If you can’t get through the day without a dose of caffeine but are afraid of the harmful health effects of coffee, matcha may be your answer.
Matcha is a finely ground powder derived from green tea leaves, combined with hot water and loaded with antioxidants, making it an incredibly beneficial beverage.
The tea’s popularity has surged as more individuals turn to health food outlets to purchase this green elixir. In the United States, matcha sales have reportedly surpassed $10 billion over the past 25 years.
Globally, the matcha market is estimated to be valued at $4.3billion, and the ever-increasing demand is putting a strain on the world’s supply.
Along with its many benefits, it lacks the dangers of coffee, which was tied to vision problems in a recent study.
In a study released last month, researchers from China identified a connection between instant coffee and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition affecting the eyes that leads to blurred or distorted central vision.
Results showed people with a preference for instant coffee were up to seven times more likely to develop the disorder than drinkers of other types.
Researchers believe the link could be due to the way instant coffee is prepared, which releases a chemical called acrylamide that may enter the bloodstream and damage the retina.
Conversely, studies have linked matcha to lowering blood pressure and inflammation, and improving alertness and concentration. Antioxidants in the powder have also been linked to reduction in risk of chronic conditions, cancer and age-related diseases.
The market for matcha is booming, as more and more people flock to health food and organic stores to stock up on the green liquid gold
If switching to matcha, you can enjoy all its benefits without giving up your need for caffeine. According to Harvard Health, in one 8oz cup, matcha contains 38 to 89mg of caffeine, compared to 100 to 120mg in coffee.
While the content may be lower, that energy boost is more stable and longer-lasting than coffee.
When drinking coffee, energy levels experience a quick surge, but, as fast as they’re boosted, they come crashing down suddenly just a few hours later.
With matcha, people still experience increased energy, but the heightened level is maintained over a longer period of time, providing steady energy for hours.
And rather than experiencing a sudden crash, levels gradually decline over several hours.
Matcha also contains theanine, which is believed to have a superior effect on cognitive function than caffeine alone, and the combination contributes to improved attention.
Theanine also serves to release the amount of caffeine in the body at a slower rate, preventing the typical caffeine crash.
In a 2024 study, 99 people, including 64 with self-reported cognitive decline and 35 with mild cognitive impairment, were randomly assigned to receive either matcha or a placebo.
Results showed matcha consumption was associated with improved social cognitive function – a criterion for diagnosing dementia – specifically the perception of emotions from facial expressions.
And in a separate 2020 study, female matcha drinkers saw an improvement in cognitive function.
Matcha is finely ground powder made from green tea leaves that is whisked together with hot water
Another benefit of matcha compared to coffee: no coffee breath or stained teeth. It can actually improve oral health.
According to Tea Makers of London, superpowered antioxidants found in matcha fight bacteria that grow in your mouth and cause damage. It reduces plaque-buildup and relieves symptoms of gum disease.
Matcha can also be a supplement for weight loss. Unlike over-processed sports drinks and metabolism boosters, matcha has natural ingredients that improve metabolism and increase energy levels, putting you into fat burning levels safely.
It won’t raise blood pressure or cortisol, and is a great pre-workout drink.
Finally, a good cup of matcha is much easier and less expensive to make than coffee.
Matcha requires almost no equipment and can be made by simply whisking the powder in hot water or milk, compared to at-home coffee makers and espresso machines that can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
