Matcha Tea Benefits + Q&A

Matcha tea has soared in popularity over the past handful of years. Here we highlight popular questions about the green tea and address its most notable benefits:
woman holding a book, next to a coffee mug
 
What does matcha tea do for the body?
 
BENEFITS: Matcha is high in antioxidants, especially much-touted epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It can be an energy-booster that, unlike coffee drinks and energy drinks, purportedly nourishes the gut with probiotics and prebiotics. Additionally, according to a NIH article titled Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea, matcha contains high levels of antioxidant-rich substances and imparts anti-inflammatory effects. The article states the following:
 
 
Is it okay to drink matcha daily?
 
People can develop sensitivities to foods and drinks they over-consume. Give the body a 'break,' even from antioxidant-rich, health-loved go-to's such as matcha. Additionally, matcha contains tannins, which can increase stomach acid and have an astringent effect on stomach lining, a 'positive' at times but not always, and certainly not repeatedly.
 
BENEFIT: Polyphenols in matcha ultimately yield a source prebiotics, prompting 'good bacteria' growth within the gut and colon.
 
When should I drink matcha?
 
Matcha can be consumed anytime*, but, due to the caffeine and energy-giving effects, it's often recommended to be enjoyed before mid-afternoon or earlier for those sensitive to caffeine. Some prefer to replace their everyday coffee ritual with matcha or intersperse it regularly.
 
BENEFIT: Matcha can be a wonderful coffee substitute. Many experience energetic effects from matcha. Rather than sugar-laden coffee and latte drinks and energy drinks, matcha can provide an energy boost without the negative effects the aforementioned can induce. Additionally, matcha can act as a pro- and prebiotic.while avoiding indigestion, irritated GI tract; it's also naturally probiotic.
 
*While opinions and insights differ, some experts advise to drink matcha somewhat after a meal to ensure adequate stomach acid and for the food to help moderate the caffeine. After all and as mentioned previously, matcha contains tannins, which can increase stomach acid and have an astringent effect on stomach lining a 'positive' at times but not always, and certainly not repeatedly. Additionally, speak with your trusted medical professional regarding matcha and any potential interactions it could have with medicines.
 
Does matcha help with weight loss?
 
 
BENEFIT: Matcha provides gentle levels of caffeine as well as antioxidants. The gentle energy boost purportedly significantly aids in fat oxidation and increased weight loss.
 
Who should not drink matcha green tea? What are the side effects?
 
Matcha tea is regarded as beneficial to health, but, as with anything, too much becomes a concern: it's important to find balance with quantity consumed, the timing and frequency of consumption. Concerns with over-consumption of matcha and its use with individuals who are better to avoid it might include (but are not limited to) the following side effects:
 
Caffeine overdose and/or overdose of other components within matcha might lead to dizziness, irritability, headaches, and insomnia as well as cardiac irregularities.
 
Over-consumption of matcha might cause diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting.
 
BENEFIT: In moderation, in the right proportion and at the right intervals, most experience a positive effect from matcha.