Do I want coffee or do I want tea? How many times have you had this inner dialogue? While there are pros and cons for each, it seems like coffee is the more controversial choice for the health conscious. Coffee is very aromatic, has a bold demeanor and can give you a boost to start your day. That said, it appears that coffee has just as many negative attributes as positive ones. On the other hand, tea does not have a similar consistency or thickness when compared to coffee and teas often have a more subtle flavors. Furthermore, the average green tea has very little caffeine making it less appealing for a morning boost. While tea is a great beverage, it has not been a direct replacement for those with a hankering for coffee. Enter Matcha green tea.
A Little Background on Matcha
Matcha is mostly known as a Japanese ceremonial tea but Matcha actually originates in China. Today, both Japanese and Chinese varieties are commercially available. The most notable characteristic of Matcha is that is a powdered tea, whereby the whole leaf is consumed. When mixed with hot water a frothy brew emerges.
Today…
Some people have traded in the coffee for Matcha teas both hot and cold. In fact, Matcha is currently the new “It Drink”and Matcha-only bars are popping up in the most trendy of places. Matcha is being used in unconventional ways i.e. Matcha lattes – a coffee-less latte, chocolates, as well as baked goods. It is even being mixed with alcohol to make Matcha cocktails. Adding to the craze, Matcha has been getting a lot of attention because celebrities are drinking it.
Points to Note…
While coffee is often criticized for being acidic, Matcha actually alkalizes due to the high chlorophyll content. It should be noted that statements like this are made in general and acidity levels of coffees and teas can vary due to numerous factors. That said, coffee is often more acidic than Matcha. As such, coffee has a high tendency to be rough on tooth enamel and rougher on the digestive system than Matcha. People vary in their sensitivity to coffee’s effect on the digestive system and many people consume large quantities of coffee without complaint. Those who suffer from problems like indigestion, acid reflux, and other issues of the digestive tract may find these symptoms are lessened or absent when consuming Matcha green tea.
Unique Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha can help control responses to mental stress making it a attractive to the stressed out corporate warriors as well as stay at home spouses. In Kao at al study in the 2000s, the EGCG found in this tea can significantly reduce food intake and therefore body weight. This illustrates how Matcha tea can help to suppress your appetite through hormone regulation. In this case, the regulation of the hormone Leptin signals to your brain that you are full and satisfied.
Do you like the boost of energy from coffee but don’t like the jitters, accelerated heartbeat, or irregular heartbeat? The recent publication of the American Society of
Clinical Nutrition cited that when consuming
quality Matcha green tea regularly, it will
enhance the body’s efficiency in utilizing energy.
In summary, if you are the adventurous type and are considering a coffee replacement Matcha might be right for you. Matcha has a nice weight to it more similar to coffee than other teas, which we think makes it a decent alternative. The flavor, although not roasted nor nutty like coffee, is complex and earthy that makes it a formidable coffee competitor. Lastly, Matcha has more caffeine than the average green tea in addition to other components that facilitate healthy energy levels, without the crash of “coffee energy.”
There are numerous studies and clinical data regarding Matcha — we wanted to start the conversation with you. If the above piece sways you to try Matcha as a replacement to coffee we would love to hear from you. Until then… Cheers!
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