Sencha Tea Benefits (10 Healthy Reasons To Drink Sencha)

Aren’t the sencha tea benefits the same as the benefits of green tea?

Well, sencha is a Japanese green tea, so yes, they are.

For the most part anyway.

Different types of green tea undergo different processing.

They also grow in different regions and under variable environmental conditions.

All that just means that sencha basically gives you the same health benefits as other types of green tea. With a few minor differences.

Keep reading to find out exactly what health benefits you get when you drink sencha.

 

Sencha Tea Benefits

Drinking sencha tea offers a number of great health benefits. More study is needed, but the following are the main benefits of sencha, for which a good amount of evidence exists to support them.

 

Anticancer Effects

Although more research is needed on this, some preliminary studies show that sencha decreases the viability of cancer cells. Like all green teas, sencha tea is also cancer-preventive due to its catechin content, mainly epigallocatechin-3-gallate.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG, has been extensively studied and found to regulate many cancer-related genes and molecular pathways. Thus, it may be beneficial in reducing the risk of multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, and esophageal cancer.

 

Anti-Obesity Effect

Japanese sencha green tea has obesity-fighting effects due to the following reasons. First, its catechins suppress fat accumulation in the liver.

Second, the combination of caffeine and catechins in the tea inhibits lipid synthesis (the process of fat creation), while also improving fat metabolism (the process of fat breakdown).

Third, it also has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation, resulting in weight loss. Due to these reasons, you can combine sencha tea with regular exercise and a healthy diet for weight management.

 

Anti-Diabetic Effects

Sencha green tea is one of the best beverages to drink for patients with type-2 diabetes. It is low in calories and sugar free. Of course, that assumes you are drinking it without milk and sweeteners. It is best that way anyway.

Several studies have shown that sencha tea’s catechins regulate blood sugar levels. Studies conducted on mice show that sencha green tea extracts sensitize the body’s cells so they can metabolize sugar better.

Not only is sencha great for managing type-2 diabetes, but it is also diabetes preventive. A study in Japan concluded that people who drank more than 6 cups of Japanese green tea (sencha) every day cut their risk of developing type-2 diabetes by one-third, compared to people who just drank one cup of sencha green tea per week.

 

Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease

Sencha green tea is beneficial for heart health. Its catechins reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol). They also improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of stroke and heart disease. The antioxidant polyphenols in the tea also protect the heart from oxidative stress.

 

Prevention Of Influenza And Common Colds

Influenza and the common cold are infections of the respiratory tract, commonly caused by pathogens. Since the 1990s, several studies have been conducted on green tea extracts to assess their role in eliminating harmful pathogens and boosting the body’s immunity.

These studies have all concluded that regular intake of green tea, like sencha tea, decreases influenza rates and also reduces certain common cold symptoms.

The antioxidants in green tea have antibacterial and antiviral effects, which can prevent seasonal colds. Sencha tea contains vitamins C and E, which are necessary for maintaining a healthy immune system. Even just gargling with sencha green tea may help protect against influenza and seasonal respiratory infections.

 

Protection Against Neurodegeneration

Sencha green tea’s catechins, particularly EGCG catechin, have antioxidant properties that can protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are rogue molecules or unstable molecules. These molecules cause a lot of damage to healthy cells, resulting in degeneration. Over time, they can cause diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The antioxidants in sencha help eliminate these free radicals. They also act as a shield against these harmful free radical molecules to prevent neurodegeneration.

 

Good For Digestive Health

Sencha tea may also benefit your digestive health thanks to its tannins, flavonoids, amino acids, and vitamins. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They work together to help balance the gut microbiome. These compounds also support overall digestive processes.

Sencha tea’s fiber content also acts as a mild laxative and aids in regular bowel movements while preventing constipation. Moreover, the polyphenols found in sencha promote the efficient breakdown of food and keep you regular.

Regular consumption of sencha tea can thus aid in maintaining a smooth and effective digestive system.

 

Good For Oral Health

Sencha green tea also promotes oral health thanks to its natural compounds. The catechins in sencha tea are powerful antioxidants that combat harmful, odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. They also reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Sencha’s catechins help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and prevent them from sticking to teeth. This prevents the buildup of tartar and plaque, which is responsible for bad breath.

Additionally, sencha tea controls bad breath by neutralizing the sulfur compounds produced by the oral bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also soothe gum tissues to prevent gingivitis. Drinking Sencha tea regularly supports a healthier oral environment and can contribute to improved overall dental hygiene.

 

Great For Skin Health

Regular consumption of Sencha green tea can contribute to skin protection and help it stay healthy, youthful, and free from blemishes and acne.

Sencha tea is excellent for skin health due to its EGCG catechin. EGCG catechin is a powerful antioxidant that helps shield the skin from oxidative stress caused by factors like UV radiation and pollution.

Internally, sencha tea provides the skin with antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, which help defend against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are rogue molecules that can lead to wrinkles and premature aging. These antioxidants also play a crucial role in maintaining radiant, acne-free, and youthful skin.

 

Stress And Anxiety Relief

Sencha green tea offers stress relief thanks to its L-theanine content. L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes calmness by stimulating alpha brain waves. Almost 1-2% of sencha leaves are l-theanine.

L-theanine also supports mental function, which is why some holistic practitioners recommend it for cognitive impairment and stress management. Being low in caffeine compared to other teas, sencha is suitable for those with insomnia concerns. It is a good tea to have at the end of the day to alleviate symptoms of stress and depression without disrupting sleep.

The combination of l-theanine-induced relaxation and lower caffeine levels makes sencha an ideal choice for stress and anxiety relief. Having 2-3 cups of sencha green tea daily could provide a natural and effective way to manage stress, depression, and anxiety issues while supporting overall mental well-being.

 

Health Benefits Of Sencha Tea: Final Thoughts

The consumption of sencha tea offers a wide array of significant health benefits supported by some scientific evidence, though more study is needed.

From its potential anticancer effects and anti-obesity properties to its ability to aid in the prevention of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration, sencha tea emerges as a powerful ally in maintaining overall health.

Additionally, its positive impact on digestive health, oral hygiene, skin protection, and stress relief further solidify its status as a versatile and beneficial beverage.

With its rich antioxidant content and various health-promoting compounds, regular consumption of sencha tea can contribute to a holistic approach to wellness, making it a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.