A Green Powerhouse: Matchas Influence on the Mind and the Body

Matcha is vibrant green tea that is sold as a finely ground leaf powder from the Camellia sinensis plant. Matcha is central to cultural tradition and has overtime gained popularity for aligning with modern health trends. Its proposed health benefits, unique taste, and distinctly high caffeine content has made it a drink loved by many and more abundantly consumed than ever. Below, we will explore matcha’s effect on cognition and overall well-being. 

Cognitive benefits 

Matchas influence on cognition is linked to its caffeine and theanine content. Caffeine is a stimulant that is known to increase alertness and focus as per multiple studies mentioned in Sokary et al (2022) research. Theanine – an amino acid particularly abundant in matcha – is known to promote calmness and relaxation (Sokary et al., 2022). Together, caffeine and theanine can sustain a state of calm alertness which can improve cognitive performance and reduce stress. Moreover, matcha has particularly high caffeine content when compared to most teas, at 19-44 mg caffeine per gram, with a typical serving of matcha between 2-4 grams (½-1 teaspoon), containing anywhere between 38-176 mg of caffeine, serving as a great replacement for coffee (kochman et al., 2020).

Antioxidant Powerhouse 

Beyond mental clarity, matcha contributes to cellular health with its antioxidant rich profile. Matcha is particularly abundant in polyphenols and catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which collectively protect body cells from oxidative stress (Korn et al., 2024). Oxidative stress results from normal metabolic functions that yield free radicals which create oxidative damage throughout the body. This function supports overall cellular health and may contribute to a reduced risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. 

Sustained Energy Boost 

Furthermore, the synergistic effects of caffeine and theanine offer a sustained energy boost without the jitteriness that often comes with drinking coffee (Korn et al., 2024). While the caffeine in matcha serves to energize the mind, theanine ensures you won’t feel jittery or uneasy with your caffeine intake. This unique combination makes it a sound choice for those prone to anxiety, promoting a sustained state of calm and focused energy. 

Overall, incorporating matcha into your daily routine can bring about cognitive and physiological benefits. Whether you’re gearing up for a busy workday or winding down at the end of a hectic day, matcha offers a unique balance that is sure to get you through the day. 

References: 

Korn, A., Jędrzejczyk, J., Łopacińska, O., Stańczyk, K., Czarnecka, K., Wójcik, E., Korczak, A., Szewczyk, O., Olek, E., & Burda, K. (2024). Exploring the Health Benefits of Matcha: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 68, 51235. https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2024.68.51235 

Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. (2022). The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. Curr Res Food Sci. 6.100396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015

Kochman, J., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., Mruk, H., & Janda, K. (2020). Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010085