The call behind that first sip of coffee may have been to counteract a rough night’s sleep, or even to optimize morning performance for an important interview. Arguably well-intended, for many of us the attractive energy boost has turned strugglesome cycle.
The Coffee Problem | Coffee too much caffeine | Side Effects from Coffee
From a single cup you’ve likely watched either yourself or a loved one devolve; ‘grande’ becomes the new ‘just ok enough’ and soon this habit takes the all-too familiar turn of jitters, anxiety, and afternoon slump. Is it really worth it?
Maybe dramatic, but this is a close reality for many of those roped into the era of a café on every street corner. With each day that energetic boost is slowly eroded by erratic energy levels and an array of commonly reported side effects. Even worse, we soon learn that breaking the cycle means even greater exhaustion — unacceptable.
So, if you’ve been there, or even if you’re there now, you’ve probably asked yourself if a fabled balance exists.
The Secret is Out – Matcha is better than Coffee
Especially if you're sensitive to the anxiety or jitters from coffee, the good news is that with Matcha Green Tea, reliable stimulation without the consequences is no longer a fantasy.
With a 1,000 year old history, and until recently Japan’s best kept secret, matcha means you won’t miss a beat in your daily caffeine. Even better, you’re getting a host of natural amino-acids and antioxidants that work together to fuel and maintain your energy like never before.
Matcha safer for brain health than caffeine from coffee
There’s more to the matcha difference though, something called a ‘dose-dependent’ response. For context, the caffeine content of coffee is relatively high compared to other caffeinated beverages like matcha tea. On one hand, a simple interpretation is that it’s easier to overdo it, yet when compared to matcha it’s also problematic that it lacks the compounds in tea that keep your body safe from the effects of excess caffeine.
Dose-response of Coffee caffeine | Safer Alternatives with Matcha Tea
With that said, many unknowingly sip away as the harsh dose-dependent response of coffee’s high caffeine content triggers elevated anxiety, metabolic fluctuations, and other reported side effects. [1]
Relatedly, one other root cause of coffee’s side effects is the caffeine tolerance that develops. According to research measuring this consequence of regular consumption of coffee, it’s reported that individuals suffer from reduced glucose tolerance and other disruptions to metabolic hormones, side effects suggested to underpin the stereotypical dynamic of diminished energy, yet daily reliance. [2]
How much Caffeine is in Matcha, Coffee Substitutes
By replacing coffee with matcha, you can quickly recover from, and even entirely avoid the negative responses associated with coffee’s high caffeine content. The average bowl of matcha contains 40-50mg of caffeine compared to a 16oz coffee averaging ~360mg.
What is the best source of caffeine?
Also different, the caffeine in matcha is structured for longer release of energy within the body. As briefly mentioned, an element missing from coffee, yet abundant in matcha is the anxiolytic amino-acid L-theanine.
Glutamate vs. L-theanine | Why the energy from matcha is better than Coffee
This natural compound is similar to the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is used by the brain to regulate activity levels and motor-control. When consumed through matcha, it creates a synergy with its appropriate caffeine content; this duo protects against negative aspects of caffeine’s dose-dependent response, and promotes improved learning, focus, memory, and a notable calmness. [3]
Best Caffeine Tea | Best source of caffeine in the morning with Matcha
Matcha is suggested as more physiologically appropriate caffeinated beverages, especially in terms of daily drinking. The occasional coffee may not dispose you to all of the side effects experienced by those with the daily habit, but it’s the same story as eating empty calories over a nutritious meal.
With matcha, you’re getting a huge boost of antioxidants, trace vitamins and minerals, and one of nature’s finest synergies: caffeine and L-theanine.
How to Avoid Coffee Crash
By making the switch you’ll also be able to say goodbye to mid-day sluggishness. with its more level caffeine, you’re even welcome to an extra pick-me-up or two throughout the day without worrying about disrupting glucose tolerance, hormones, and especially sleep.
So, if coffee has you stuck in the dissonant cycle of reliance and exhaustion, or even if you’re looking to avoid it entirely — there’s no better time than now to jump into the world of matcha!
