Food

Everything You Need to Know About Matcha Tea

Apr 01, 2022

Matcha is a green tea that contains high levels of nutrients and antioxidants. It has a higher concentration of polyphenols, which gives it its bright green color and bitter taste.


Matcha typically becomes more bitter when stored in hot conditions, so matcha in powder form is recommended for cold beverages only since the cooling process can mellow the flavor.



Matcha can be found in many different forms, including ready-to-drink capsules, loose leaf tea leaves, or powders. Matcha was initially used on ceremonial occasions and by Zen Buddhist monks to stay awake during meditation sessions. Nowadays, many matches are consumed every day to support energy levels and health benefits such as improved metabolism and heart health.


1. Matcha has a very low caffeine level


The amount of caffeine in matcha is approximately one-tenth of the amount in regular green tea, which is why it is considered better for pregnant women and young children. In fact, matcha contains 17 amino acids that help rebuild brain cells and restore mental clarity after a stressful day at work or school. Matcha has been shown to positively affect alertness, focus, and concentration when consumed daily.


2. Matcha has many health benefits


Matcha is rich in antioxidants (called catechins) that help reduce stress and inflammation while supporting detoxification and healthy skin. It is rich in amino acids such as arginine, which helps build muscles and calcium, and magnesium, supporting joint health and bone strength. For example, 1 serving of Matcha contains about a daily amount of calcium equivalent to that of four 1/2-cup servings of milk.


3. Matcha is rich in iron


Powdered forms of matcha are known to have very high iron content. The average serving size of Matcha powder is around 2 grams, which is 2,000% higher than that of milk. Matcha contains over 30 times the amount of iron as milk. That translates to a daily intake of around eight milligrams per day from a serving of Matcha powder, which is almost double that of milk (4mg/day).



4. It can help fight depression and anxiety


Matcha is beneficial for supporting mood in people with chronic mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. It works well because the amino acid L-Theanine, which is found in Matcha, contains a unique amino acid called L-Theanine. To make L-Theanine, the tea plant needs to be exposed to shade for about 30 days before making the amino acid. The result is that matcha contains more L-Theanine than any other plant on Earth. Japanese research has shown that L-theanine helps promote feelings of relaxation by inducing sleep patterns in several ways.


5. Matcha is good for blood sugar control


Various studies have shown that matcha has fantastic health benefits for people who suffer from diabetes. It has a slow-digesting effect, which allows it to maintain glucose levels in the blood and increase the amount of insulin produced in the pancreas. Research has shown that matcha can regulate insulin production by 50%–60%. And because of its high antioxidant levels and amino acids, matcha is an excellent natural food source of calcium and other minerals.


6. Matcha is anti-inflammatory


Studies show that matcha contains antioxidants that help reduce total oxidant stress in the body – including oxidative damage from free radicals and inflammation. Matcha also contains the amino acid L-Theanine, which has been shown to help create a relaxed mental state by reducing cortisol levels in the blood. In fact, it can be so effective in reducing stress and stress-related hormones that one of the matcha's benefits is that it can even help you overcome jet lag.


7. It comes in many different forms


Matcha comes in many different forms. You can drink it hot or cold, by itself or mixed with your favorite ingredients. It can be consumed as a beverage, in tea, or used in cooking. However, the health benefits of matcha depend on how the tea is prepared and how it is consumed.


8. Matcha contains many nutrients


One 8-gram serving of Matcha contains 0–7 milligrams of caffeine. Depending on the brand, it may contain caffeine equivalent to 1 cup (250mL) of coffee.


9. The health benefits come from the antioxidants in matcha


Matcha can be consumed daily without harming one's system. However, it is still essential to know that matcha is an acquired taste, and like most teas, it has a bitter taste in its raw form.


To counteract the bitter flavor of matcha, it is common to add sweeteners such as raw honey, pure cane sugar, or stevia leaf extracts. Matcha can be spiced up by adding fresh fruit or blended with other ingredients such as water, milk, and yogurt.


Matcha powder has a 2-year shelf life when unopened; however, it should be used within 90 days once opened.