Could your matcha or matcha latte be helping you build muscle?
According to research led by Professor Aoi from Kyoto Prefectural University, matcha may do more than energize your morning — it could enhance muscle protein synthesis, supporting strength and recovery after exercise.
The key lies in matcha’s rich composition of catechins, antioxidants, and amino acids like L-theanine. While catechins are widely known for their anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits, Aoi’s team found that certain bioactive compounds in matcha can also activate pathways involved in muscle growth. In other words, drinking matcha after your workout might give your muscles an extra push toward repair and development.
What makes matcha stand out from other green teas is how it’s cultivated. Shaded before harvest, the tea leaves develop higher concentrations of amino acids, which may work synergistically with exercise to support muscle health. And because you consume the whole leaf in powdered form, matcha delivers these nutrients more efficiently than steeped tea.
This research opens exciting possibilities — not just for athletes, but for anyone looking to maintain muscle mass as they age. Adding high-quality matcha to your daily routine might be a simple, natural way to complement your training and recovery.
At NAGOMI, we believe in sharing matcha at its best — vibrant, smooth, and packed with the goodness that makes it so much more than just a drink.
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Reference: Shigeta, M., Aoi, W., Morita, C. et al. Matcha green tea beverage moderates fatigue and supports resistance training-induced adaptation. Nutr J 22, 32 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-023-00859-4