Matcha vs Coffee: Which one is better?
If you have been present on social media recently, there is no way you haven’t seen the healthy green drink also known as matcha! The ever-so-popular matcha latte is a hit among people who want to live a more healthy lifestyle. This superfood is the ultimate coffee replacement, and you can use it for drinking as well as baking! But is it as good as your favorite hot cup of morning coffee, or are people being a bit dramatic? What are the differences between the two drinks, and should you consider swapping your trusty and comforting cup of coffee with the popular matcha latte? This is exactly what we will be discussing below! If you want to know more about the matcha vs coffee debate, then continue reading:
It is time to find out which drink is better
Matcha vs Coffee
The Coffea plant is the source of all coffee, or our morning cup of steamy espresso, as we know and love it. Coffee beans, also known as coffee cherries, are the fruit of the Coffea plant. People process and roast them to match all of our tastes. Coffee is best known for its warm, bitter flavor, as well as its smooth texture and caffeine content. Lighter roasts have a softer flavor and more caffeine, whilst darker roasts are more potent and bitter but contain less caffeine. As we know, there are many different methods to enjoy your coffee. Some people prefer brewed coffee, while others opt for espresso, which is a more concentrated coffee. No matter how we like our coffee, one thing is for sure, we cannot imagine life without it. Matcha, on the other hand, is derived from the Camellia sinensis tea plant’s green tea leaves. The way matcha tea is processed sets it apart from other forms of tea. Matcha tea is prepared from the full tea leaf, pounded to a powder, unlike most teas, which are made from parts of the tea leaf.
Coffee and matcha green tea are undoubtedly the best morning drinks
What is matcha exactly?
Matcha tea is primarily grown in Japan. Matcha has a strong botanical flavor that has its own refreshing taste, similar to that of green tea. One great quality of matcha is its versatility. Its powdery texture helps it incorporate seamlessly into a variety of recipes, from caffeinated hot drinks to matcha pancakes! Matcha is prepared by grinding the leaves into a fine powder, unlike conventional green tea. There is no need for an expensive grinder or an espresso machine while making a cup of matcha. Instead, you simply combine the matcha powder with hot water, add milk (preferably plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk) and sugar if you want, and there you have it! Matcha green tea has gained a loyal fan base, and more and more people are converting to matcha lattes. One of the most tempting aspects of matcha is its potential to be used as a coffee substitute, which does not have as many health benefits. But, we will dive into all that below.
Matcha is a fine powder that you can use for drinks as well as baking
Matcha tea originated in China, but it is mostly grown in Japan
The preparation of a matcha drink takes less time and effort than coffee
Is matcha green tea healthier than coffee?
Because coffee is a plant-based beverage, it contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are good for our health. Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, and antihypertensive qualities have been linked to polyphenols that are found in coffee. However, caffeine is undoubtedly the most well-known component of coffee. It is exactly the reason why so many of us start our mornings with a nice cappuccino or a dark espresso. Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in plants. Moreover, coffee is actually a performance booster, which improves the strength of muscle contractions. What’s more, coffee can also provide us with an increased mental acuity and a faster rate of weight loss. Coffee has a number of health benefits, such as:
- improved focus
- improved cognitive function
- reduced inflammation
- lower risk of certain types of cancer
- reduced risk of diabetes
- lower blood pressure
- improved strength
- improved athletic performance
Matcha does not disappoint when it comes to its caffeine potency
L-theanine is an important amino acid found in matcha, which is responsible for matcha’s ability to give you a buzz. This amino acid also gives you calmer and longer-lasting energy than coffee. What’s more, coffee gives you an instant boost and a jittery edge that may not last as long. L-theanine has benefits on focus, sleep, relaxation, and cognitive function, as well as its ability to stimulate the immune system and lower blood pressure. Moreover, L-theanine can aid in the creation of serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter that can help you relax and feel calmer. Increased serotonin levels can help lower blood pressure and lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can cause inflammation and an increase in hunger. Matcha also has a high concentration of the phytochemical EGCG. Because of its powerful thermogenic effects, this chemical helps you burn calories and promotes fat metabolism. Matcha also has a higher concentration of antioxidants than other teas. Several health benefits of matcha include:
- increased and sustained energy
- better mental focus
- better sleep
- more relaxation
- improved cognitive function
- stronger immune system
- lower blood pressure
- higher serotonin levels
- reduced inflammation
- lower risk of cancer
Matcha provides calmer energy that lasts longer
Can I replace coffee with matcha?
