I Tried Matcha For 30 Days and Here's What Happened | The Health Benefits of Drinking Matcha for One Month

Weekly Recap: Week One

Weekly Recap: Week Two

Weekly Recap: Week 3

Weekly Recap: Week 4

Chances are you've heard of matcha powder. You know it's a form of high-quality green tea, but do you know why it's touted as one of the most nutritious, popular health beverages on the planet and a healthier alternative to coffee?

My journey from coffee to matcha | a healthier caffeine alternative & more

The surprising health benefits of drinking matcha for 30 days straight.

I've always loved the scent of a freshly brewed batch of coffee, though I've never considered myself coffee obsessed. When I first started drinking coffee in my teens during college, I would have jumbo-sized iced vanilla lattes with lots of cream and sugar. I only fully registered years later that coffee worsened my anxiety, gave me nervous energy, and disrupted my sleep.

By the time I was out of school and working in my early 20s, I went through a stint of sugar-free Redbull while working in breaking news. After a few years, I noticed my digestive system seemed off, I was generally moodier, and my skin health had suffered.

Now at 31 years old, I am an avid matcha tea drinker, though I wouldn't say it's a daily ritual for me as I like to drink and try other tea varieties.

I've done a fair amount of research, and I am clearly a big matcha and tea lover. Still, why don't I take my commitment to drinking matcha tea a step further and drink Matcha every day for 30 days, take daily reflection videos, and note how I feel?

Researchers have shown that the benefits of matcha stack up the longer and more consistently you drink it – and Matcha comes with a long list of short-term and long-term health benefits – 32 to be exact that I will touch on throughout this challenge.

Now, let's get on with it and start riding the green wave of Matcha!

Day 1 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

For the first day of my matcha 30-day challenge, I enjoyed a morning matcha around 7am. I used around ½ tsp of Matcha to prepare a matcha latte with a cup of steaming hot water and lactose-free milk.

I threw my kettle on the stove on high until it steamed, and I took a mason jar with a cup of milk and heated it up using the microwave. I then sifted my Matcha into my hot water, whisked, and then added in the hot milk and whisked until nice and fluffy and frothy on top.

I then added some vanilla extract and a few sprinkles of cinnamon. I always tell new matcha drinkers that less is more, so start with less matcha powder, and then you can always add more.

I noticed that while preparing my Matcha, I was very calm and did not experience any racing thoughts. I found myself to be in the present moment. After taking the first few sips of my Matcha, I felt a lovely state of relaxed alertness that lasted for about 4-6 hours. I was experiencing some writer's block on this day, and after about 30 minutes of having my Matcha, I was struck with clarity and inspiration to write.

Day 1 Matcha Mental Fitness Fact:

Scientists have shown that Matcha really is the better, healthier energy choice over coffee. With matcha caffeine, there is no sudden loss in energy or jitters. This is because Matcha contains a compound known as l-theanine, which binds to the caffeine in Matcha, and the body processes slower – promoting relaxed alertness for 6-8 hours.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWITCHING FROM COFFEE TO MATCHA HERE

Day 2 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

So for day two, I was having a busy day. I wanted to take my Matcha on the go and get over to the gym for a workout. I was craving something sweet (like Gatorade!), so I opted to use our lemon Matcha Aid as a pre-workout. It's so good and smooth tasting – I recommend it to first-time matcha drinkers and workout enthusiasts looking for a healthier alternative to unnatural pre- and post-workout powders.

The best part? It takes 20 seconds to prepare my matcha aid! I took my shaker bottle, filled it up about 80% to the rim, then took a scissor, cut my Matcha packet, dumped in my powder, and just shook it until my Matcha was well combined and bubbled on top.

When it came to my workout, I felt focused and calm. I sometimes get nervous energy at the gym, so I definitely noticed feeling calm. Also, my cardio engine seemed stronger than the day before, my legs recovered faster between sprints than they usually would, and I was less out of breath.

Even better? I burned more calories during my workout and for the rest of the day! I have a polar ignite watch to track my activities, and I registered an 18% increase in my caloric burn compared to a very similar day and work out where I had no matcha.

Day 2 Matcha Mental Fitness Fact:

Do you suffer from the winter blues? According to experts, Matcha may be beneficial for giving you peace of mind and increasing your overall happiness without causing any drowsiness.

Matcha also helps promote more balanced activity levels in your brain by offering a nutritional powerhouse of vitamins and trace minerals that can help address dietary deficiencies connected to depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRINKING MATCHA FOR DEPRESSION HERE

Day 3 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

For day 3, I was up early and out walking the dogs. The weather was cold and windy (I live in very dark, dreary Copenhagen, Denmark, in the wintertime), so I decided to take a cup of Matcha with me.

