Why should you choose matcha tea over coffee

Yeah, yeah, we know your morning coffee cup gives you a sharp burst of energy, vitality and improves your mood. But matcha has been having its moment as a source of caffeine lately. Don’t you want to know what is better for your health?

While coffee has its share of beneficial minerals and nutrients, matcha is powered by a mix of antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids. A delicious cappuccino cup can never hurt anyone, but a few cups of popular coffee drinks can be equal to a strong snack or even a main meal in terms of calories. Matcha is a zero calorie drink, says dietitian Prachi Jain, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

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Are you ready to switch your coffee?Image courtesy: Shutterstock

What is matcha? Let us know from an expert

  • It is a powdered green tea that is especially processed and has been part of Japanese culture for many years. Matcha is shade-grown tea (grown underneath a canopy of trees that gives protection from the sun).
  • It is a herbal tea. What makes it different from other types of tea is its processing. Most teas are made from the part of the leaf, but matcha is created from the whole tea leaf, ground to powder, making it exponentially more healthful.
  • It is one of the best sources of antioxidants that help in fighting chronic diseases like cancer. It is rich in Vitamin A and C and has age–reviving properties.

Coffee is well known to provide a burst of energy to get your mind and body into gear and to tackle the day, Jain comments, “Switching from coffee to matcha can be a good option as it gives you the same energy to crave, without any nasty side effects”.

Why is matcha better than coffee, points out Jain

  1. The caffeine content in matcha is higher than green tea and much less than coffee, which is one of the most consumed beverages in the world.
  2. Caffeine content of matcha is 25-30 mg, which is much less than coffee. It helps to prevent caffeine addiction and keep your body calm and focused.
  3. It is hard to process the caffeine in coffee, while matcha is healthier and safer.
  4. Matcha is zero in calories and helpful for those who want to cut down extra tea or coffee calories.
  5. Excessive consumption of coffee can make you anxious and withdrawal from coffee addiction is not easy. Matcha can make you feel energized and productive for the day just with one cup.
    matcha
    Coffee or matcha, moderation is the key. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

    Also Read: Matcha tea has a host of health benefits but an overdose could lead to side-effects

Benefits of coffee that cannot be ignored

But let us also tell you this. While matcha is in vogue, coffee too has certain pros and cons. Jain tells HealthShots, “The benefits of caffeine have been well researched, but coffee is a complex beverage with a thousand different substances.”

The health benefits of coffee include loss of weight, improved focus, lower risk of stroke. However, a word of caution here – if coffee is consumed in excess (23 litres in a short session), it can be dangerous. The side effects of coffee can also include insomnia and restlessness.

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Coffee or matcha, moderation is the key. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

The last words

Jain shares a tip while buying matcha. “Pay attention to the colour and aroma. It should be jade green, as yellowish or brown variety is generally not preferred because they are either it is low grade or old. And it should taste creamy and sweet.

So ladies, when are you switching your go-to drink?