We all start the morning with coffee or green tea, and although our views on caffeine may differ, the health effects and benefits of matcha tea don’t lie especially when it comes to the matcha vs. coffee comparison.
More Energy
An average cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, while one cup of matcha tea contains around 68 mg. Don’t be fooled by the caffeine content, though here’s why matcha can energize you more than coffee.
As a coffee alternative, matcha contains the amino acid L-theanine. When L-theanine combines with the natural caffeine found in tea, the caffeine is metabolized more slowly. It’s released over a longer period of time, providing steady energy for 3 to 6 hours (compared to 1–2 hours from coffee).
No Caffeine Crash
The energy boost from coffee wears off quickly. After about 1–2 hours, once your body processes the caffeine, sudden fatigue kicks in and like most people, you reach for another cup. To maintain productivity, your body craves more caffeine, which is why that urge for coffee returns. Studies have shown that rapid spikes in caffeine can cause restlessness and nervousness, which may show up as chest pressure, tingling in the limbs, mild anxiety, or a rapid heartbeat.
In contrast, matcha as a coffee alternative contains only about one-third to one-half the caffeine. Thanks to the presence of L-theanine and other phytonutrients, the caffeine in matcha is released much more slowly meaning no caffeine crash. This is exactly why matcha is a better option for people who need sustained focus but don’t feel good after drinking coffee.
Improves Oral Hygiene: No Bad Breath or Teeth Stains
The antibacterial properties of matcha green tea provide important protection for your teeth, helping prevent the buildup of bacteria and improving overall oral health. For centuries, green tea has also been used as a natural way to prevent bad breath and tooth decay.
Nutrition
Because matcha is ground into a fine powder, you consume all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals found in the tea leaves. In comparison, you’d need to drink up to 10 cups of regular green tea to get the same amount of nutrients. On top of that, matcha contains a higher level of antioxidants (it’s scientifically proven that matcha has up to 15× more antioxidants than blueberries). Drinking tea regularly can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Better Mood and Focus
Matcha green tea can improve your mood, concentration, and focus. This is due to the amino acid L-theanine, which increases the production and release of dopamine and serotonin in the body—helping protect against depression and anxiety.
Improves Skin Condition
Coffee consumption is often linked to poorer skin conditions, such as acne. On the other hand, matcha, thanks to its antibacterial properties, can help improve your skin and give it a natural glow. This is one of the reasons why matcha powder is so popular in the cosmetics industry.