I opted for my go-to vanilla-flavored matcha latte using lactose-free milk and steamed water. I used the same method on my first day of the challenge, which took just 3 minutes altogether.

And I must say, three days in and I am really noticing my energy level and alertness perk up within 15-20 minutes after enjoying it.

I should also note that by day 3, I have realized I am positive for COVID the second time. Unfortunately, I did not receive my latest booster like my husband, so I am a little concerned I am going to get walloped.

Compared with my first COVID experience, I feel as though I am recovering faster due to my daily matcha habit! My taste buds have already returned, along with my sense of smell.

Day 3 Matcha Mental Fitness Fact:

When paired with caffeine in Matcha, l-theanine does fantastic things for the brain. Drinking matcha has been shown to help sharpen memory, improve focus, and shorten reaction and decision-making time.

This makes Matcha especially great to sip on during a hectic workday or before a big test. Its ability to provide clarity also makes it an excellent natural remedy for anxiety.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW MATCHA NATURALLY LOWERS ANXIETY HERE

Day 4 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

On day four, I decided to have three servings of matcha during the day since I had COVID but had some work deadlines to hit. I made two iced matcha lattes as well as enjoyed a lemon matcha aid.

I had my last cup of matcha around 8pm, and had no issue as far as sleeping.

Work wise, even with COVID, I feel as though I am running into less 'writers block', and I am more willing to just put in the time being focused on a given assignment.

I'm spending less time having an internal dialogue over all the different things going on throughout my day and am focusing more on a given task. I find matcha gives me confidence.

Day 4 Matcha Mental Fitness Fact:

Did you know that drinking matcha daily may help protect you against cognitive decline as you age? Matcha may help ward off dementia and help boost memory thanks to its high amount of polyphenols and amino acids.

Researchers in a 12-week study that sought to determine how matcha impacted cognitive function in adults over 60 found that matcha significantly improved performance on recall and memory tests.

LEARN HOW MATCHA BENEFITS BRAIN HEALTH HERE

Day 5 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

On day 5, I feel much less stress and anxiety caring for Albee (my new Australian puppy). I am finding myself being more appreciative of being in the moment with the dogs and finding it to be this wonderful time spent decompressing from working on the computer.

I was also discussing with my husband that my sleep is really improving. Not only am I waking up feeling much more refreshed and ready to take on the day, but I also have been having very pleasant and enjoyable dreams since I've been drinking matcha.

I haven't been back in the gym doing any weight training, but I am not feeling long-winded on my walks with the dogs despite still having COVID.

Day 5 Mental Fitness Fact

Sometimes the hardest part of working out is trying to convince yourself mentally. Did you know matcha may help motivate you to break a sweat and also help you get more out of your workouts?

Studies have shown matcha may help optimize your exercise routine and bring your training to a whole new level.

Matcha has been shown to not only potentially boost overall athletic performance, but also increase alertness, reaction time, improve workout stamina, rev up your caloric burn, and even shorten the recovery time between hard training sessions.

Day 6 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

On day 6 of my challenge, I enjoyed two servings of matcha. For my first matcha I added a splash of orange juice which is very refreshing.

The real big news on day 6 is that I got my menstrual cycle. And let me tell you ⁠— usually I see it coming cause I'm quite sassy and emotional the day or two prior, but not this time!

I am experiencing little to no bloating or period cramping, which I usually have. More importantly though, my mood is overall feeling very balanced and even.

Day 6 Mental Fitness Fact

Did you know that drinking matcha regularly may help lower anxiety due to it's high concentration of L-theanine. an amino acid that calms the stimulating effect of caffeine on the body's nervous system.

Research has shown that l-theanine in matcha may help foster a state of deep relaxation and alertness within 30 to 40 minutes of ingestion.

Day 7 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

I enjoyed a matcha latte for an afternoon pick-me-up on day seven of my #matchame challenge, using some Tenchi organic matcha. I added in some brown sugar and a bit of vanilla extract as a sweetener.

I have been finding that drinking matcha for the past week has really helped me get past periods of 'writer's block,' more quickly than I usually do. I am requiring less time to prime myself mentally before sitting down and getting my thoughts into words, which is incredibly helpful in terms of efficiency when working. Specifically, I noticed the clarify really setting in on day 7 about an hour after I enjoyed my afternoon latte.

In terms of timing, I like enjoy my afternoon matcha lattes right before walking the dogs for a good 30-45 minutes, and then I return to my computer to work with a clarity and renewed energy for a 90-120 minute period before taking a 15 minute break away from my screen to stretch my legs and let the dogs into the garden.

