Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages globally, with over 2.25 billion cups enjoyed each day. Many people drink it to boost mental focus and alertness, while others appreciate its potential health benefits. But it is important to note that coffee has both positive and negative effects on health.
On the positive side, it has been linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. However, excessive consumption can lead to negative side effects such as increased nervousness, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, a rapid heart rate, dehydration, and anxiety. Pregnant women are generally advised to limit or avoid coffee due to its caffeine content, which can affect foetal development. Therefore, if you are someone who is looking to cut down on caffeine intake or replace coffee, matcha could be a healthier option, and here’s why.
Also Read: Consuming Tea Everyday? How It Might Benefit Your Health
Packed With Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemical compounds that help neutralise harmful free radicals by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These free radicals are often linked to chronic health conditions like diabetes and cancer.
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG, that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. They are especially beneficial in fighting inflammation and supporting the immune system.
Steady And Long-Lasting Energy
Let's be clear: matcha too contains caffeine. However, unlike coffee, which can provide a sudden burst of energy followed by a crash as the caffeine wears off, matcha ensures a sustained energy boost, which means it helps maintain long-lasting energy levels that don't spike and crash quickly. This means matcha helps people enjoy a more gradual and steady release of energy. This may help maintain focus, concentration, and productivity for a longer period.
Promotes Calmness
People usually drink coffee to increase mental focus. However, by doing so, they also risk the possibility of increased anxiety and nervousness due to its higher caffeine content. In comparison, matcha can be a healthier option as it can help you increase attentiveness, but at the same time, help you stay relaxed. This effect is due to L-theanine, an amino acid found in matcha. L-theanine promotes a state of calm and mental clarity by increasing the production of alpha waves in the brain, which are associated with relaxed yet alert states.
Healthier For People With Acidity
Acidity is a common digestive problem. It can affect people of all ages and can occur due to various factors, such as unhealthy foods, a sedentary lifestyle, unmanaged stress, and underlying health conditions.
Matcha is said to have a milder effect on the stomach compared to coffee. Acidity in beverages can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid reflux or discomfort, particularly for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid-related conditions. Because matcha is less acidic, it tends to be gentler on the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of these issues. This makes it a preferable option for people who experience upset stomachs or acid reflux from more acidic drinks like coffee.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Black Coffee is Great For Your Health
Heart Health Benefits
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Matcha is a type of green tea that belongs to the Camellia sinensis plant. It contains antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin found to maintain healthy arteries, which in turn lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and lessen arterial stiffness, according to a British Heart Foundation report.
Reportedly, one gram of high-quality matcha contains about 30-40 milligrams of EGCG.
Conclusion
Matcha provides a range of health benefits that make it a healthier alternative to coffee. While both beverages contain caffeine, matcha has compounds like L-theanine and antioxidants that ensure sustained energy boost, reduce the risk of crashes, and support overall well-being. Despite coffee’s own advantages, such as its immediate energy boost, matcha’s balanced and health-promoting qualities make it a good consideration for those looking for a healthier alternative.