Matcha Vs. Coffee: Which Is Better For You?

Is Rich In Antioxidants

“Like black tea, oolong, white tea and other green teas, matcha comes from the evergreen shrub camillia sinensis. It’s the processing of the leaves that creates the differences between them all. Matcha is lightly steamed and dried, whereas black and oolong teas are oxidised. The minimal processing of matcha preserves its naturally occurring antioxidants, making it a nutritional powerhouse. Its antioxidants are on a par with berries, spinach and broccoli. It also contains chlorophyll, which is known to make your skin glow, and contains high levels of an antioxidant known as EGCG, which is believed to have anti-cancer properties.” – Nadia Rawjee, health coach & founder of Casa Cura 

Provides Slow-Release Caffeine

“Matcha contains more caffeine than other green teas – between 19 and 44 mg/g. The difference in caffeine content varies significantly depending on the quality of the matcha, water temperature, brewing time and freshness. However, the main difference between matcha and coffee is that matcha provides energy for four to six hours without a crash, whereas coffee gives you a burst of energy for one to two hours, followed by an energy lull. This comes down to an amino acid in matcha called L-theanine, which offsets the jitters and provides a uniquely mellow caffeine buzz. If you’re switching from coffee to matcha, use 1 tsp of matcha per serving for a similar caffeine hit.” – Bean Bindloss, registered nutritional therapist & nutritionist

Is Good For Anxiety

“If you struggle with coffee and find it gives you the jitters, matcha is a great alternative. It has a calming effect and can help improve your emotional and mental state, decreasing the risk of panic, stress, nervousness and even mitigating the symptoms of anxiety. It increases mental clarity, too.” – Clementine Campbell, nutritionist 

Should Be Drunk Without Milk

“Chances are you’ve spied a pretty matcha latte at your local café, but studies suggest you’re better off drinking it with warm water to reap its antioxidant benefits. When combined with cow’s milk, the antioxidants in matcha combine with the protein in milk, which can reduce their potency. At the same time, drinking dairy with matcha may reduce how much L-theanine you absorb as the protein in the milk may compete for absorption. From a nutritional perspective, you’re better off mixing matcha with water or a low-protein plant milk, and away from food.” – Bean  

Must Be Powdered For Optimal Nutrition

“Matcha tea bags are a gimmick. They are mostly a blend of green tea and contain minimal amounts of matcha. Genuine matcha tea comes in a powder that’s sold in an airtight container for it to remain fresh. When you brew green tea, a lot of its goodness remains in the tea bag when you remove it from the cup. On the other hand, powdered matcha gives you goodness from the whole leaf – ten times the antioxidants of brewed tea from a tea bag, in fact.” – Nadia