Matcha or Green tea, which is healthier?

Both come from the same plant called Camellia sinensis, which is also used for other types of tea (black, white and oolong) The main difference is in the production process which also affects the final content of each

For green tea, the leaves are heated right after harvest to prevent oxidation and fermentation. The leaves are then processed with different methods like steaming, sun drying or pan firing and consumed as brewed dried leaves giving a light refreshing flavour.

Matcha is a type of green tea, grown and processed using specialised techniques to turn the leaves of the Camellia sinesis into matcha. In the last few weeks before harvest, the leaves are shaded from intense sunlight to slow the growth down and give the tea leaves their distinct characteristics. The leaves are then harvested, quickly dried to min

imize oxidation, and finally grounded into powder. Dissolving the powder in hot water creates a tea with a grassy, earthy flavour undertone

Green tea is full of polyphenols (mainly catechins) that have antioxidant properties which help to protect our cells from unstable molecules that can cause them damage. These polyphenols have been associated with many health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Other benefits include increased memory and mental alertness, promotion of weight loss and relief of digestive symptoms

Matcha tea shares many of the benefits of green tea, however the production process makes it a concentrated source of compounds like caffeine, L-theanine, chlorophyll and antioxidant catechins. Again, health benefits include improved memory and cognitive functions, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and improved metabolic and gut health

Both teas share many of the same health benefits but matcha may benefit from a higher concentration of compounds like L-theanine, an amino acid that’s associated with reduced anxiety and stress and protection from age-related cognitive decline. Matcha’s content of caffeine is also higher than green tea, providing an enhanced effect on alertness, decision-making, memory and focus

Brewing the green tea extracts healthy compounds and nutrients into the water, but not all compounds are released, however with matcha tea leaves consumed themselves as dissolved powder, nutrients taken in are much more

I know what you must be thinking! Matcha is the way to go then. Not necessarily though...

Studies suggest that matcha is just as effective as green tea, and that more is not necessarily better!

Consuming too many antioxidants may actually have an oxidative effect where additional antioxidants in the body become unstable themselves and start to react with the cells around them.

Bottom line is, eat a varied diet and trust in your body’s ability to find its balance