Is matcha healthier than tea and coffee?

Many promote matcha as a health-boosting "superfood," which leads us to wonder whether it truly lives up to this claim and whether there's anything truly different about it from regular green tea or coffee.

Matcha, like green and black tea, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, behind its enchanting green color lies a unique agricultural story: While traditional tea leaves grow in full sun, matcha plants are deprived of direct light for weeks before harvest.

This unique cultivation method alters the chemical composition of the plant, enhancing certain compounds such as chlorophyll and amino acids. The leaves are then dried and finely ground into a powder, hence its name, which literally means "powdered tea" in Japanese.

Although closely associated with Japanese culture, matcha actually originated in China, where Buddhist monks brought it to Japan in the 12th century to aid meditation. Over time, it became a staple of Japanese tea culture, especially in formal ceremonies.

Health-wise, matcha offers many of the same benefits as green tea, thanks to its high polyphenol content, including flavonoids known for their antioxidant properties. However, because the leaves are consumed whole in powdered form, matcha may provide a more concentrated dose of these beneficial compounds.

Matcha is credited with a wide range of potential health benefits: antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and even anticancer, in addition to improving brain function, relieving stress, promoting heart health, and regulating blood sugar levels.

However, most of the evidence supporting these claims comes from laboratory studies (on cells or animals), not from robust clinical trials in humans. So, while the preliminary research is promising, it's not yet conclusive.

What we do know is that matcha contains more caffeine than regular green tea, but typically less than coffee.

Caffeine itself has well-documented health benefits when consumed in moderation, such as improved concentration, mood, metabolism, and even a reduced risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, high doses can cause side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

Comparing matcha to coffee, both beverages offer antioxidant properties and cardiovascular benefits. However, coffee has been more thoroughly studied, and there are clearer guidelines regarding safe daily intake (3-4 cups per day for most people).

As for matcha, recommendations are more conservative, with some sources suggesting 1-3 cups per day, possibly due to its high polyphenol levels.

According to experts, both coffee and matcha are slightly acidic and may cause digestive discomfort or reflux in those with sensitive stomachs. However, matcha may be a better option for some. Unlike coffee, matcha contains theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and may mitigate the stimulating effects of caffeine, making it a gentler alternative for people prone to anxiety.

Ultimately, both matcha and coffee have potential health benefits, and the right choice depends on your personal needs and preferences. Coffee is better studied and may be ideal for those who tolerate caffeine well and enjoy several cups per day. Matcha, on the other hand, is a great option for those who want to consume less caffeine while benefiting from antioxidants, without experiencing a crash or jitters.

Source: Medical Express - https://ar.rt.com/zv37