Matcha and coffee are often compared because both contain caffeine and offer various health benefits. This article summarizes key comparisons between the two.
What is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in various plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao pods. It works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing drowsiness and keeping you alert. While caffeine can boost energy and concentration, its effects can vary depending on the source and individual tolerance.
Caffeine Crash and Problems of Coffee
A caffeine crash is a common experience for coffee drinkers. After the initial boost, energy levels can drop sharply, leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. This crash is often due to coffee's quick caffeine absorption, which causes a rapid spike and subsequent decline in energy. To maintain energy levels, people often find themselves drinking more coffee, which can lead to coffee addiction.
Sustained Energy: Matcha vs. Coffee
Matcha and coffee both contain almost same level of caffeine (24mg per cup), but they affect your body differently. Unlike short term energy boost of coffee, Matcha offers more sustained energy, typically lasting 4-6 hours. This is because matcha contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and counteracts the jittery effects of caffeine.
Why Does Matcha Provide Sustained Energy?
- Slow Caffeine Release: The unique combination of caffeine and L-Theanine in matcha allows for a gradual release of energy, preventing the sharp spikes and crashes associated with coffee.
- Calm Focus: L-Theanine promotes a state of calm focus, making matcha ideal for those who need sustained concentration without the side effects of excessive caffeine.
Best Way to Drink Matcha
To maximize the benefits of matcha, consider your daily caffeine intake. Here's a suggested schedule based on caffeine release duration:
- 8 AM: Start your day with a cup of matcha to wake up gently and prepare for the day ahead.
- 2 PM: Enjoy another cup to counteract the afternoon slump and recharge for the rest of the day.
Keep in mind that the recommended daily caffeine intake is up to 400mg for most adults, so balance your matcha consumption accordingly.
Comparison of Nutrition
|
Volume |
Energy (kcal) |
Protein (g) |
Calcium (mg) |
Iron (mg) |
β-Carotene (μg) |
Vitamin B1 (mg) |
Vitamin B2 (mg) |
Vitamin B6 (mg) |
Vitamin C (mg) |
Vitamin K (μg) |
Dietary Fiber (mg) |
Folic Acid (μg) |
|
|
Matcha |
2g of powder (for 1 cup of matcha) |
5 |
0.6 |
8 |
0.3 |
580 |
0.01 |
0.03 |
0.02 |
1 |
58 |
0.8 |
24 |
|
Coffee |
100g black coffee |
4 |
0.2 |
2 |
Trace |
0 |
0 |
0.01 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
References: Based on the Eighth Edition of the Japanese Food Standard Composition Database.
Matcha is significantly more nutrient-dense than coffee, largely because it involves consuming the entire tea leaf. A typical 2g serving used for one cup of matcha provides a range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including calcium, iron, and folic acid. In contrast, a typical 100g serving of black coffee contains very few nutrients, with only small amounts of protein and Vitamin B2. This makes matcha not only an energizing drink but also a highly nutritious addition to your diet.
Sustainability of Matcha
Unlike coffee, where the grounds are discarded after brewing, matcha uses the entire tea leaf, leaving no waste. This makes matcha a more sustainable choice, as it minimizes waste and maximizes the use of the plant's nutrients.
About ZENKYU MATCHA
The mission of ZENKYU MATCHA is to elevate matcha from merely a drink or an ingredient in sweets to a “ritual” – a daily routine that helps you be yourself and live a healthy life. The brand is deeply rooted in the Japanese Tea Ceremony and Zen Buddhism, and this “Matcha Ritual” supports both your health and mindfulness. All our matcha is the finest authentic matcha made in Japan and comes with simple yet impactful guidance on traditional matcha-making practices for mindfulness benefits.
