KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Compared to coffee, matcha powder provides a consistent energy boost with less jitteriness.
  • Antioxidants found in it may help protect the heart, brain, and general health.
  • While consuming one to two cups daily is safe, quality is important to prevent contaminants.
  • Matcha is versatile as enjoy it as tea, a latte, or even in food recipes.
Hot green tea in a glass with cream topped with green tea

Walk into a cafe and restaurant in Kuala Lumpur and you’re likely to see the same bright green drink on the menu. Matcha lattes, matcha smoothies, and even matcha cakes are everywhere. This is not merely a trend. But why is matcha so well-liked at the moment? And is it truly healthier than ordinary green tea? Let's examine it more closely.

What Is Unique About Matcha Powder?

Although matcha powder and green tea are from the same plant, their cultivation and preparation methods differ. A few weeks prior to harvest, farmers shade the tea bushes. As a result, the leaves contain more chlorophyll and specific amino acids. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, stems removed, and then stone-ground into a fine powder.

Nutrition Snapshot of Matcha Powder

A small serving of matcha doesn’t look like much, but it’s rich in plant compounds that matter.

Per 1 gram (about half a teaspoon):

  • Calories: 3
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Fibre: 1 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Sugar: 0 g

The plant compounds also include:

  • Catechins (especially EGCG)
  • L-theanine
  • Chlorophyll
  • Polyphenols

These are the substances and nutrients are linked to many of matcha’s potential health benefits.

Is Matcha High in Caffeine?

Compared to green tea, yes. Compared to coffee, it sits in the middle.

  • Matcha: ~70 mg per 2–3 oz serving (about 1 teaspoon of powder)
  • Green tea: ~35 mg per cup
  • Coffee: ~95 mg per cup

How much caffeine you get depends on how much powder you use. The thicker preparations, like those in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, the higher they can easily climb over 100 mg. Still, most people find the caffeine in matcha easier to handle than coffee because of the calming effects of L-theanine.

Is It Okay to Drink Matcha Every Day?

Yes, for the majority of (healthy) adults. The keyword is ‘healthy’. Drinking matcha is safe and possibly beneficial to consume one or two cups of matcha every day. Consuming green tea on a regular and daily basis has been associated with lessen and reduced cholesterol, enhanced brain and focus function, and better heart health. Due to its higher concentration, matcha might offer these advantages in smaller doses.

However, you're also potentially ingesting any pollutants from the soil, such as pesticides or heavy metals. For this reason, it's critical to select premium or organic matcha powder. Experts suggest keeping it to one or two servings per day to avoid possible side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, or, in rare cases, liver stress.

One to two cups matcha daily safe; choose high-quality powder.

The Benefits of Drinking Matcha in the Morning

1. Antioxidants in Every Sip

Antioxidants, particularly a class known as catechins, are abundant in matcha. This is because matcha is a power, thus the extract of antioxidants are more. EGCG, in the most researched, has been connected to lowering inflammation and shielding cells from harm. According to one study, matcha may have up to ten times as many antioxidants as ordinary green tea.

Matcha lowers inflammation and protects cells because it contains catechins like EGCG.

2. Support for Heart Health

It has been discovered that people who drink green tea are less likely to develop heart disease probably the cause of its capacity to lower blood sugar and cholesterol . Because matcha is more concentrated, it may help support your heart even more effectively.

Matcha may improve cholesterol, blood sugar, and lower heart disease risk.

3. Focus and Brain Function

L-theanine and caffeine are combined in matcha to provide you with both calmness and alertness. According to a few small studies, matcha drinkers outperform nondrinkers on tests of memory and focus.

Matcha combines calming L-theanine with caffeine to improve memory and focus.

4. Help to control Weight

Supplements for weight loss frequently contain green tea extracts. Although the effect is minimal, some research suggests they might increase the body's calorie burn. However, substituting matcha for a sugary beverage could help you achieve your health objectives.

Matcha could take the place of sugary drinks and marginally increase calorie burning.

5. Liver Protection

According to some research, consuming matcha and green tea may lower your chance of developing some liver conditions. But, liver issues also have been connected to excessive consumption of concentrated green tea extracts (caffeine alert!). Balance is ideal in most situations. Remember, balance is the key.

Matcha may protect liver health, but excess intake risks damage.

6. Calmer Energy

The unique mix of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha gives a calm but alert feeling. Compared to the highs and lows of coffee, many people find this energy easier to handle.

Matcha provides steady, calm energy without the sharp crash of coffee.

Risks and Things to Watch For

Most people can safely consume matcha, but there are a few things to consider:

  • Caffeine sensitivity: Take it easy if you're sensitive. An excessive amount may result in headaches, fast heartbeat, or difficulty sleeping.
  • Control of quality: Unwanted contaminants may be present in less expensive powders. Adhere to reputable brands, preferably organic.
  • Going overboard: Excessive catechin intake can cause liver problems or upset the stomach.

The Bottom Line

From Japanese tea houses to Malaysian cafes, matcha powder has moved from tradition to trend. Matcha is more than just a colourful drink trend. It is a concentrated form of green tea that provides a variety of antioxidants along with calm, steady energy. It can help you feel refreshed and focused in the morning without giving you the jitters that coffee can sometimes give you.

Does matcha contain a lot of caffeine? Not as much as coffee, though. Is daily matcha consumption acceptable? Yes, for the majority of people, provided they use it sparingly.