For some time, the match has dominated the food market, whether in teas, lattes, shots, or deserts. These days, you can find matcha powder from coffee shops to health stores. Same as the green tea, matcha originates from the Camellia sinensis plant.

However, it is grown differently and features a distinctive nutrient profile. Thirty days before the harvest, farmers cover match plants to prevent direct sun exposure. This increases chlorophyll production, enhances amino acid content, and gives the plan green color.

Once the leaves have been harvested, farmers remove veins and stems, and then leaves are grounded into a fine powder. These days, every household has matcha powder, but are you familiar with its health-related properties? For more information, click here!

Now, here are a couple of science-based matcha benefits!

Packed with antioxidants

Matcha contains catechins which act as a natural antioxidant. It helps with free radicals and can minimize cell damage. When you add matcha powder to hot water to make tea, this hot beverage will contain nutrients from the entire leaf.

It tends to have a higher amount of antioxidant and catechins than simply steeping green tea leaves in water. One study found that giving mice matcha supplements minimized the damage caused by free radicals while improving antioxidant activity.

Protects liver

The liver is a crucial organ in our body since it flushes away all the toxins, processes ingredients, and filters drugs. Therefore, some studies indicate that matcha powder can protect our liver.

One research involved diabetic rats, were scientists fed them with a match for 16 weeks. They discovered that match protected their kidneys and liver. Another study found that people with non-alcoholic liver fatty disease managed to lower down liver enzyme levels with matcha.

Improves brain function

Match might have the ability to boost brain functions. Let’s look at a study involving 23 people who were given a series of tasks designed to evaluate their brain function. One group consumed tea or matcha containing 4g of powder, while the control group took a placebo.

The researchers discovered that the group who took matcha powder showed significant improvement in memory, reaction time, and attention, compared to the test group. It’s important to note that match features L-theanine, a compound that alters caffeine’s effects while improving alertness and levels of energy in our body.

May prevent cancer

Matcha features plenty of health-promoting properties, and some of them are linked to cancer. One research discovered that matcha powder decreased tumor size and minimized the growth of breast cancer cells in rats.

This plant is particularly rich in EGCG or epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which is a type of catechin that has displayed powerful anti-cancer properties.

One study found EGCG helped with prostate cancer, while in other test tubes said EGCG was effective against liver, lung, and skin cancer. However, you should take all this information with caution since we are talking about animal testing and test tube while looking at specific compounds found in the plant.

More research is required to confirm all these claims.

If you are preparing to bring your baby home, you must be wondering what he or she really needs in the first weeks”? Well, to simply answer that question: not much? However, there are still a couple of essentials you should pay attention to.

The biggest mistake young parents make is spending money on items they don’t actually use. A lot of them go through online checklists and buy the first thing that goes to their mind. However, it’s completely alright to stick to the basics because your baby won’t notice a difference. For example, a designer backpack diaper bag is one of the things you should consider.

Now, let’s what other items you need as well.

Clothing

All parents want new beautiful clothing for their little ones, however, believe us, you don’t need anything fancy in those first weeks. Instead of expensive clothes, go for plain, simple, and budget-friendly clothing since your newborn will outgrow them at lighting speed.

Keep in mind that they tend to get messy as well, so you will go through numerous outfit changes during the day. Also, many doctors recommend that babies shouldn’t sleep with blankets, so having a couple of baby sleep sacks or sleepers is a must.

Diapers

This is an obvious newborn basic, yet selecting the right type of diaper might be a bit challenging and stressful experience. If you can’t decide between disposable and cloth diapers, make sure to remember that at the end of the day, they both have pros and cons. Therefore, you should choose the one that matches your family lifestyle.

On average, newborns go through ten diapers a day, so you should have plenty of them on hand. Additionally, they will outgrow them in a matter of weeks for that matter don’t store too much.

Bath essentials

Until your newborn’s umbilical cord falls off, which is within the first week or two, doctors advise that you give your baby a sponge bath every night. After this period ends, you don’t need to bathe your little one daily, and three times a week will be enough.

However, it’s crucial to use items that don’t irritate his or her skin. These days, you can find a lot of products specially designed for babies, which have a balanced and mild texture, but still clean well.

Grooming

First of all, you don’t need to stock your bathroom cabinets with tons of baby grooming tools or a professional first aid kit. Since your young one’s nails grow fast, you will require small scissors or a nail clipper. Also, make sure to have a thermometer, to be able to check his or her temperature at any moment, and tool to clean their nose.

Sleep accessories

Whatever type of bed you select, cradle, crib, co-sleeper, or bassinet, American pediatricians recommend that your little one sleeps in the same room with you, within the first year.

Moreover, pillows, blankets, soft toys, and bumpers are no longer recommended, and you should keep them away from your baby’s bed.