With its vibrant green colour and centuries of tradition, matcha has in recent years been gaining attention as a superfood with many health benefits.
Matcha is expected to have the effect of improving cognitive function and preventing mental and physical illnesses.
So what makes matcha different from regular green tea or your morning coffee?
What makes matcha different from green tea and black tea?
Like green tea and black tea, matcha is made from the leaves of the tea plant (scientific name: Camellia sinensis) .
However, what makes it different from green tea and black tea is the cultivation and processing methods.
Green tea is made by steaming the leaves, then drying and rolling them, while black tea is made by oxidizing and fermenting the leaves.
On the other hand, matcha is made by shading the tea from light for several weeks before harvest and then grinding it into powder using a stone mill. It is not fermented.
This unique cultivation method changes the chemical composition of the plant, increasing the levels of certain compounds such as chlorophyll and amino acids, which give matcha its distinctive flavour and dark green colour.
Although matcha is a traditional drink deeply linked to Japanese culture and the Zen tea ceremony, its origins are actually in China.
It was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks around the 12th century and was used as an aid to Zen meditation.
It eventually became an indispensable part of Japanese tea culture, especially in the formal tea ceremony.
Health-wise, matcha has many of the same benefits as green and black tea.
It is especially rich in polyphenols, including flavonoids, and is known to have powerful antioxidant properties.
Additionally, because matcha is consumed as a powder from the whole leaf, you may be able to consume these beneficial compounds in a higher concentration.
Now let’s take a look at the specific effects.
What are the benefits of drinking matcha?
Matcha is expected to have a wide range of health benefits, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and even anti-cancer effects.
This suggests that drinking moderate amounts of matcha can help improve brain function, relieve stress, improve heart health, and regulate blood sugar levels.
However, there are some points to note.
Much of the evidence supporting these effects is based on laboratory studies in cells and animals; large-scale clinical trials in humans are scarce.
So while early research results are promising, it’s too early to draw any firm conclusions.
One thing is for sure: matcha contains caffeine.
It contains more vitamin C than regular green tea, but usually less than coffee.
Caffeine itself has been shown to have health benefits when consumed in moderation, such as improving concentration and mood, boosting metabolism, and even reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
However, taking too much can cause side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure.
The idea of ”more is better” does not apply, and the optimal dosage is still unclear.
Comparing matcha to coffee, both have antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits.
However, coffee has been better studied, and up to three to four cups a day is considered safe for most people.
Because matcha has a high polyphenol content, more conservative guidelines are given for intake, with 1-3 cups recommended per day.
The tannins and polyphenols in tea and coffee can interfere with iron absorption, especially from plant foods.
Drinking it frequently, especially during or immediately after meals, may increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Therefore, it is recommended that people who mainly eat plant-based foods or who are already iron deficient drink it at least two hours before or after a meal.
Another thing to consider is that both coffee and matcha are slightly acidic and may cause indigestion or acid reflux in people with sensitive stomachs.
That said, matcha may be a better option for some people.
Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which is not found in coffee, and has a relaxing effect and may reduce jitteriness caused by caffeine.
This makes it a gentler alternative for those prone to anxiety.
Both coffee and matcha have their own health benefits, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal constitution and preferences.
Coffee is well-studied and is ideal for people who can tolerate caffeine well and who like to enjoy multiple cups a day.
On the other hand, matcha is a great option for those who want to enjoy the antioxidant benefits without consuming too much caffeine, and who want to avoid caffeine sickness and sudden blood sugar drops.
Whatever you choose, it’s important to avoid overdosing on it, especially if you have iron deficiencies or digestive problems.
How to Serve Matcha Tea
Let us remember that matcha is a universal drink: like any good tea, you can enjoy it just like that, or if your soul is craving something sweet, combine it with a variety of additives and desserts.
An excellent addition would be wagashi – Japanese sweet balls of rice dough with cream or ice cream inside. However, any natural delicacies would be just as good: pastille, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and other sweets.
Matcha can also be used to make coffee cocktails. Just replace coffee with it, and you will get a drink with new, unexpected shades of taste and aroma. Experiment boldly – it will definitely be delicious.