Having learned from the world’s top matcha tea masters for 15 years and having guest-lectured at the Smithsonian Institute, we thought we were pretty smart matcha cookies. But recently we learned something new that we are excited to share!
Matcha’s EGCG catechin antioxidant is a Zinc Ionophore!
Excellent, yay! Soooo, what the heck is a Zinc Ionophore? And why should we care? Well, if you drink matcha for its terrific health benefits like we do, and feel that boosting your immunity is important, read on.
Researchers recently discovered something very cool about matcha’s EGCG antioxidant and zinc. Zinc has been 2020’s top-selling supplement. Why? Because…
- It plays a vital role in boosting the body’s immune system and fighting off viruses
- It can block the replication and growth of certain viruses
- It works with various immune cells, especially T-cells, that target and neutralize viral infections
Note: click here to watch My Matcha Life’s recommended 8:00-minute video.
Zinc and Matcha: So Cool Together
It seems that zinc needs a carrier to get it across the cell’s lipid membrane. Without a carrier for it to bind to there’s no way for it to cross the membrane and do its job. Those carriers are called Zinc Ionophores.
There are a few Zinc Ionophores out there, some natural some not, and some safer than others. Apparently, Matcha’s EGCG antioxidant catechin is one of the more effective ones and this has researchers excited.
At My Matcha Life®, we do use supplements but we prefer a “whole food” approach to health (which is why we like matcha). Here are some of the top zinc-rich foods:
- Meat
- Shellfish
- Legumes (chickpeas, lentils, beans)
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Whole Grains
With both having so many health benefits individually, and now that we know they work in partnership, we’re going to be more conscious about getting them into our diet regularly.
Matcha: Not All are Created Equal
We work directly with our Japanese growers to provide pure, safe, traditionally grown matcha tea. Among the best in the world!
Looking for a new way, a better way, to get and stay healthy?