The health benefits of matcha are vast—and have been celebrated for quite a long time. Though the green-hued drink has been gaining significant attention lately. But I’ll admit, I haven’t exactly joined the matcha fan club just yet. My editor challenged me to drink matcha every day for a week and share my experience. I was intrigued and ready to dive in.
Of course, while matcha is trending in the wellness world and filling the cups of every Pilates-loving, smoothie-sipping enthusiast, it’s important to recognize its deep cultural roots. Matcha has been a cherished part of Japanese culture for centuries, playing a significant role in traditional tea ceremonies and daily life. With such a rich history, there’s clearly more to this green tea than just its current status as the drink of choice for the wellness crowd.
Before I dig in, I want to emphasize that I am no matcha expert. I was excited to try adding the drink to my routine and to learn more about its history in the process.
What happened when I drank matcha every day?
I’ll be honest: my first encounters with matcha left me unsure. The earthy, grassy flavor was a bit of an adjustment for my palate. To embark on my week-long matcha-drinking quest, I wanted to make sure I was drinking real matcha, and not a matcha-flavored “drink” that I see a lot of people drinking. I landed on Anima Mundi’s ceremonial-grade matcha, since that one is made with only one ingredient: matcha! Actually, it is made from organic matcha leaves sourced from Japan. I will admit that I spent a solid hour watching YouTube tutorials on how to whisk it with the classic bamboo chasen and practiced until I (think I) got it right.
Let me be clear: This experiment did not convert me into a daily matcha drinker. I still find the flavor profile… earthy. But, for one week, I dutifully swapped my beloved mid-day cup of coffee for a frothy green brew. Approaching this with genuine curiosity and respect for matcha’s roots, I wanted to see what a week of daily matcha could offer. And I have to admit, the results were positive.
After drinking it, instead of the immediate, sometimes jittery jolt from coffee, matcha provided a smoother, more sustained lift. It was less of a rocket launch and more of a gentle ascent into focus and alertness. There was no afternoon crash, just a steady stream of energy that carried me through my work. While I didn’t see any miraculous changes to my skin or overall health (a week is far too short for that), I did notice a distinct difference in how I felt in the afternoons. It was a calm, focused energy that I came to appreciate, even if the flavor was not for me.
Throughout the week, I also noticed that making matcha became something of a mindful ritual. Taking the few extra minutes to whisk the tea and watch the vibrant green froth form forced me to slow down in the middle of my busy day: a break I didn’t know I needed. While I still don’t dream about matcha lattes, I can see why so many people enjoy the process as much as the drink itself.
So, what’s actually in the green powder? A typical one-gram serving of matcha powder (about half a teaspoon) is a nutritional powerhouse in a tiny package. It’s not about calories, fat, or protein here. The magic is in the micronutrients.
Just like green tea, matcha is packed with catechins, a type of antioxidant. Specifically, it contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is celebrated for its health-promoting properties. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works in synergy with caffeine to promote that state of “calm alertness.” A serving has about 25-75 mg of caffeine, depending on how much powder you use. This is less than a standard cup of coffee but still enough to give me a noticeable boost.
Beyond my personal one-week trial, the science behind matcha is compelling. As a dietitian, I can’t deny the evidence-backed perks that come with incorporating it into your routine.
A different kind of energy boost
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine is what makes matcha unique. While caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain to make you feel less tired, L-theanine increases alpha wave activity, which is associated with a state of relaxed wakefulness. The result? Focus and energy without the jitters or anxiety that may sometimes accompany coffee. It’s the perfect fuel for powering through a complex project or a long afternoon of meetings.