Yes, you certainly can! However, whether or not you choose to eliminate coffee from your diet completely is a personal choice. If you don’t like the taste of matcha, don’t push yourself to drink it just to acquire some EGCG. Specialists recommend matcha for those of you who desire a caffeine boost in the morning or afternoon without experiencing a caffeine crash. Maybe coffee just hasn’t been doing it for you lately. Then consider matcha as a very good alternative. If you are caffeine-sensitive or find coffee to be too acidic, matcha may be a softer choice that still provides the caffeine boost we all need on weekdays!
If you find coffee too acidic, then matcha is the drink for you
Can you drink both coffee and matcha?
If you enjoy both matcha and coffee, there are a few occasions when you should grab a cup of matcha instead of your usual cup of coffee. Despite the numerous health benefits of matcha green tea, there is no need to completely give up coffee and make a complete conversion to a healthy green drink. What’s more, the body requires time and patience to acclimatize to new eating and drinking habits. For starters, instead of relying on the caffeine spike, you could try a cup of matcha green tea in the morning. While the beloved cup of coffee in the afternoon is not a bad idea, it is best to consume it in the evening.
Matcha is good for the mornings and afternoons and coffee for the late afternoons
Is matcha good for weight loss?
Yes! Let’s see how matcha aids weight loss:
- Metabolism – EGCGs, a strong antioxidant, which serves as a fat blocker, increasing metabolism and slowing or even preventing fat cell formation. Another study found that matcha consumption leads to a reduction in total cholesterol without any negative side effects.
- Thermogenesis – The rate at which the human body consumes calories is thermogenesis. Green tea extract, contained in matcha, improves the human body’s ability to burn calories from 8-10% to a remarkable 35-40%.
- Balanced Blood Glucose – Matcha improves mood and reduces weight gain by balancing blood sugar levels.
- Sustained Energy – With matcha, the energy is more evenly dispersed. There isn’t a sudden burst of energy like with coffee. Moreover, the caffeine effects of matcha last much longer.
Green tea matcha has a lot of benefits for our weight and blood sugar levels
Is matcha bad for teeth?
Not at all! Unlike coffee, matcha is actually way better for your teeth. Its antibacterial properties provide protection to the teeth, prevent plaque build-up, and improve general oral health. What’s more, a lot of dentists in Japan recommend that you drink daily matcha! On the other hand, coffee tends to stain your teeth and also causes bad “coffee” breath.
Japanese dentists recommend a cup of matcha every day
Does matcha help skin?
As you may know, coffee can cause bad skin and acne breakouts. In contrast, matcha has powerful antibacterial properties that can help clear out acne, while also giving you a fresh and healthy glow. What’s more, Japanese women have been using matcha for face masks for centuries! Matcha also offers essential protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation!
If you combine matcha with a plant-based milk alternative, you have the perfect drink for a glowy complexion
Is matcha good for anxiety?
Absolutely! As we mentioned above, you don’t get the coffee jitter when you drink matcha. L-Theanine relieves stress, anxiety, and improves mood. What’s more, drinking matcha gives the mind and the body a sensation of calm alertness, and concentrated energy. It’s no surprise that Buddhist monks and samurai warriors used to drink matcha before meditation and warfare!
Matcha relieves stress, anxiety and it improves your mood
