Why Is Matcha Suddenly So Popular? Exploring the Tea’s Health Benefits

Silky smooth and vibrant green, matcha has conquered Instagram feeds and cafe menus. Wellness influencers acclaim it’s the must-have drink and even a great face mask ingredient—but why? We sought to figure out what’s behind the matcha hype and whether it’s worth the health benefits.

What Is Matcha?

“Matcha is an old Japanese word,” says Calli O’ Brien, CEO and co-founder of Vancouver-based My Matcha Life. Recognized by its bright colour and strong umami flavour, the word matcha literally means ground tea leaves. Matcha has now become part of a daily wellness ritual for many. Originating in China before making its way to Japan, matcha has been consumed for ceremonies and health benefits.

“Matcha can sometimes be referred to as ‘green gold’ because it is a stronger version of green tea, and it has higher concentrations of nutrients,” says registered dietitian Shirley Khuong at JM Nutrition in Vancouver. “It has also been promoted as a product that can have multiple possible health benefits.”

What Makes Matcha Unique?

 

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What makes matcha unique is how it’s grown. “The plants are under shade for weeks before harvesting, which forces the antioxidants, vitamins, L-theanine and chlorophyll to go higher up in the tea leaves. Later, the best leaves are hand-picked,” says O’Brien. This careful process sets matcha apart. That, and how it’s made. With regular green tea, you steep the leaves and drink the leftover infusion. With matcha, the leaves are ground into powder.

“The market is full of different grades of matcha,” O’Brien says. “In North America, we have labelled the most vibrant green, hand-picked as ‘ceremonial’ grade, to highlight the best quality matcha.”

What Are the Health Benefits of Matcha?

Unlike other green tea, O’Brien says a cup of matcha can help you last throughout the busy day without the crash. “Matcha is loaded with chlorophyll, which gives your skin a glow, and the antioxidants help fight radicals that cause disease,” says O’Brien. “It also has L-theanine, which helps destress and fight anxiety, and the right amount of caffeine to keep you energized without jitters.”

“Research done by the National Center of Biotechnology Information shows matcha’s antioxidants are shown to help with neurological conditions, support heart health, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and help in weight management and slow signs of aging,” O’Brien continues.

But a healthy lifestyle is also key to reaping the benefits of matcha. Khuong says that matcha has been shown to impact metabolism if paired with physical training. “In one study, there were some positive effects of supplementation, but this was also seen in people who were doing resistance training activities as well,” she says. “If you want to boost your metabolism, it would be more useful to combine matcha with increased physical activity.”

What’s the Best Way to Consume Matcha?

According to O’Brien, the best way to get the most benefits of matcha is when you consume it with hot water that’s roughly 70 percent heated—not boiling—to preserve its nutrients. “The best time to drink matcha is mid-afternoon, around 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.,” she suggests. “When you start feeling a bit sluggish in the afternoon, but you still have to finish your deadlines, sip on your matcha, and you will see the shift in your body and mind.” 

Caffeine in matcha works differently from caffeine in coffee. “Health Canada recommends that the general healthy adult have no more than 400mg of caffeine per day. A cup of brewed coffee gives you about 135-180 mg of caffeine, compared to one cup of matcha tea, which gives you 60-70mg of caffeine,” says Khuong. “So, when you drink two to three cups of matcha, you are less likely to get the jitters than having two to three cups of brewed coffee. However, you would still get some benefits of caffeine that keep you more alert.”

O’Brien recommends adding one cup of matcha to your daily routine. “You don’t have to give up on your coffee or tea, just add a cup of matcha,” she says.

From a nutritional standpoint, Khuong suggests that “if you want to cut down how much caffeine you are getting in the day, but you don’t feel that a regular tea keeps you as alert, this would be a good way to help you decrease your caffeine intake.”

Is Matcha Worth the Hype?

Matcha is a versatile tea. You can sip it in a latte, blend it into smoothies or bake desserts. Matcha has become part of many people’s routines, valued for its history, potential health benefits and its versatility. “Matcha can help positively support your health,” says Khuong, “but the important thing to remember is to pair matcha with healthy lifestyle behaviours. At the end of the day, it takes more than just drinking matcha tea on its own to maintain good health.”

Disclaimer: This article is meant as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you have health concerns or questions about your caffeine intake, please contact your local doctor or dietitian.