11 Proven Sencha Tea Benefits
Sencha tea is a type of green tea that originated in Japan. It’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are steamed and dried.
Sencha tea is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that can cause cell damage, leading to various health problems.
Drinking sencha tea can provide quite several health benefits. For example, it has been shown to boost the immune system, promote weight loss, and improve heart health. It may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and prostate cancer.
This tea has a refreshing taste and can be enjoyed hot or cold. If you’re looking for a healthy beverage that can help to improve your overall health, then sencha tea is definitely worth trying.
Curious about the top sencha tea benefits? This article will review 11 research-backed sencha tea benefits, nutrient content, and how to brew this enjoyable tea.
What Is Sencha Tea?
Sencha tea is one of the most popular varieties of green tea that originates from Japan. What makes sencha tea special is the processing method. It’s grown in the sun, treated with heat, steamed, and dried.
Unlike traditional Chinese tea, which is heated in an oven. This results in a subtly sweet, mild flavor, green color, and slight astringency.
The steaming method also stops the oxidation process and seals in the nutritional benefits of the tea. Sencha is a rich source of antioxidants, natural caffeine content, and other active compounds. The leaves are then air-dried before being rolled into long thin strips. The results in a grassy flavor profile and a bright-green color.
The Common Types of Sencha Tea
There are numerous different blends of sencha tea. Sencha tea is not just a single type of tea. It’s an entire category of teas characterized by its steaming process. Here are just a few of the most common types.
Sincha
Sincha is the first harvest of tea leaves during Spring, usually in April. The word “sincha” means “new tea” in Japanese. This phrase refers to the fact that the tea leaves used to make Sincha are picked early in the season when they are still young and tender. The early harvest gives Sincha a sweeter flavor with a hint of umami.
Asamushi sencha
Asamushi Sencha is made from young tea leaves that are then steamed for only 30 seconds. The tea leaves are fuller and less altered than other green teas. This results in a delicate and refreshing flavor. Asamushi Sencha is known for its light green color and grassy aroma.
Fukamushi sencha
Fukamushi Sencha is a green tea that is steamed for a longer period of time. It’s typically steamed for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, breaking down the leaves. This makes the leaves softer and easier to grind. When brewed, Fukamushi Sencha has a rich color, full-bodied and stronger taste than other green teas.
Chumushi sencha
Chumushi sencha is steamed for one minute longer than asamushi sencha. This means that it has a medium level of steaming, which gives it a balance of both sweetness and astringency. Chumushi sencha is the perfect baseline for green tea because it’s not too mild or too strong.
Vitamins and Nutrients in Green Tea
For centuries, people have known that green tea has a wide range of health benefits, from aiding digestion to helping with weight loss. Sencha is also high in several different vitamins and nutrients.
Green tea leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6) and folate (B9). It contains beneficial minerals such as calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese potassium, and selenium. It’s also rich in amino acids, including l-theanine, making sencha a great tea for relaxing muscles and the mind.
Catechins are an antioxidant found naturally in green tea that helps fight oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Sencha tea also has small amounts of caffeine, providing additional benefits like increased mental alertness. It also has natural caffeine, which helps provide increased focus & alertness and aids fat-burning processes during physical activity & exercise.
Sencha tea provides an incredible array of micronutrients that benefit overall health. Whether you want to improve your digestive system or boost your cognitive functioning, incorporating green sencha into your daily routine will benefit your body.
Top 11 Sencha Tea Benefits
In addition to its pleasant taste, sencha green tea has numerous benefits that can improve health due to its high concentration of antioxidants and active compounds.
Like many teas, sencha tea is sourced from fresh Camellia sinensis leaves. This is where all of its nutrients and health benefits lie.
Sencha tea contains polyphenols and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Research has shown that polyphenols found in green tea can prevent cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and certain types of ovarian cancer cells. Sencha has also been shown to have cardiovascular benefits due to its role as an anti-inflammatory property that can reduce cholesterol levels.
Here are 11 proven sencha tea benefits.
