Experts Reveal: Is Matcha Really Healthier Than Green Tea?
Green tea is a very popular and versatile beverage. You can also use it to add flavor to certain desserts. But there is more than one type of green tea, such as matcha, sencha, jasmine green tea, and many more. Here we will compare regular green tea with matcha powder. The two are similar, but not the same in terms of flavor, preparation methods, antioxidant capabilities, and many more. But is matcha really better than green tea? Well, we have the answer.
Is matcha really healthier than green tea?
Both green tea and matcha provide antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. “Since they come from the same plant, they may have similar benefits,” says Maggie Moon, a Los Angeles-based nutritionist. While there’s been some research on the potential health effects of green tea, much of it is inconclusive. For example, a 2020 meta-analysis found limited evidence about whether drinking green tea can reduce the risk of certain cancers. Preliminary research suggests that matcha may prevent cognitive decline, improve concentration, and reduce the survival of breast cancer cells.
Overall, matcha tends to be more concentrated. “Matcha provides a higher concentration of beneficial compounds than green tea, such as amino acids and catechins, a ทางเข้า UFABET สำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสฟรี type of polyphenol in tea that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties,” Moon explains. “If you want an efficient delivery system for those nutrients, go for matcha.”
In several studies on green tea, or matcha, researchers indicate that more research is needed to confirm or dispute the findings. For now, Moon says it’s all about personal preference. “If you like the taste of green tea, sip a few cups throughout the day,” she suggests.
Does matcha have more caffeine than green tea?
“Yes, matcha generally has more caffeine than green tea,” Moon says. On average, a cup of green tea contains about 29 milligrams of caffeine. One serving of matcha (about 2 grams) contains a whopping 49 milligrams. That’s less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee, Moon points out. A cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine, according to the USDA.
The amount of caffeine in tea can vary, so check the label to see how much caffeine you’re consuming. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is considered safe for most adults, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, Moon recommends choosing green tea, which is lower in caffeine. Decaffeinated green tea is also available.