Is matcha better than coffee when it comes to health and overall versatility? In this article, we’re going to try and find out.
We’ll take a look at how each drink affects you when you drink it in the morning, and then we’ll take a look at the unique nutrient profile of each drink.
We’ll also take a look at the versatility of each drink to see which is easier to prepare and use.
Hopefully, by the end of this article, we’ll be able to answer is matcha better than coffee once and for all! 💚🤎
Is matcha better than coffee in the morning?
For many individuals, the ritual of starting the day with a cup of coffee is deeply ingrained, but is matcha better than coffee for getting that morning energy boost?
While coffee provides a quick jolt of energy due to its high caffeine content, it often leads to a subsequent crash. Matcha, on the other hand, contains a moderate amount of caffeine combined with L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting calmness and relaxation. So does matcha give you energy?
Yes! This combination offers a sustained and focused energy boost without the jitters or the crash associated with coffee. Matcha provides a sense of alertness and clarity without the rollercoaster effect on your energy levels.
So is matcha better than coffee? If your goal is to have sustained energy throughout the day without the crash, the answer is yes.
But how does matcha compare to a low caffeine drink, like a chai latte for example? For that comparison, you'll have to read our article 👉 Chai vs Matcha: Teatime Turf War is Heating Up
Is matcha better than coffee when it comes to health?
Is matcha better than coffee for your overall health? This is a question that is on a lot of people’s minds, so we thought we’d take a deep dive into the differences between matcha and coffee when it comes to various nutrients.
We’ll take a look at the antioxidants, detoxifying properties and the weight loss effects of each of these drinks to see which is better.
Antioxidants
Matcha is renowned for its exceptional antioxidant content. The vibrant green tea leaves used to make matcha are shade-grown, enhancing their chlorophyll and antioxidant levels. Matcha contains a potent antioxidant called catechin, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and boosting the immune system.
Matcha contains significantly more antioxidants than coffee. In fact, it might contain more antioxidants than just about anything else you put in your body, with 18 times the amount of antioxidants as blueberries. Coffee by comparison contains relatively few antioxidants.
Enhanced Mental Focus and Concentration
We know matcha is a longer lasting energy source than coffee, but is matcha better than coffee when it comes to your overall state of mind?
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha provides unique cognitive benefits. L-theanine promotes a state of relaxation and mental clarity, counterbalancing the potential anxiety-inducing effects of caffeine.
This synergy results in improved focus, enhanced concentration, and heightened productivity. Matcha can also be helpful during meditation, and this is one of its first uses when it was brought to Japan from China over 1,000 years ago.
If you want to learn more about the history of matcha, you can read our complete guide to the history of green tea.
Detoxifying Properties
Matcha is renowned for its detoxifying properties, thanks to its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll helps to cleanse the body by eliminating toxins and heavy metals. It supports the liver's natural detoxification processes, promoting overall well-being.
Unlike coffee, which can have a diuretic effect, matcha hydrates the body and aids in digestion. So is matcha better than coffee when it comes to detoxifying the body? It would appear so.
Aids in Weight Management
When people discuss the health benefits of various foods, one of the first things on their mind is weight loss. So is matcha better than coffee when it comes to losing weight?
Matcha boosts metabolism and increases fat oxidation due to its unique combination of caffeine, EGCG, and other phytonutrients. It helps the body burn calories more efficiently, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet and active lifestyle. In terms of caloric content, one teaspoon (approximately 2 grams) of matcha powder contains about 5 calories.
Coffee can be helpful when it comes to weight loss, but it lacks a few nutrients that matcha has in abundance. For example, coffee does not contain catechins which are thought to aid with fat oxidation. So the answer to the question is matcha better than coffee when it comes to weight loss appears to be yes again.
By the way, if you want to find out which green teas are best for weight loss, you're going to want to read this article 👉 What’s the Best Green Tea To Lose Weight? Find Out Here
Is matcha better than coffee when it comes to ease of preparation?
We’ve talked about the health benefits of matcha and energy that matcha can give you, but is matcha better than coffee when it comes to its overall versatility? The answer is also yes.
Easy to prepare
Matcha comes in a finely ground powder, and it can be consumed directly without any brewing or filtering. This means that you don’t need as many fancy tools in order to prepare it.
Essentially, all you need to do is mix the powder into water and drink it. If you want to make the matcha taste better, you can always add tools and techniques to the preparation.
For example, sifting the powder before use and using a bamboo whisk to mix the matcha will lead to a smoother and creamier tasting matcha tea, but this is not strictly necessary.
If you want to learn more about how to prepare matcha tea, you can read our article all about it.
Versatile
Is matcha better than coffee when it comes to versatility? One of the biggest benefits of matcha that often goes unnoticed is the versatility. Because matcha comes in a fine powder, it can be mixed into just about anything you can think of.
At its finest, espresso powder can make for a nice dusting on top of tiramisu, but it tends to be too gritty to mix into water directly. Matcha on the other hand can be easily mixed into lattes, smoothies, desserts and candies, and you don’t even have to brew it.
What is the best substitute for coffee?
Are you tired of the same old cup of joe every morning? Looking for a way to kickstart your day without relying on caffeine? Well, you're in luck! We've got the inside scoop on the best substitute for coffee that will leave you buzzing with energy. Say goodbye to those coffee jitters and hello to a whole new world of delicious alternatives. To discover the best teas that taste like coffee or have the same effects, make sure to read our article 👉 Complete Guide about Tea that Tastes like Coffee
Is matcha better than coffee? The final answer
While coffee has its merits and remains a beloved morning beverage for many, matcha green tea offers a host of advantages that make it a compelling alternative.
With sustainable energy, a rich antioxidant profile, enhanced mental focus, detoxifying properties, and potential weight management benefits, matcha provides a well-rounded and healthier choice.
By incorporating matcha into your daily routine, you can elevate your overall well-being and enjoy the unique qualities of this vibrant and ancient Japanese tea. So is matcha better than coffee? We think yes!
If you want to try premium matcha green tea for yourself and experience its many benefits, you can browse our selection of ceremonial grade matcha. After traveling around Japan for the past few years, we’ve met with dozens of farmers and sampled hundreds of different matcha teas.
We’ve ultimately settled on a small handful of our favorites to share with all of you, with free shipping worldwide!