Skin health
Matcha’s impressive antioxidant content may play a role in supporting healthy skin from the inside out. Antioxidants help protect skin cells from free radical damage, which is one of the main contributors to premature aging and dullness. By reducing oxidative stress, matcha may help maintain a brighter complexion, support skin elasticity, and even calm inflammation. While drinking matcha alone won’t transform your skin overnight, it can be a flavorful addition to an overall skin-friendly routine, acting as a little extra boost for your natural glow. At least it won’t hurt anything. Just pump the brakes on adding ingredients with added sugar to your matcha if your goal is to have radiant, glowing skin, as added sugars may not be doing you any favors in the skin health department.
Potential for stress reduction
Remember that L-theanine? It doesn’t just help with focus; it also has a calming effect. This amino acid may help increase the production of calming neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This is why many people report feeling more relaxed and in a better mood after drinking matcha. While a single cup won’t solve all your problems, regular consumption could contribute to a greater sense of well-being.
May support cognitive health
Matcha has shown promising potential in supporting cognitive health, with studies highlighting its effects on memory. For instance, research has found that regular matcha intake may be linked to enhanced cognitive performance under stress, improving reaction times and emotional perception, likely due to its unique combination of theanine, catechins, and caffeine. While caffeine provides an immediate boost in attention, matcha’s long-term benefits, such as reduced anxiety and improved attention under stress, seem to stem from its anti-stress properties. While matcha may not be a magic bullet for cognitive health, its nutrient-rich profile and potential to support mental clarity and stress management make it a worthwhile addition to a balanced lifestyle.
May support heart health
Matcha may play a supportive role in heart health by positively impacting key markers of cardio-metabolic health, such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and weight management. Additionally, matcha’s rich antioxidant content, including compounds like catechins, may protect against oxidative stress, which is linked to heart disease. While further human studies are needed, these findings suggest that matcha may be a heart-healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Cultural connection
Beyond its impressive nutritional credentials, matcha holds a deep-rooted cultural significance, especially in Japan. For centuries, matcha has been at the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony, known as “chanoyu” or “sado.” This ritual is about more than just drinking tea; it’s an experience that emphasizes mindfulness, respect, and harmony. Preparing matcha with a bamboo whisk, as I attempted during my week-long experiment, is a nod to this cherished tradition. Enjoying matcha is, in many ways, an invitation to slow down and connect with a rich history that values both the art and intention behind every bowl.
Who may want to avoid matcha?
As wonderful as it is, matcha isn’t for everyone. If you are highly sensitive to caffeine, you may want to start with a very small amount or steer clear altogether. The effects, while smoother than coffee, are still present. I personally refrained from enjoying a cup after 1 p.m. every day, as I am a caffeine-sensitive person and I didn’t want it impacting my beauty sleep.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also be mindful of their caffeine intake and consult their healthcare provider before adding matcha to their diet. Additionally, because you are consuming the whole leaf, matcha may contain trace amounts of lead absorbed from the environment. While the levels are generally low and not a concern for most adults, it’s another reason for caution during pregnancy and for young children.
My week-long journey with matcha was an enlightening one. Did I fall in love with the taste? No. Will I be trading my daily coffee for the tea? Also no.
However, I have a newfound respect for this powdered green tea. The sustained, jitter-free energy it provides is undeniable, and its impressive antioxidant profile makes it a genuinely healthy choice. And the ritual aspect of making a cup is something I really enjoyed. There is something so special about drinking a beverage that others have been drinking for centuries.
As a dietitian, I can confidently say that if you enjoy the flavor or are looking for a coffee alternative that offers a calmer boost, matcha is absolutely worth a try. Just make sure you are actually drinking matcha. I have found many matcha-flavored food products out there that contain zero actual matcha, and therefore, offer zero of the potential benefits discussed in this article. Matcha-flavored candy is not going to support your health in the same way that a cup of properly made matcha will.
While my daily matcha habit didn’t stick, I’ll be keeping a tin in my pantry for those days when I need a gentle, focused lift, even if I am not in love with the taste (can’t win ’em all, right?). And before I wrap things up, I want to reiterate that I’m by no means a matcha expert and look forward to learning more from those who truly are.
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