What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha is a type of green tea, produced from the same plant as 'regular' tea – Camellia sinensis. Originally served at tea ceremonies in Japan, matcha is now widely available. Its unique appearance, taste, and nutrient profile come from its special growing and production process. The plants are covered with bamboo mats during most of the growing period, which increases chlorophyll in the leaves and results in its characteristic bright green color. Made from the youngest, freshest leaves, they are steamed, dried, stripped of stems and veins, and ground into a fine powder. This means when we enjoy a cup of matcha, we consume the whole leaf rather than just an infusion, so matcha contains more fiber than tea and counts as a plant food.
Matcha vs Coffee Caffeine
Matcha has more caffeine than other green teas but less than coffee. A standard cup of matcha contains about 40–80mg of caffeine, compared to around 45mg for black tea and 100mg for coffee.
Is a Matcha Latte Healthy?
Matcha lattes are how many people now encounter this trendy ingredient, but they are often made with lots of milk and added syrups, very different from traditional matcha (whisking ceremonial-grade powder into hot water). On its own, matcha is rich in inflammation-fighting antioxidants, but it can stack up calories and added sugars when combined with these other ingredients.
8 Health Benefits of Matcha
1. Rich in Protective Polyphenols
Polyphenols are known to protect the body against disease and make an important contribution to a healthy, balanced diet. Matcha is especially rich in these protective plant compounds, although it may not be as high in catechins as green tea. This is because younger leaves and shaded growing conditions produce lower levels of some compounds while having significantly higher levels of others, such as epigallocatechin gallate. The unique manufacturing process also preserves much of the plant's nutrient value.
2. Boosts Brain Health, Function, and Alertness
Matcha is a concentrated source of polyphenols, chlorophyll, caffeine, and L-theanine – all of which benefit brain function. As a stimulant, caffeine acts on the central nervous system, increasing energy metabolism throughout the brain and heightening alertness and memory performance. Caffeine also has antioxidant properties and, in conjunction with catechins in matcha, may help prevent the occurrence or progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, heating or cooking matcha may reduce these antioxidant properties.
3. May Have a Stress-Relieving Effect
The amino acid L-theanine may benefit the nervous system. From a calming perspective, it helps increase levels of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA, which soothes and relaxes the mind. However, how effective your cup of matcha is depends on the authenticity of its origin and the shading process during growing, because this increases L-theanine levels. Traditional Japanese matcha is rich in L-theanine, with lower levels of caffeine and catechins. Sadly, commercially processed matcha often fails to meet this ratio and lacks these stress-busting benefits.
4. May Support a Healthy Heart and Cardiovascular System
Studies suggest that like green tea, matcha is a good choice if you're looking to reduce your risk of heart disease and associated conditions, including heart attack and stroke. One way it may help is through beneficial effects on cholesterol management.
5. May Be Good for Bone Health
Some studies suggest that by choosing tea, especially green tea varieties, you may help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of bone fracture. Green tea, including matcha, appeared to be more beneficial in increasing bone mineral density than other kinds of tea, owing to its higher levels of plant compounds that reduce oxidation and increase antioxidant capacity.
6. May Aid Weight Management
The plant compounds and caffeine in green tea varieties like matcha may boost metabolic rate and speed up fat burning in those with a high proportion of abdominal fat, according to studies. These effects can be enhanced when matcha consumption is combined with a daily program of 30 minutes of brisk walking.
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