Matcha Tea – Just a trend or Truly Better!
From lattes to smoothies, Matcha has gained global popularity and was in the limelight. Is it really better than everyday green tea or black tea? Or another health fad gone mad? Let’s demystify, so you can make your decision based on facts, not fads.
Matcha, green tea, and black tea all come from the same plant Camellia sinensis, but differ in how they’re processed, which affects their flavor, color, and antioxidant profile.
How It Compares: Matcha vs Green Tea & Black Tea
| Matcha | Green Tea | Black Tea | |
| Processing | Shade-grown, stone-ground | Steamed or pan-fired leaves | Fully oxidized leaves |
| Caffeine | ~70mg per cup | ~30mg per cup | ~50-90mg per cup |
| Taste | Earthy, umami | Light, grassy | Bold, astringent |
| Preparation | Whisked into water | Steeped | Steeped |
| Nutrients | High in *EGCG, *L-theanine | Moderate antioxidants | *Theaflavins, less EGCG |
*EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is a powerful antioxidant linked to anti-inflammatory, heart-protective, and fat-burning effects.
*L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes calm alertness by increasing alpha brain waves, often balancing caffeine’s stimulating effects.
*Theaflavins are black tea antioxidants formed during fermentation, known for heart, gut, and immune health benefits.
7 Science-Backed Benefits (and Risks) of Drinking Matcha Tea
1. Packed With Powerful Antioxidants
Matcha contains more EGCG than regular green tea, a catechin known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
🧪 A 2020 review found that EGCG helps neutralize free radicals, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
2. Enhances Focus Without the Crash
The caffeine-L-theanine combo in matcha is unique. While caffeine boosts alertness, L-theanine (an amino acid) promotes a calm, sustained focus without the jitters.
🧪 Studies show this pairing can improve attention and reduce mental fatigue better than caffeine alone.
3. Supports Heart Health
Matcha’s catechins, especially EGCG, may help lower LDL cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve blood flow.
🧪 Research suggests matcha may offer stronger cardiovascular support due to its high catechin content.
4. May Aid in Weight Management
EGCG is also linked to increased fat oxidation.
🧪 A 2022 study by Wang et al. found that Matcha tea extract rich in EGCG significantly increased fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise in healthy adults.
5. Supports Detox and Liver Health : In Moderation
Matcha is thought to support natural detox due to its chlorophyll content. However, very high doses may affect liver function.
🧪 A 2022 study by Bhandari et al. warned of liver toxicity at excessive doses, especially in sensitive individuals.
6. May Improve Brain Function and Memory
L-theanine boosts alpha wave activity in the brain, which is linked to relaxed alertness and better memory.
🧪 Research suggests regular consumption of matcha may support cognitive performance, especially under stress.
7. May Have Cancer-Protective Properties
While human trials are limited, test-tube studies show EGCG can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent tumor formation.
🧪 Though more research is needed, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties show promise in early studies.
Best Time to Drink Matcha
Matcha is an excellent choice for a morning or early-afternoon energy boost due to its caffeine and L-theanine combination that enhances focus.
❌ Avoid drinking it after 4 PM, as the caffeine (about 70mg per serving) can disrupt sleep.
✅ If you’re sensitive, it’s best to avoid it on an empty stomach to prevent nausea from the strong catechins.
Potential Risks of Matcha
While matcha is generally safe in moderate amounts, keep these in mind:
Liver Toxicity (At Excessive Doses)7
Extremely high intake may stress the liver.
Safe range: 2–4g daily.
Fluoride Exposure2
Matcha contains fluoride naturally, overconsumption could increase the risk of fluorosis (mineral buildup affecting bones/teeth).
Caffeine Sensitivity
Matcha is not ideal for those sensitive to caffeine, pregnant individuals, or people with heart conditions.
Hidden Calories
Café-style matcha drinks may include sugary syrups and high-calorie milk alternatives, which can add up.
Heavy Metal Contamination
Because you consume the whole leaf, contaminants like lead from soil can be more concentrated in matcha than in steeped tea.
Should You Switch to Matcha, Green, or Black Tea?
Switch based on your health goals and taste preferences:
- Matcha : Rich in antioxidants like EGCG and calming L-theanine for focused energy. Earthy, umami taste with a moderate caffeine kick.
- Green Tea : Supports metabolism and heart health with mild antioxidants.
Light, grassy flavour with lower caffeine; ideal for easy sipping. - Black Tea : May boost alertness and support gut health due to theaflavins.
Bold, robust taste with a stronger caffeine hit.
🐅 Pink Tiger : In Search of Clean, Transparent Matcha Brands
As matcha finds its way into more daily routines, so does the need for authenticity, safety, and sourcing transparency.
At Pink Tiger, we conduct independent lab testing to verify claims, check for heavy metals and contaminants, and ensure label accuracy. If your matcha brand stands for clean ingredients, honest sourcing, and no unnecessary additives, Pink Tiger is the platform for you.
👉 Brands, if you’re doing the right work, fill out the form HERE and let’s explore how to bring your matcha to the Pink Tiger Verified space.
References :
- 1. Hadjipateras, E. (2024, December 27). How Much Matcha Should I Drink in a Day? When Is the Best Time to Drink It? https://matcha.com/blogs/news/how-much-matcha-should-i-drink-in-a-day
- 2. Jakubczyk, K., Ligenza, A., Gutowska, I., & Janda-Milczarek, K. (2022, June 20). Fluoride Content of Matcha Tea Depending on Leaf Harvest Time and Brewing Conditions. Nutrients. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/12/2550
- 3. Kochman, J., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., Mruk, H., & Janda, K. (2020, December 27). Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7796401/#sec4-molecules-26-00085
- 4. Koláčková, T., Kolofiková, K., Sytařová, I., Snopek, L., Sumczynski, D., & Orsavová, J. (2019, December 13). Matcha Tea: Analysis of Nutritional Composition, Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 75(1), 48–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-019-00777-z
- 5. Rdn, A. B. M. (2023, November 16). Matcha — Even More Powerful Than Regular Green Tea? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/matcha-green-tea#preparation
- 6. Sokary, S., Al-Asmakh, M., Zakaria, Z., & Bawadi, H. (2022, November 23). The Therapeutic Potential of Matcha Tea: A Critical Review on Human and Animal Studies. Current Research in Food Science. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9792400/#abs0010
- 7. Bhandari, Maulshree & Sharma, Surabhi & Mishra, Riya & Nogai, Lipi & Koli, Manju & Pathak, Rashmi. (2023). Geography And The Therapeutic Effect Of Matcha Tea In Drinks. Journal of Negative Results in BioMedicine. 14. 1205-1210. 10.47750/pnr.2023.14.S01.165
- 8. Wang, Y., Yu, Y., Ding, L., Xu, P., & Zhou, J. (2022, August 1). Matcha Green Tea Targets the Gut–liver Axis to Alleviate Obesity and Metabolic Disorders Induced by a High-fat Diet. Frontiers in Nutrition. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9376390/
