Is Matcha Better than Coffee?
Is Matcha Better than Coffee?
I have, I do and will always love coffee! There is no better feeling than the moment when that first sip of coffee touches your soul. But in saying that I also like trying new things and recently I have been trying out Matcha Lattes (I know I am late to the bandwagon, so please spare me!). So, the question to ask – is matcha better than coffee?
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a unique form of green tea that has been ground into a fine powder. If you have scrolled through Instagram then you might recognise it from its intensely bright green colour. Matcha is derived from the plant Camellia Sinesis, which is the source of many varieties of green teas and other teas. However, matcha is processed very differently making it so unique.
Matcha leaves are grown on green tea bushes kept under shade which increases the chlorophyll content making them bright green and full of nutrients. This also yields a plant with more caffeine and a higher concentration of an important amino acid: L-theanine (a little more on this in just a minute).
Once the plants are ready for harvest, the leaves are picked and ground into what we know as matcha powder. This is to also ensure that they are water soluble.
How much caffeine does matcha contain?
Yes, matcha does contain caffeine but not as much as coffee. A standard ½ tsp of matcha contains roughly about 35 mg whereas an 8-oz. black coffee contains roughly 100 mg.
So, if matcha has less caffeine than coffee why is Matcha so popular?
So, let’s go jump back to the amino acid -L-theanine. This incredible amino acid helps absorb the caffeine in your matcha much slowly. This means you are getting your caffeine kick without the “jitters” often experienced with drinking a strong cup of coffee. L-theanine also has a relaxing and calming effect which also helps you better focus (what better way to start the day!)
Matcha is also a great anti-oxidant due to the presence of polyphenols (thanks to the overproduction of chlorophyll). Polyphenols are powerful, disease-fighting agents, and appear to serve many functions within the human body, such as protecting the health and diminishing the risk of disease.
Oh, and Matcha helps with bad breath! So, if you are on a date and wondering about how to get rid of the bad breath order yourself a matcha 😉
The catechin blast of matcha acts as a kind of sterilising agent. Drinking a cup of matcha after your meal hampers the growth of germs which cause periodontal disease and halitosis or commonly known as ‘bad breath’.
So then is it better than coffee?
Okay so lets quickly summarise the benefits of drinking matcha
Energy without the coffee jitters
Reduces stress, has a calming effect and promotes focus
Rich in antioxidants
Helps with bad breath
But like everything, you need to consume Matcha in moderation. Too much caffeine can have diuretic effects or can increase in heart rhythm.
So matcha is the winner? Well, it’s hard to say given that coffee and matcha are quite different. If you are trying to take a break from coffee because of the jitters then matcha might just be the perfect substitute. Or if you are looking to try something new and different then give matcha a go!
*When purchasing matcha powder take into consideration where it has been produced. In 2006 a study showed that Chinese green teas had 50 times more lead than the maximum permitted level 5. Matcha originates from Japan, therefore, you might be better off buying Japanese produced matcha.
