Matcha Tea: Properties, Benefits & How to Drink It!

Matcha tea has become increasingly popular in recent years—and for good reason, as it offers numerous health benefits. If you’re thinking of incorporating matcha tea into your daily routine as an alternative to coffee, you’re probably looking for reasons to do so.

Don’t worry—we’ve gathered everything you need to know in this article, from the properties of matcha tea to how and when to drink it. Let’s explore!

What is Matcha Tea?

Matcha tea is a powder made from ground green tea leaves of the Camellia Sinensis variety, cultivated in Japan and China under shaded conditions, which gives it its distinctive flavor.

The main difference compared to regular green tea is that the powdered leaves are dissolved directly in water and consumed, unlike traditional tea preparation, which involves steeping dried leaves in hot water.

What Properties Does Matcha Tea Have?

Matcha tea is considered a superfood with unique properties, making it a favorite beverage for those who prioritize healthy eating. What are these properties?

It’s Very Rich in Antioxidants

One of the main properties that sets matcha tea apart is its extremely high antioxidant content. In fact, it contains over 135 times more antioxidants than regular green tea due to the way it’s prepared—and you retain these benefits because you consume the whole leaf.

It Contains Many Catechins

The antioxidant power of matcha comes from its rich content of catechins, specifically the antioxidant EGCG, which makes up most of its antioxidants. EGCG offers significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant effects.

It Helps Burn Fat

Another important property of matcha tea is its ability to aid in fat and calorie burning while boosting metabolism. This can be helpful if you aim to lose weight, always combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. For enhanced fat burning, you can drink it daily before exercising!

It Doesn’t Cause Nervousness

Matcha tea contains more caffeine than regular green tea but less than coffee. Unlike coffee, which can often cause nervousness and leave you feeling tired once the effect wears off, matcha provides steady energy released slowly. This is due to the amino acid L-theanine, which prevents sharp fluctuations and balances the action of caffeine.

It Protects the Heart

Thanks to its high catechin content, matcha tea is an excellent ally for heart health. Specifically, it helps reduce “bad” cholesterol, promotes good blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and prevents arteriosclerosis.

It Supports Detoxification

Matcha tea is rich in chlorophyll, which gives it its vibrant green color. This chlorophyll helps remove heavy metals, toxins, and various chemicals from the body, naturally cleansing it.

How Do I Drink Matcha Tea?

If you’re wondering how to drink matcha tea, its preparation is very simple. Here’s how you can make matcha tea in a few easy steps:

1. Place 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl or cup.
2. Add about 80 ml of hot water.
3. Stir with a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a regular whisk until the powder is fully dissolved.
4. If you want to make a matcha latte, add milk or frothed milk—either dairy or plant-based—and ice if you prefer it cold.

When Should I Drink Matcha Tea?

The best times to drink matcha tea during the day are in the morning and early afternoon.

In the morning, it gives you the energy boost needed to start your day, so you can enjoy a cup with breakfast. Avoid drinking it on an empty stomach, as it may cause discomfort.

Early afternoon, or shortly after lunch, is another ideal time to drink matcha tea to enhance focus and avoid drowsiness, especially if you’re at the office.

Another good moment is before your workout, as it can help increase fat and calorie burning.

Caution: Avoid drinking matcha tea at night, as it may cause insomnia. Make sure at least 6 hours pass between drinking it and bedtime.

Does Matcha Tea Help with Weight Loss?

Yes, matcha tea can support weight loss by boosting metabolism and increasing calorie burn due to its high catechin content. Naturally, these results are most effective when combined with a weight-loss diet plan and regular exercise.

Does Matcha Tea Have Side Effects?

Matcha is considered safe and generally has no significant side effects, making it suitable for the general population, including pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, consuming large amounts—more than 1–2 cups per day—may cause some side effects, such as:

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Palpitations and nervousness due to caffeine
• Interactions with medications
• Impaired iron absorption

For this reason, it’s important to consume it in moderation to enjoy only its beneficial properties.

If you’re looking for a coffee alternative with many health benefits, matcha tea is definitely worth including in your daily routine. It can give you energy and wellness to start your day while offering long-term benefits. So, will you give it a try?

At Biologiko Xorio, you can find a wide variety of the best matcha teas on the market to choose the one that suits you and create delicious beverages!