Matcha May Help Improve Attention and Memory

Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that contains nutrients from the entire tea leaf. As a result, it contains a greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants than usually found in green tea. A recent study suggests that matcha may help improve cognitive function after a stressful situation.

42 participants between the ages of 258 and 34 participated in the study. They consumed 2 grams of matcha or a placebo daily for 2 weeks. The researchers administered the Uchida–Kraepelin test to induce mild acute psychological stress in the participants. Then they evaluated memory, attention, visual information, and motor function.

Participants in the matcha group had higher scores in attention and working memory compared to participants in the placebo group. They also had faster reaction times and were better able to identify positive emotions.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Central Research Institute. It was published in the April, 2021 edition of the journal Nutrition Research.