Along with the most popular superfoods like ginger, kefir and turmeric, we now also find matcha, a type of green tea in powder form. smoothies beverages, even in baked goods.
Matcha tea originated in Japan about a thousand years ago. Belongs to the same family green tea – both green tea and matcha come from the Camellia sinensis plant – but they are harvested differently, which explains why matcha is slightly different from green tea.
According to research published in the chemistry journal Molecules, to create Japanese matcha, the tea plant is protected from direct sunlight, thereby increasing compounds such as chlorophyll, amino acids and antioxidants.
It is famous for its aroma, dark green color and its beneficial ingredients: Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, it has many health benefits. stimulation of metabolism and his strengthening brain function.
Now, researchers at Nihon University School of Dentistry in Matsudo, Japan claim that matcha inhibits the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria, which is associated with gum diseases such as gingivitis.
Gingivitis VS matcha
To test matcha’s potential, the research team applied a matcha solution to 16 types of oral bacteria in the laboratory, including three strains of P. gingivalis.
These bacteria create layers of bacterial colonies hidden on the teeth in the so-called periodontal pockets, making them particularly difficult to treat. However, within 2 hours, the matcha extract killed almost all P. gingivalis cells.
according to to learn Published in the American Society for Microbiology’s open-access journal Microbiology Spectrum, levels of bacteria that cause gingivitis were significantly reduced in the group using matcha mouthwash.
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is characterized by chronic inflammation of the surface tissues of the gums. Periodontitis, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and is associated with other serious health problems. cardiovascular diseases.
“Matcha tea may have clinical applications for the prevention and treatment of gingivitis,” the study authors note.