Coffee or Matcha?

Coffee or Matcha?

Does matcha really taste like grass? I used to believe matcha was a simple wellness trend that people pretended to enjoy for the aesthetic. The first time I tried it, when it was first gaining popularity, I was prepared for disappointment. What could it possibly taste like? Grass or, perhaps, regret? Instead, I found myself enjoying the drink, with an unexpectedly calming finish. 

But could it ever replace coffee? And, is matcha better for our health than coffee? To answer these questions, we must first evaluate each of these beverages individually.

Matcha is a unique kind of green tea that is less bitter than most traditional green teas. It’s usually known to have higher caffeine content than normal green teas, but lower than that of coffee. As matcha gained popularity, many researchers began observing its potential benefits. With media attention, it has been found that some antioxidants found in matcha could potentially have health benefits that could lower blood pressure and poor cholesterol levels. Moreover, matcha has been known to increase alertness, help reduce insulin sensitivity, and have anti-inflammatory effects. 

On the other hand, we mostly hear physicians telling us to reduce our caffeine intake. So, would this mean that matcha is better for our health? Well, coffee is known to have benefits depending on the extent to which an individual consumes it. Drinking coffee can have its benefits, especially if the coffee being consumed isn’t sweetened. For instance, drinking coffee is known to decrease the chances of individuals developing diseases like Parkinson’s and Type 2 Diabetes. But, overconsumption of caffeine has its consequences as well. Too much coffee can lead to increased levels of anxiety, urinary frequency, and a faster heart rate. 

Although matcha could never replace coffee for me, looking at it from a health-related perspective, it can be seen that matcha is probably the better choice. Matcha’s ability to detoxify the body and reduce inflammation, with lower levels of caffeine, makes it healthier to consume frequently. Regardless, it’s imperative to consume mindfully, as too much of anything can lead to adverse effects. Furthermore, reducing the sweetness of these beverages when you’re ordering your drink or making it at home would further increase the benefits that these drinks could provide.

Now, the next time you go out with your friends, I’d say feel free to order either beverage as long as you haven’t had too much caffeine that day. Also, last thing: all my matcha-lovers, don’t let the “matcha tastes like grass” haters get to you!

By Doga Ozecik