Key Points to consider when comparing Matcha & Green Tea:
- Both are derived from the same plant called Camellia Sinensis giving them similar properties
- All green tea is high in antioxidants, just like Matcha
- Matcha is ideally the Powerhouse of health: It is nothing but 100% green tea leaves ground into a fine powder concentrated with nutrients
- All green tea rich in polyphenol compounds called catechins, antioxidant
- Matcha contains three times more of catechins called epigallocatechin gallate
- EGCG- an antioxidant linked to fighting cancer, viruses, and heart disease, is found in abundance in Matcha
- One cup of Matcha is equivalent to 3 cups of green tea. This imparts an immense advantage since there is more benefit in less consumption.
What are the benefits of Matcha Green Tea?
- Cancer prevention and control:
As per a study conducted recently, Matcha (0.2mg/ml) considerably hindered the spread of breast cancer stem cells towards the metabolic state.
It went about suppressing oxidative mitochondrial metabolism, preventing cells from ‘re-fueling’, eventually turning inactive and dying. In other words, it may help prevent cancer and overcome cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy.
- Promotes heart health:
The antioxidant effect of Matcha involves vascular health, reduction in inflammation, and increasing resistance to diseases.
Catechins – an important class of components in Matcha, inhibit lipid biosynthesis and reduce intestinal lipid absorption. This, in turn, improves blood lipid profile effectively.
- High Amino Acid content:
As compared to regular green tea, Matcha green tea is characterized with high levels of amino acid L-theanine. This regulates your mood bringing about calmness and relaxation in your personality.
An interesting fact is that Matcha contains 5 times more calming neurotransmitters than regular green tea. This property is of utmost benefit to individuals with anxiety and mood disorders.
- Anti-Ageing
Match is rich in antioxidants. This prevents premature ageing of the skin and formation of wrinkles due to constant exposure to sunlight.
Antioxidants interact with free radicals and reactive oxidative species, ROS, to choke off or neutralize harmful chemical reactions before they result in irreversible cellular damage.
Probable Cons of Match Green Tea:
- Raw and unprocessed Matcha:
Ingesting whole tea leaf is never recommended. Many factors come into play like its source or contaminants on the surface. Heavy metals, pesticides, and fluoride are sprayed on crops and, hence, it must never be consumed raw or unprocessed.
- Nausea and toxicity due to overconsumption:
Research showed that more than 2 cups of Matcha green tea per day may cause nausea and symptoms of liver or kidney toxicity. The consequences largely depend on individual tolerance levels but it is best to avoid overconsumption.
- Amount of intake:
It is important to understand your individual limit of consuming Matcha as per your personal health conditions. Most of the commercially sold beverages contain added sugar and fats which may hinder with your dietary and lifestyle habits.
If nothing else, it may worsen health disorders like diabetes and obesity. A good habit is to read the contents before investing in any type of green tea or healthy beverage.
Preparation of Matcha: Caffeine comparison Matcha & Coffee
- 1 cup standard Matcha of ~237ml: 4 tsp of powder and 280mg of caffeine
- 1 cup espresso 30-50ml: 63mg of caffeine
Summing it up:
As an overall comparison, Matcha green tea clearly has an upper hand over regular green tea. Having said that, one must realize their own health conditions before getting on to Matcha tea. Your best bet would be to consult a professional before making any changes in your daily beverage consumption.