1. Protect the body from cell damage
Sencha tea is packed with powerful antioxidants, specifically catechins called EGCG. These flavonoids are known for their strong antioxidant properties.
Drinking sencha regularly can protect your body from cell damage and reduce oxidative stress and chronic diseases. Additionally, the catechins found in sencha tea support the heart and liver, sharpen mental clarity and focus, improve eye health,
2. Boosts immune system
One of the main benefits of sencha tea is that it improves the immune system. The catechins in green tea have been proven to fight infections. It can also prevent bacteria and viruses, protecting you from illnesses.
Plus, sencha tea helps with circulation and gets rid of toxins, giving more help to your immunity.
3. Has cancer-fighting properties
Due to its antioxidant content, specifically catechins, which can help protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Drinking sencha tea as part of a healthy diet may help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer.
Although early research looks positive, more studies need to be done to determine its effectiveness.
4. Enhances mental alertness
Do you ever feel like you need a boost to help you stay focused and awake during the day? Sencha tea might be just the thing for you. Sencha tea is a type of green tea that contains natural compounds called catechins. These compounds have been found to help improve mental alertness and cognitive function.
Sencha tea contains a moderate level of caffeine, providing a natural energy boost. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine creates calm energy without the jitters that can come from drinking coffee.
5. Protects the heart
Another sencha tea benefit is the ability to improve heart health. Drinking sencha tea regularly may help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It contains antioxidants that can protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals. Sencha tea also contains catechin, which may help prevent blood clots.
Catechins also help lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Sencha tea’s flavonoids improve circulation and support heart health. Studies suggest it helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and encourages healthy blood pressure and circulation.
6. Reduces risk of diabetes
Sencha tea may lower the risk of developing diabetes. It has higher levels of EGCG than other green teas. EGCG has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. One study found that people who drank six or more cups of green tea daily were 33 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who only drank one cup per week.
Drinking sencha tea consistently for the long term can protect your body against obesity. Research has found that people who drank green tea consistently for 10 years had smaller waist sizes and lower body fat levels, which indicates that it reduces the risk of obesity.
7. Helps with weight loss
One of the most common sencha tea benefits is its ability to suppose weight loss. Sencha tea contains antioxidants and nutrients that may help with weight loss. Research suggests it may reduce overall body fat and specifically target the abdominal area.
Drinking sencha green tea daily can also decrease body fat percentage, body weight and waist size, according to research.
8. Supports the digestive system
Sencha tea has many digestive benefits. Studies show that polyphenols can treat nausea, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. The catechins reduce the symptoms of gastroenteritis. Certain compounds inhibit Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcers and other stomach issues.
9. Improves oral health
Green tea, like sencha, could be advantageous for oral health. Studies suggest that catechins and other antioxidants can reduce the development of damaging bacteria in the mouth. Moreover, catechins are known to impede oral biofilm growth, which is a blend of bacteria and fungi.
These compounds also work to prevent cavities and gingivitis by curbing plaque on teeth. Studies have shown that those who consumed more green tea had significantly fewer cavities than those who drank.
10. Helps the mind and body relax
L-theanine is an important amino acid found in sencha green tea. Studies have shown that l-theanine can have a calming effect on the body and mind, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
It also helps improve focus and mental alertness, making it a great drink for students and professionals. Sencha tea’s l-theanine content has also been linked to better sleep quality and a stronger immune system.
11. Acts as a diuretic
Have you ever had sencha tea and then needed to go the bath after? This is because sencha green tea is a diuretic. A diuretic is something that stimulates bowel movements in your body to help get rid of excess waste.
Sencha tea contains caffeine, which is a natural diuretic. Drinking sencha tea can help you get rid of extra water and salt in your body. However, drinking too much sencha tea can also make you lose important minerals like potassium. So, it is important to drink sencha tea in moderation.
Which Is Healthier Sencha or Matcha Green Tea?
Both sencha and matcha tea are green tea types with many potential health benefits. Both teas are sourced from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. However, when comparing sencha vs matcha, the big differences lie in the production and preparation.
