ABOUT

What's matcha?

Matcha tea belongs to the green tea varieties and is traditionally drunk in Japan. Originally, the tea probably came from China, but was forgotten there. Unlike "normal" green teas, however, matcha tea is not prepared as a decoction of tea leaves, but from a poisonous green powder.

This powder consists of finely ground leaves of the green tea variety "Tencha" from which the stems have been removed. For Matcha of the highest quality, the tea farmers even remove the leaf veins by hand.

What remains is the pure leaf, which is also consumed whole in the tea. Since matcha tea is a so-called "shade tea", the tea bushes are shaded with bamboo mats or similar four weeks before harvesting. This process not only increases the amino acid content of the tea, but also the chlorophyll content which gives matcha its bright green color. When you drink matcha tea, you’re getting the nutrients from the entire tea leaf which in turn means even more whole, beneficial plant compounds, such as antioxidants, than by drinking brewed tea .

What's in matcha?

Matcha contains lots of antioxidants such as catechins. In fact, Matcha contains 137 times the amount of antioxidants than regular green tea. One other ingredient that makes Matcha so beneficial compared to normal green tea for example is the amount of a catechin called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG for short. Matcha tea has about three times as much EGCG as other green tea. Various studies have investigated the effect of EGCG on cancer cells, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. 

Matcha also naturally contains caffeine (also known as teein). However the caffeine in matcha is not as stimulating as caffeine in coffee for example (more on that later). Other important ingredients in matcha are amino acids such as L-theanine, chlorophyll, various vitamins, calcium, iron and potassium.

 

Does matcha have caffeine?

Because matcha is made from the entire tea leaf, it contains more caffeine than regular steeped tea — three times the amount, to be exact.

But how does matcha compare to coffee?

On average, one cup (8-oz) of brewed coffee contains 95mg of caffeine, although that number can vary greatly depending on the type of coffee. For example, 12-oz of cold brew can contain 150-240 mg caffeine.

Matcha, on the other hand, contains around 70-80 mg of caffeine per cup.

While the difference in caffeine is minimal, the type of caffeine in tea makes all the difference. Why? Because the body metabolizes it differently.

Unlike the caffeine in coffee, which is quickly released into the bloodstream, the caffeine in matcha is slowly released. This is because the caffeine molecules in matcha (and green tea) bind to the catechins. As the catechins break down, caffeine enters the bloodstream slowly over a 6-8 hour period.

This process also prevents adrenaline and insulin spikes, which prevents the dreaded caffeine crash and drop in blood sugar.

Top 25 health benefits of matcha tea

Rich in Antioxidants – Matcha is packed with antioxidants, especially catechins, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce cell damage.

Boosts Metabolism – It can help enhance metabolism, which aids in fat burning and supports weight management.

Enhances Mental Focus – Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and improves concentration and mental clarity.

Supports Heart Health – The antioxidants in matcha may help lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health.

Promotes Detoxification – Matcha helps the body eliminate toxins, as it is high in chlorophyll, which can purify the body.

Boosts Immune System – The high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, support the immune system.

Improves Skin Health – The antioxidants in matcha can protect the skin from UV damage and reduce signs of aging, promoting a healthier complexion.

Enhances Energy Levels – Due to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, matcha provides a steady energy boost without the jitters commonly associated with coffee.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety – L-theanine in matcha helps promote relaxation and can lower stress levels, improving overall wellbeing.

Supports Digestive Health – The fibre content in matcha can aid digestion and promote gut health, supporting regular bowel movements.

Improves Cholesterol Levels – Regular consumption of matcha may help reduce total cholesterol levels, especially LDL (bad cholesterol), and raise HDL (good cholesterol).

Supports Brain Health – The combination of antioxidants and L-theanine in matcha may support cognitive function, improve memory, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

Balances Blood Sugar Levels – Some studies suggest that matcha can help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Promotes Healthy Liver Function – The catechins in matcha have been shown to support liver health by helping to reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver and promoting detoxification.

Anti-inflammatory Effects – Matcha’s high levels of polyphenols can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis.

Improves Mood – Matcha can help lift your mood and enhance feelings of happiness, partly due to the calming effects of L-theanine combined with the mild caffeine boost.

Boosts Endurance – Athletes often consume matcha to boost physical endurance, as the slow-release caffeine provides sustained energy for longer periods without crashes.

Improves Oral Health – Matcha’s antibacterial properties can help fight bacteria in the mouth, promoting better oral hygiene and preventing bad breath.

Reduces Risk of Certain Cancers – The antioxidants in matcha, particularly catechins, may have protective effects against certain types of cancer, as they can help reduce oxidative damage to cells.

Enhances Hydration – Matcha provides a good source of hydration and can be consumed in a variety of ways, including in smoothies or as a hot or iced tea.

Helps with Weight Loss – In addition to boosting metabolism, matcha can help reduce appetite, making it easier to manage weight.

Promotes Healthy Hair – The antioxidants in matcha can promote healthy hair growth and may help prevent hair loss by reducing oxidative stress on hair follicles.

Improves Sleep Quality – Although matcha contains caffeine, the calming effects of L-theanine can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, especially if consumed in moderation.

Supports Gut Health – The polyphenols in matcha are known to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy digestive system.

Aids in Liver Detoxification – Matcha has properties that assist in liver detoxification by increasing the production of bile, which helps break down fats and remove toxins from the body.