Day 7 Mental Fitness Fact

Interested in meditation? Matcha can support a daily meditation practice, with the natural compounds in matcha providing you focusing yet calming energy. In fact, monks from Japan have been using matcha for hundreds of years to enhance their ability to sit still and concentrate for hours at a time.

Day 8 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

Day 8 of my #matchame challenge I enjoyed a lemon-flavored matcha aid after taking my first run post-COVID, which felt AMAZING. What I love about our new matcha aid product is its so EASY.

You don't need to sift it before adding it to water. You can simply shake and enjoy.

So for me, I find my favorite 'delivery' method is to add some filtered water and ice cubes to my shaker bottle, throw in my matcha aid powder, give it a few shakes, and then sip and enjoy. I have been drinking matcha consistently for over a week now, and I am now finding myself really looking forward to my daily dose of matcha. On most days, I am usually enjoying at least 3 servings.

Day 8 Matcha Beauty Fact

If you are in your 30's like me, chances are you already thinking, 'how can I slow down signs of aging?' With matcha!

The potent concentration of catechins in matcha tea makes it one of the best natural epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) sources. This is important when it comes to anti-aging because EGCG has been well-studied to help protect cells from DNA damage and deterioration over time.

Day 9 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

Day 9 of my #matchame challenge and I am starting to experiment with adding different flavors to my matcha aid. I decided to combine 6 ounces of pineaple juice with our lemon matcha aid and let me tell you—DELICIOUS. I noticed it really helped alleviate some bloating I had from enjoying a lot of pasta the night before. Within an hour of enjoying my matcha my tummy felt and looked noticeably flatter in the mirror.

Day 9 Matcha Beauty Fact

Did you know that drinking matcha daily is also a way to take care of your skin from the inside out? And you can also use matcha topically! The boost of antioxidants and other healthy compounds in matcha may be exactly what your skincare routine needs.

The best part? Matcha can help support and nourish all different skin types ⁠— from sensitive to acne-prone to aging skin.

Day 10 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

Day 10 of my matcha challenge I have brought my matcha on-the-go with me on a work trip back to the US. (At the moment my home-base in Copenhagen, Denmark.) It is my secret weapon for avoiding fatigue from jet lag! It's also a good reminder for me to stay hydrated while I am traveling.

Matcha is especially helpful at beating jet lag because it provides a long lasting an energy boost that keeps you energized for 6-8 hours at a time.

Day 10 Matcha Beauty FactI

Is my hair looking any better? Studies have shown that if you sip on matcha consistently for 90 days you may see improvements in your hair health.

Multiple studies have shown that matcha can help protect against hair loss, support healthy hair regrowth, decrease your number of split ends, prevent sebum buildup on the scalp, and may even help slow down premature gray hairs.

Day 11 of Drinking Matcha for 30 Days

Pending....

I am still doing this matcha 30-day challenge as you read these words! I am sharing my journey with the hope that Matcha loses this stigma of being mysterious, overpriced, and complicated to make. Drinking Matcha doesn't have to be complicated. It can be easier than having a daily cup of coffee!

Would you try drinking Matcha for 30 days?

PLUS – did I mention that if you try drinking Matcha for 30 days and tag us along your journey, you become eligible for some fantastic matcha prizes? If you share a photo or video on social media, tag us @matchakari and use the hashtag #matchame30 to connect with our matcha tribe who are also partaking in the challenge. You could receive the following:

A free month's supply of Matcha
You will have a 23% discount on all matcha products and accessories through the end of 2023.
A gift box that includes my matcha go-tos — 30g tin of Tenchi organic matcha, 30g tin of ceremonial vanilla flavored matcha, lemon matcha aid, electric whisk, and tumbler.

The bottom line: We're here for you – Try Drinking Matcha for 30 Days!

Making Matcha doesn't have to be arduous and complicated. Enjoying my daily Matcha doesn't involve more effort than having your usual morning cup of joe – it's even more manageable depending on how you choose to drink your Matcha! My Matcha weapons of choice? My shaker bottle and matcha lemon aid.

Remember - you can begin and finish your challenge according to your schedule – you don't have to give up coffee – and you can always start when you are ready.

Not sure how much and what Matcha to get to begin your challenge? I love our Tenchi Organic matcha and our lemon and mango-flavored matcha aids. Here are some more of our top sellers:

So be sure to stay dialed in and visit this blog post as I add to it until I reach my 30-day goal.

Watch our 30-Day Matcha Challenge Series on Youtube. You also become eligible for our amazing 30-day challenge prizes by subscribing and commenting on our youtube channel.