When we look at the many sencha benefits, there is a lot to talk about when it comes to health, flavor and more.
In this article, we are going to be discussing the japanese sencha tea health benefits, the green sencha benefits when it comes to flavor and more! We’ll also take some time to cover what sencha is, and how it is made.
Without further ado, let’s get started! 🍵
Sencha benefits: 7 quick benefits of drinking sencha green tea
#1 Antioxidant-rich
Sencha tea is packed with antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help combat free radicals in the body.
These antioxidants have been linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancer, and this is one of the benefits of drinking sencha green tea.
#2 Boosts metabolism
Green tea, including sencha, contains catechins and caffeine, which may help increase metabolism and promote weight loss.
However, it's important to note that any weight loss effects are typically modest, and a balanced diet and exercise remain crucial for overall weight management.
#3 Supports cardiovascular health
Heart health can be added to the long list of sencha benefits. The antioxidants in sencha tea, particularly catechins, are believed to help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
#4 Enhances mental alertness
Sencha tea contains caffeine, which can help improve focus, concentration, and mental alertness. The combination of caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine found in green tea can have a calming effect while promoting cognitive function, making it one of the japanese sencha tea health benefits
#5 Oral health benefits
The catechins in sencha tea have been found to have antimicrobial properties, potentially inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Regular consumption of sencha tea may contribute to improved dental health and reduced risk of cavities and gum disease.
#6 Immune system support
Among the sencha health benefits includes the fact that the tea contains various nutrients, including vitamins C and E, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Regular consumption of sencha tea may help strengthen the body's defenses and reduce the risk of infections.
#7 Skin health
The antioxidants in sencha tea can be added to the list of sencha benefits. These can help protect the skin against oxidative stress caused by factors like UV radiation and pollution. Additionally, some research suggests that sencha tea may have anti-aging effects and contribute to healthier-looking skin.
Studies on Sencha health benefits
Sencha Benefits for Weight Loss
When people ask about sencha japanese tea benefits, they typically are referring to weight loss. While green tea is no substitute for healthy diet and exercise, there have been a few studies that show the benefits of drinking sencha tea when it comes to weight loss and metabolism.
There is a 2018 study in which participants were told to drink green tea and then go for 30 minutes of moderate exercise (walking).
The green tea group was found to have enhanced fat oxidation during their walk when compared to the control or placebo group, which could lead to greater weight loss overall. It would appear that weight loss is one of the many benefits of drinking sencha green tea.
Sencha Benefits for Cold and Flu
Another one of the sencha benefits has to do with the cold and flu. This comes down to the presence of catechins in the tea. As we mentioned before catechins are the bitter components within the tea leaf which are thought to help improve the immune system.
This study compared two groups of healthcare workers, one group was given a green tea catechin and theanine supplement and the other group was given a placebo.
They found that the group that took the green tea supplement was 3 times less likely to come down with the flu compared to the placebo group. Looks like flu prevention could be yet another one of the japanese sencha tea health benefits.
Worried about getting sick? Check out our ultimate guide on 👉 Tea for the cold and flu
Benefits of drinking sencha green tea compared to matcha
Matcha essentially has the benefits of sencha tea, but it can be even more powerful, as you are consuming the entire tea leaf mixed into water, rather than just an infusion.
This concentrates both the flavor and the health benefits of the matcha. Sencha on the other hand is infused into water, so the flavor is more mild and you don’t get quite as much of the health benefits.
If you are interested in learning more about the differences between sencha and matcha, you can read our guide to the 👉 6 differences between sencha vs matcha
How shading affects the sencha health benefits
When the tea plant is exposed to sunlight, it begins to convert theanine into catechins as a protection against the UV light. This can impact not only the flavor profile of the tea, but also the green sencha benefits.
Catechins in sencha tea
Catechins are the antioxidants within green tea that give the drink its bitter flavor. The positive is that these catechins can help to strengthen your immune system and help prevent you from getting sick.
Theanine in sencha tea
Theanine on the other hand is the amino acid in green tea that gives it that sweet and savory flavor. It can also induce a calming effect on the brain, and counteract some of the negative effects of caffeine.
If this interested you, we would recommend selected a shaded sencha tea. If you’re looking for more of the catechins, you may want to go for an unshaded sencha and brew it at a higher temperature.
How steaming affects the sencha japanese tea benefits
In addition to shading, the farmer is also in control of the steaming process of the tea leaves. To produce a green tea, the leaves need to be heated right after harvest.
This deactivates the enzymes that cause oxidation and prevent the tea from turning into a black tea. It also locks in some of the more vegetal flavors of the green tea. It also allows the tea to maintain more of its catechins.
Sencha health benefits vs fukamushi health benefits
If a farmer wants to produce a tea that has an even more full-bodied flavor, they can steam the tea for a longer time, which will make it a Fukamushi sencha or deep steamed tea.
These super green sencha benefits include a richer taste, less bitterness and even a slight boost in health properties.
If you are interested in learning more about the differences between fukamushi vs sencha when it comes to health benefits, you may enjoy this article 👉 Fukamushi vs Sencha Detailed Comparison by a Tea Expert
