For those concerned about iron levels, Nasser explained that matcha contains tannins that bind to non-heme iron, blocking the body’s ability to absorb the mineral. “Individuals do not need to avoid matcha altogether but should include foods rich in vitamin C in their meals to improve the absorption of non-heme iron from foods,” advised Nasser, as reported by British Vogue. Consuming matcha between meals and avoiding it at the same time as iron-rich plant foods may also be beneficial.