Have you ever reached for a cup of green tea as a healthier alternative to your daily coffee fix? Many people do, but what if the green tea you're drinking isn't as high quality as you think?
Unfortunately, many green tea products available today are of poor quality, lacking the rich flavor and health benefits that true, high-quality green tea should offer. We're used to the supermarket teabags from our local Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl brands, or whatever we find at the office cafeteria.
For years, I've been a dedicated coffee drinker, starting with a single cup of espresso each day and gradually escalating to consuming anywhere between 5 to 7 cups during office hours. Initially, it seemed to provide a much-needed boost, but over time, it became more of a habitual ritual than a genuine source of energy. Whether it was the brief intervals between university lectures or the short breaks between office meetings, a trip to the kitchen, a press of the button, and presto, another quick fix of energy.
However, one must question whether this habitual fix truly offers sustainable energy. More often than not, it leaves one feeling anxious, jittery, and with a fleeting burst of energy that barely lasts beyond 30 minutes before the inevitable crash.
| Matcha 🍵 | Coffee ☕️ | Energy Drink 🥤 | |
| Caffeine ⚡️ | 75mg serving (4-6 hours of energy) | 150mg serving (0.5 hours - 2 hours of energy) | 200mg serving (0.5 hours - 1 hour of energy) |
| L-theanine 🌱 (calms you down) | 50mg serving | - | - |
| Anti-oxidant properties 🥦 | 150x that of broccoli | - | - |
What is Matcha?
Ceremonial grade matcha is a finely ground, high-quality green tea powder that is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Unlike traditional green tea leaves, which are steeped and then discarded, matcha powder is whisked into hot water, allowing the entire tea leaf to be consumed.
This method preserves more of the nutrients and antioxidants found in the tea leaves, resulting in a beverage that offers a smoother energy boost without the jitters or crash associated with coffee. Ceremonial grade matcha is revered for its vibrant green color, delicate flavor profile, and ability to promote a sense of calm focus, making it a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to both green tea and coffee.
Why it's worth considering:
1. The High from Matcha Caffeine (Matcheine) is better ⚡️:
When it comes to caffeine impact, matcha offers a superior experience compared to coffee. The caffeine surge from coffee can be disruptive to the body, starting with a sudden rush and ending in a crash. Scientifically, coffee prompts spikes in adrenaline, glucose, and insulin levels, leading to feelings of jitteriness and nervousness.
In contrast, matcha provides a different caffeine experience. Despite containing only about a sixth of the caffeine found in coffee (25mg versus the typical 150mg in a cup of coffee), matcha induces a state of calm alertness without the rollercoaster of highs and lows. This effect is attributed to matcha's unique composition: the 25mg of caffeine in matcha (around 75mg if you have 1 serving of Matcheine matcha) binds with its phytonutrients, particularly L-theanine, which slows down caffeine absorption in the body. As a result, the gentle onset of energy lasts for several hours, with some individuals reporting its effects lingering for up to six or seven hours.
Interestingly, matcha acts as an anti-cortisol agent, stabilizing blood sugar levels and alleviating stress on the adrenal glands. The presence of L-theanine in matcha is believed to reduce cortisol levels by inducing alpha waves in the brain, promoting a state of tranquil alertness.
In contrast, coffee triggers an increase in adrenaline and cortisol levels, leading to a spike in stress hormones rather than promoting a sense of calm.
2. Improved Oral Health 🦷:
When it comes to your teeth, matcha surpasses both coffee and black tea in terms of benefits. Green tea, including matcha, effectively combats the bacteria responsible for plaque formation, making it a valuable addition to your daily oral care routine. In fact, many dentists in Japan advocate for the regular consumption of matcha.
The secret lies in matcha's exceptionally high catechin content, particularly EGCG. These catechins serve as potent antibacterial agents, essentially acting as microscopic plaque eliminators. By incorporating matcha into your diet, you're employing a natural defense against cavities and periodontal diseases.
3. Enhanced Skin Health 🤗:
While green tea has become a popular ingredient in skincare products, the most effective way to reap the skin benefits of matcha is by consuming it. Unlike coffee, which with its higher caffeine levels can potentially induce physical stress leading to acne, matcha's lower caffeine content and beneficial components offer a boon to your skin.
Research, including an analysis of 20 studies, suggests that drinking green tea, including matcha, can yield various skin benefits. These include scavenging free radicals, preventing cancer, combating hair loss, and reducing the signs of skin aging.
4. Abundant Anti-Oxidants 🥦
Matcha boasts an impressive array of antioxidants, including catechins, flavonoids, and polyphenols.
Catechins, found in tea, cocoa, and berries, are renowned for their potent antioxidant properties. They play a vital role in regulating blood pressure, aiding in weight loss, and contributing to disease prevention.
Flavonoids, another group of phenolic compounds abundant in tea and various plant-based foods, offer diverse benefits. They possess anti-inflammatory properties and shield cells in the body from oxidation, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and dementia.
