5 Reasons To Drink Matcha, According To Science

5 Reasons To Drink Matcha, According To Science

by Nicholas Noble

You already know that matcha boasts a tonne of health benefits… but how many of them are actually backed by science? As it turns out, the list is long. We’ve selected the 5 reasons we think you’ll care about most. Let’s find out why scientists agree with wellness gurus, on the topic of drinking daily matcha to enhance overall well-being. 


  1. Matcha Boosts Brain Function 🧠– Fact. You’ve heard of L-theanine, right? That’s the amino acid found in matcha that increases alpha wave activity in the brain. Alpha waves signify wakeful relaxation. While coffee makes for some darn choppy surf, matcha is all about keeping you smooth sailing. 

    In a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods[1], researchers found that significant amounts of L-theanine increased cognitive performance[2] compared to the placebo group. The same study confirmed increased brain activity, associated with a relaxed, yet focused state of mind. 

    So why not drink green tea? 🍵 Scientists aren’t saying you can’t. Rather, that matcha contains up to 5x the L-theanine content of regular green tea. Matcha is a perfect example of doubling down on a good thing!


  2. Matcha Is Seriously Supercharged With Antioxidants. Warning: we’re about to cite the least favorite word of all nutrition scientists… ✨Superfood✨ 

    What’s wrong with the term? Well, these days, it’s become a marketing ploy, used to position certain foods as superior to others… often without the scientific evidence to prove it 😤

    Truth is, there’s a bunch of so-called superfoods that don’t necessarily chalk up to their “super” title. Matcha on the other hand.... well, it definitely deserves the title.
    Utilizing a unit known as ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), we’re able to measure antioxidant capacity per gram. Surprise, surprise, matcha wins by a (green) mile against mainstream “superfoods” 👏
  3. Matcha Improves Performance Under Stress 👨‍💻 *Phew* We’ve all been under the pump and drowned ourselves in coffee. Hours later, our cortisol levels are through the roof. Our performance has halted altogether, and we’re experiencing a wave of deep regret. 

    Research[3] shows that unlike coffee, which fails to have a positive effect beyond the first dose, matcha may help support ongoing performance. A lot of that might have to do with L-theanine which is found in the highest natural concentration in, you guessed it, matcha! 😏 Good ol’ L-theanine is thought to reduce stress, instead of creating it. The result? Increased attention span and overall productivity.

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  4. Matcha May Make Us Less Moody. If you tend to get snappy, science would suggest reviewing your diet 🤔 Plenty of mood imbalances have been linked to dietary deficiencies, and while matcha is by no means a cure, it does contain key vitamins and minerals which may help your overall nutritional levels. 

    This recent study[4] published in the Journal of Medicinal Food confirmed that matcha may be beneficial as a natural aid in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders.

  5. Matcha Packs Immune-Boosting Properties. Not to inundate you with scientific terms 🤯… but here’s one that really counts. Matcha is full of EGCG[5], an active compound that’s been strongly suggested to enhance the body's response to immunity and inflammation.


    High levels of antioxidants, specifically polyphenols, do us a bunch of favors by protecting our cells from the impact of free radicals… *could we ask for much more at this point?* 😅

    We dare you to find a reason not to get on board with matcha. Hint: you won’t. 

    So choose the easier, more enjoyable option: start sipping your way to long-term health with us!

References

  1. Higashiyama, A., Htay, H. H., Ozeki, M., Juneja, L. R., & Kapoor, M. P. (2011). Effects of L-theanine on attention and reaction time response. Journal of Functional Foods, 3(3), 171-178.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2011.03.009
  2. Nobre, A. C., Rao, A., & Owen, G. N. (2008). L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17, 167-168.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328
  3. Baba, Y., Inagaki, S., Nakagawa, S., Kobayashi, M., Kaneko, T., & Takihara, T. (2021). Effects of Daily Matcha and Caffeine Intake on Mild Acute Psychological Stress-Related Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients, 13(5), 1700.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051700
  4. Kurauchi, Y., Ohta, Y., Matsuda, K., Sanematsu, W., Devkota, H. P., Seki, T., & Katsuki, H. (2023). Matcha tea powder's antidepressant-like effect through the activation of the dopaminergic system in mice is dependent on social isolation stress. Nutrients, 15(3), 581.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030581
  5. Pae, M., & Wu, D. (2013). Immunomodulating effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate from green tea: mechanisms and applications. Food & Function, 4(9), 1287-1303.
    https://doi.org/10.1039/c3fo60280h
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