Scientific research observes an effect of green tea on weight loss

Although it is accepted that matcha can stimulate the metabolism and enable the body to burn more calories, particularly before exercise, research into the feeling of satiety provided by matcha is still ongoing.

A literature review published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2009 examined several studies on the effects of green tea on metabolism and weight loss.¹. Researchers concluded that green tea may play a role in regulating body weight, partly due to its effects on appetite and energy management.

When and how to consume matcha green tea to lose weight

Drinking matcha tea in the morning or early afternoon

To enjoy the benefits of matcha green tea, it is best to drink it regularly in the morning, instead of coffee.

Thanks to its L-theanine content, matcha tea offers increased focus and helps calm the nervous system. Matcha can help you avoid compulsive snacking, an unfortunate consequence of stress.

You can also incorporate matcha tea in the form of a matcha latte in the early afternoon, a tasty snack that promotes weight loss, without the added sugars and fats found in sweets and pastries.

Drinking matcha tea before a workout

Although it is tempting to think that there is a magic solution to weight loss, it is important to incorporate matcha into your daily routine by combining it with a healthy lifestyle and physical activity in order to reap its benefits.

This is especially true since some searches suggest that drinking green tea can be particularly beneficial just before exercising.

In fact, a 2008 study found that consuming green tea extract before exercise led to a 17% increase in fat burning compared to a placebo.

In 2018, another study showed that drinking 3 servings of green tea the day before training, and another serving 2 hours before a workout, leads to increased fat burning during exercise.

Matcha tea for weight loss: a real appetite suppressant?

In conclusion, matcha appears to offer interesting properties as a natural appetite suppressant, but it should be consumed as part of an overall approach to weight management and a balanced diet. If you would like to learn more, visit our blog to discover now all the benefits of matcha:

Key points to remember:

Matcha can help moderate appetite thanks to its active ingredients.
Strategic consumption could optimize its effects on hunger.
Matcha is a supplement, not a substitute, for a balanced and healthy diet.

FAQ on matcha as an appetite suppressant:

When is the best time to consume matcha to reduce hunger?
- Consume it between meals or before meals to prolong the feeling of fullness.
Are there any side effects to using matcha as an appetite suppressant?
- Matcha is generally safe, but people who are sensitive to caffeine should be mindful of the quantity they consume.