Very briefly, antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals (unstable chemicals made by your metabolism that contribute to disease and aging). Free radicals are necessary in small amounts for your immune system, but almost everyone living a modern life has too many. Getting antioxidants from your diet is helpful because it minimizes the damage excess free radicals can do.
Matcha green tea is particularly rich in antioxidants. Matcha is loaded with a type of antioxidant called polyphenols that are lacking in the typical western diet. The reported medicinal properties of Matcha are likely as a result of the antioxidant called Epigallocatechin Gallate, or EGCG for short. This particular antioxidant has been studied as a treatment for various diseases, however its beneficial effects have not been established beyond doubt. While it looks like a promising natural medicine, the jury is still out. This doesn’t mean that Matcha isn’t beneficial for someone who needs more antioxidants, it is probably one of the most potent sources of antioxidants available. And if you’re reading this on the internet, you probably need more antioxidants!