Sencha tea is produced by steaming fresh leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant and then rolling them into small chunks before drying. This tea provides high levels of antioxidants that can help protect against free radicals, which are responsible for skin aging and other health conditions. It also contains a mild stimulant called caffeine which can help to improve mental alertness and energy levels throughout the day.
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that has been used in Japanese culture for centuries to improve well-being and stimulate creativity.
Unlike sencha, matcha is grown in light-deprived environments, leading to increased chlorophyll content and a sweeter, more full-bodied taste. As a result, it contains higher levels of antioxidants than regular green teas, with additional benefits such as improved focus, oral health, and mood stimulation due to its naturally occurring l-theanine compound present within this type of tea.
Some will argue that matcha has more beneficial properties than sencha. Both provide potential health benefits, including reduced cell damage, weight loss, and improved cognitive function.
When comparing both teas, matcha has more health benefits. Due to its growing conditions, matcha has more antioxidants, caffeine, and l-theanine. But this doesn’t mean sencha tea is inferior because it is also packed with health benefits when consumed daily.
There’s no reason to pick one when you can equally enjoy both. They also taste different, so it’s ultimately up to personal preference when deciding between these two varieties.
How to Make Sencha Green Tea
Sencha has a slightly sharper, more intense flavor than other green tea. This makes it more suitable for brewing in cold or hot water for a refreshing drink.
When making Sencha green tea, it’s important to take the time to follow the instructions correctly. Ensure you have the right temperature and water-to-tea ratio. This will ensure you get the most out of your sencha flavor and health benefits.
Choosing loose leaf or tea bag is completely based on convenience and personal preference. More often, loose leaf sencha tea is of higher quality, but there are also good tea bag versions.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon sencha tea
- 8 ounces hot water (180F)
- Teapot or mug/cup
Instructions:
- Place 1 tablespoon of the loose leaf sencha tea into a teapot or your favorite cup.
- Pour 8 ounces of filtered hot water (180F) into your teapot over the loose leaves and allow it to steep for 2 minutes.
- When your timer goes off, strain out any remaining leaves using a tea strainer and pour yourself a cup of freshly brewed Sencha Green Tea!
Depending on personal taste, enjoy this delicious tea, either warm or chilled. Either way, you can reap the benefits of this unique green tea!
FAQ About Sencha Tea Benefits
When should I drink sencha tea?
Sencha tea is commonly consumed throughout the day. It contains caffeine, so drinking it in the morning or early afternoon is best to avoid disrupting sleep. Sencha tea has many health benefits, such as improving mental focus and alertness, making it ideal for work or study. Additionally, its caffeine content will boost energy after an afternoon meal. It is a great choice for a midday pick-me-up or for sipping on while studying or working.
Is sencha sea good for weight loss?
Sencha tea is also known for its many health benefits, including its ability to aid in weight loss. This is because it contains catechins, antioxidants that boost metabolism and help burn fat. Additionally, it is known for reducing bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Drinking sencha tea daily is a great addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Is sencha anti-inflammatory?
Sencha tea contains antioxidants called catechins. These compounds have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Drinking sencha tea can help reduce inflammation and improve your overall health. This is helpful for people dealing with various health issues like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Can I drink sencha at night?
Sencha might be a good option if you’re looking for a warm drink before bed. Sencha has moderate caffeine, so it’s less stimulating than coffee or black tea. However, it’s important to remember that caffeine affects everyone differently. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, it’s best to avoid drinking sencha at night or choose a decaffeinated version.
Final Thoughts on Sencha Tea Benefits
When it comes to health, there are many sencha tea benefits. Drinking sencha tea daily can help with health issues like diabetes, inflammation, and weight loss.
Research suggests that the antioxidants found in sencha can even support heart health by lowering blood pressure and high cholesterol. Sencha tea is a great addition to a balanced lifestyle, healthy food choices and daily exercise. Don’t just take our word for it, your body will thank you.
