Much about matcha has been said about matcha on the internet, and by now, it is only evident that matcha has garnered its fair share of love and hate. But what is matcha, and how did it become a coffee double?

Well, matcha is a powdered form of green tea made from finely ground Japanese green tea leaves. Packed with antioxidants, these shade-grown plants are a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, & K, according to the National Library of Medicine study of 2020.

Matcha Beyond Trend?

The hype about matcha goes way beyond the devotion to trends. While its wide success is attributed to the Instagram influencers ‘ newfound obsession with ‘Matcha-latte’, its health benefits are beyond any cup. Matcha is found to be one of the highest caffeine sources, while it is also known to have an umami flavour that attracts many. On the other hand, the procaffeinators are staying loyal to their espressos and iced Americanos, casting matcha as a doppleganger of coffee with an earthy taste.

ALSO READ: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/health-benefits-of-matcha-latte-and-how-to-make-it-1707825826 

“The need for higher caffeine content during the day brought Matcha as the new alternative to coffee. Owing to its antioxidant properties, matcha matches its hype and can help people with alertness throughout the day. However, it should be taken seriously as matcha packs tend to contain 19–44 caffeine mg /g per serving,” said expert nutritionist, Varnit Yadav, Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences, India, and JPS Health & Fitness, Australia, certified exercise and nutrition Coach.

“No Compulsion to Consume Matcha Daily”, says the Nutritionist

It’s a slippery slope while trying a new trend, especially if it includes consuming something daily. As for matcha, due to its high caffeine content, it can give a whole lot of attention, but it can also disrupt many rhythmic functions of the body. 

According to coach Varnit, “There’s no compulsion to consume matcha regularly. It is an optional item that can be consumed in the range of 2-5 grams per day. Since per serving can be very high in caffeine content, it is important to keep in mind your tolerance for such beverages.” 

ALSO READ: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/does-match-affect-iron-levels-in-the-body-12977832267

Side Effects of Too Much Matcha

With every trend comes its pros and cons. While matcha offers a one-of-a-kind antioxidant-rich drink and boosts brain function, it is also known to cause many problems for people every day. As per Coach Varnit’s opinion, here are some short-term problems matcha can cause: 

1. Digestive distress: While good in moderation, excessive amounts of matcha can cause an upset stomach. Or if taken on an empty stomach, it can cause flatulence and acid reflux. 
2. Nausea: Due to the high caffeine and catechins content in matcha, it can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea and vomiting (rarely)
3. Anxiety: Individuals with pre-existing anxiety should steer clear of matcha as its elevated caffeine content might raise anxiety levels.
4. Elevated heart rate: A Large amount of coffee causes a rapid heart rate, and when mixed with matcha, it can exacerbate the heart rate, causing restlessness.
5. Disturbance in sleep: While the  L-theanine improves brain function and memory, it is vital to keep the intake in moderation as the high caffeine content can lead to lack of sleep.

So, what is the alternative? As per Varnit’s advice, “Know your body and its limitations. Moreover, build your tolerance over time, learning if your body is handling it well. Listen to your body and not trends!”

Long-term Side Effects of Matcha

Often, consistency is key, but not when it comes to matcha intake. Matcha, due to its high caffeine content and abundance of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), aka antioxidants, can lead to liver toxicity, especially in people with existing liver problems. “If you are sensitive to caffeine or such products, the effects can be amplified at times. Moreover, excessive Matcha Can disrupt many things,” said Coach Varnit.

1. Excessive Matcha Can Disrupt Sleep: Consuming more than 5–6 grams of matcha daily means a high intake of caffeine and L-theanine, which can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycles. Over time, this may lead to difficulty falling asleep or experiencing deep, restful sleep
2. Caffeine Buildup Affects Sleep Quality: Matcha contains more concentrated caffeine than regular green tea. Regularly exceeding the recommended limit can lead to overstimulation of the nervous system, making it harder for the body to wind down at night
3. Risk of Heavy Metal Contamination: If the source of the matcha isn’t verified or tested for quality, it could contain heavy metals like lead or arsenic. These can accumulate in the body and may pose long-term health risks, particularly to the liver.
4. Potential Liver Strain: Low-quality or contaminated matcha can negatively impact liver function. Continuous exposure to harmful compounds through unchecked products can overwork the liver and impair its detoxification processes.

Which Group Should Avoid Matcha?

Learning about the many restrictions of Matcha from the aforementioned reasons, one thing is clear: Matcha is not for everyone. It might be an acquired taste, but should it be acquired? The answer is no, and Coach Varnit tells you who should avoid matcha and why.

“People who have high BP are at risk, and people with already existing liver conditions need to be mindful of picking the right extract of matcha. There’s a safe range of caffeine intake for pregnant women (up to 200 milligrams). Also, people belonging to such demographics should always consult their physician before adding a beverage of such kind to their routines.”

ALSO READ: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/tea-or-matcha-which-is-better-for-overall-health-12977829094 

Conclusion: Matcha in Moderation

Matcha is a great new alternative to coffee and people looking to try something new. While it promotes antioxidant levels and boosts brain function, it should be remembered that it should be taken in moderation. As for matcha, try it in small amounts and watch it do wonders for your routine without causing health risks.

Here’s to Much Ado About Matcha!