1 week Ago By Lorena Meouchi
It feels like everyone is drinking matcha these days. Every time I open Instagram, someone’s busy whisking up a cup. I asked a nutritionist friend if it actually had any real benefits, and she said it’s a great alternative to coffee for an energy boost.
“Matcha gives you sustained energy because it comes from a concentrated form of green tea ,” explains nutritionist Mariana Perez Trejo, who drinks it regularly. “Coffee causes a sharp energy spike—that’s why you feel like you need cup after cup just to keep going.” When she told me it helps with fatigue, I was intrigued.
But, as she warned, the quality of the matcha really matters. “If it’s not high quality, you miss out on most of its benefits.” So I decided to dig deeper—turn to the experts, figure out what makes matcha actually healthy (or not) and understand its benefits.
What are the benefits of matcha? Matcha, in itself, is great for your health. “ Green tea in powdered form lets you consume the entire leaf, which is where all its benefits are concentrated,” explains food coach Giovanna Alva. “One of its biggest advantages is its high antioxidant content, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is known for fighting cellular ageing and reducing inflammation.
” What does matcha do in the body? Alva also notes that matcha helps improve focus and mental calm. “It contains theine, which is combined with L-theanine —an amino acid that smooths out the effects of theine, promoting a steady state of alertness without the sharp spikes or crashes you get from coffee.” He adds that L-theanine also boosts the production of dopamine and serotonin—AKA the “happy hormones.
” “That’s why people say matcha ‘activates’ you without overstimulating the nervous system. It’s a gentler option, especially for those prone to anxiety or nervousness,” says Alva. And the benefits don’t stop there.
According to the nutrition expert, matcha also stimulates metabolism, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports the immune system. “That’s thanks to its high concentration of polyphenols and vitamins C, A, and E.” What are the downsides of matcha? “If it’s not high quality, matcha can contain heavy metals and lead due to soil contamination where it’s grown,” warns Giovanna Alva.
“It can also cause acidity or digestive discomfort in people with sensitive stomachs—especially if consumed on an empty stomach.” There’s also the issue of oxalates: matcha is rich in them, and in excess, they can contribute to kidney stone formation in people who are predisposed. And while matcha’s theine content is gentler than coffee’s caffeine, Alva cautions that it can still interfere with sleep or heighten anxiety in sensitive individuals.
How do you choose a good matcha? Pierre Favre, founder of the Caravanseraï tea boutique in Rome, says a proper matcha should contain only one ingredient: green tea. “Everything else—texturisers, flavourings, most of which are artificial—have nothing to do with real matcha. Some of these additives can even make us sick,” he tells Vogue .
Favre recommends looking for organic, ceremonial-grade matcha. “That’s the kind that won’t taste bitter,” he explains. Caravanseraï is also known for high-quality bulk matcha and blends like genmaicha.
Nutritionist Mariana Pérez Trejo agrees, adding that it’s important to check the label for added sugar. “A good matcha should be a bright, intense green powder,” she says. “The taste should be smooth and slightly sweet.
If it’s very bitter, that’s usually a sign of poor quality.” What’s the healthiest way to prepare matcha? Preparing matcha is something of a ritual. “To preserve its benefits, use hot water between 70°C and 80°C—never boiling—and whisk the powder with a chasen (bamboo whisk) until it forms a frothy, lump-free mixture,” says food coach Giovanna Alva.
You can drink it plain or as a matcha latte—just make sure to use unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or coconut. If you need a touch of sweetness, Alva recommends adding a little raw honey. When’s the best time to drink matcha? Experts suggest sipping matcha in the morning or early afternoon.
“Ideally between 8am and 2pm,” says Alva. It can also be taken before a workout to enhance performance. If you're caffeine-sensitive or struggle with sleep, it’s best to avoid matcha after 4pm.
What happens if I drink matcha every day? Like most things in life—olive oil, oat milk, unsolicited opinions—matcha is best in moderation. “When consumed daily in the right amount—about one cup of ceremonial-grade matcha—it can be a fantastic health ally,” says Alva. But overdoing it can lead to acidity, anxiety, or disrupted sleep.
Also read: Matcha tea has its own fan following on social media due to various health and wellness benefits I've been drinking green tea instead of coffee for a month now—here's what happened FoodComa: You're going to love these dishes so matcha!.
