Could matcha green tea be the best hangover drink you can have? If you are on the search for hangover-cure drinks, you may have to look no further than matcha.

After a fun night out, waking up with a hangover can put a big damper on your day. In fact, it may feel like your day needs to be canceled all together.  Common symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dehydration can make even the simplest tasks feel daunting. While there are countless hangover remedies, a natural remedy that you may not know of is matcha green tea! Read on to learn more about how matcha may help alleviate hangover symptoms. 

Understanding hangovers - why do I feel so bad? 

To fully appreciate how matcha may help, it's important to understand what causes a hangover. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, an imbalance of electrolytes, and the accumulation of toxic substances like acetaldehyde. These factors combine to produce the terrible symptoms we know as a hangover.

• Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, that means it increases urine production. This may lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, which contributes to symptoms like headaches and dry mouth.

• Toxic Byproducts: When alcohol is metabolized, it's broken down into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that can cause nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. Nausea is a common hangover symptom, often resulting from the irritation of the stomach lining by alcohol and its metabolites.

• Sugar and Blood Sugar Levels: Alcoholic drinks, especially sweet cocktails, can contain high levels of sugar. Consuming large amounts of sugar can cause spikes and subsequent crashes in blood sugar levels, which may lead to fatigue, mood swings, and additional nausea. This fluctuation in blood sugar levels can exacerbate the overall discomfort felt during a hangover.

How matcha can help with hangovers | What makes matcha such a good drink for handling hangovers?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha powder is made using the entire tea leaf. This difference results in a matcha drink or food that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds that can make a big difference when it comes to alleviating hangover symptoms. 

Matcha is rich in antioxidants (catechins)

• Matcha is rich in catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These powerful antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are harmful compounds that may increase oxidative stress in the body after alcohol consumption. By reducing oxidative stress, matcha may help alleviate headaches and fatigue commonly associated with hangovers.

Matcha for hydration and electrolyte balance

• Although matcha itself is not a significant source of electrolytes, drinking it may contribute to overall fluid intake. When paired with other hydrating liquids, like coconut water or when consumed in the form of Matcha Aid,  matcha may help by replenishing lost fluids and restoring electrolyte balance. This is crucial for relieving symptoms such as dry mouth and dizziness caused by dehydration.

Matcha has a lot of L-theanine

• L-Theanine is an amino acid found abundantly in matcha. It has calming properties that may help reduce the anxiety and jitteriness that sometimes accompany hangovers. By promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness, L-theanine may also help soothe the stomach, potentially reducing nausea.

Matcha is packed with chlorophyll

• Matcha's vibrant green color is due to its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll has natural detoxifying properties, aiding in the removal of toxins from the bloodstream. This can be particularly beneficial for eliminating acetaldehyde, the toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism - reducing nausea and overall discomfort.

Matcha is a natural source of caffeine

• Matcha contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which may provide a gentle energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha provides sustained, focused energy, helping to combat the fatigue and sluggishness felt during a hangover.

Matcha has anti-inflammatory properties

• The catechins in matcha also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the inflammation that contributes to headaches and muscle pain during a hangover. Matcha may help kick the overall discomfort of a hangover.

How to incorporate matcha into your hangover routine

Anyone that’s had a hangover before knows that the nausea you may experience can make you feel picky about what you want to eat and drink. Lucky for us, there are tons of delicious ways to consume matcha. Here are some options to spark some ideas. Click on each for products and DIY recipes! 

• Morning Matcha Latte: Start your day with a matcha latte made with almond milk or coconut water. This may provide both hydration and essential nutrients.

Recipe here! 

• Matcha Smoothie: Blend matcha with fruits like bananas and berries, and add a handful of spinach for an extra nutrient boost. This smoothie can be a refreshing way to replenish your body.

Recipe here!

• Matcha Energy Balls: For a quick and easy snack, make matcha energy balls using dates, nuts, and a teaspoon of matcha powder. These may provide a quick energy boost and help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Recipe here!

Recipe here!

The science behind matcha's benefits

Numerous studies support the health benefits of matcha, which extend far beyond hangover relief. Matcha has been shown to improve liver function, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance metabolic rates. Matcha has been shown to combat certain cancers, diabetes, cognitive decline, heart disease, gum disease and improve your overall health and well-being. 

Opt for high-quality matcha to ensure you're getting the maximum benefits. Lower-quality matcha can be less potent and may contain contaminants.

The bottom line

By incorporating matcha into your routine, not only do you get to enjoy a delicious and calming beverage, but you also support your body's recovery process. As with any remedy, it's best to consume matcha in moderation and choose high-quality products to enjoy its full benefits. So, next time you find yourself struggling from the night before, consider reaching for a cup of matcha green tea!

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Resources:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Hangovers. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers

Zakhari, S. (2006). Overview: How Is Alcohol Metabolized by the Body? Alcohol Research & Health, 29(4), 245-254. Retrieved from https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh294/245-254.pdf

American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Alcohol and Blood Sugar. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/nutrition/healthy-food-choices-made-easy/alcohol-and-diabetes

Maughan, R. J., & Griffin, J. (2003). Caffeine ingestion and fluid balance: a review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 16(6), 411-420. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-277X.2003.00477.x

Chen, X., Ye, K., Xu, Y., Zhao, Y., & Zhao, D. (2022). Effect of Shading on the Morphological, Physiological, and Biochemical Characteristics as Well as the Transcriptome of Matcha Green Tea. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(22), 14169. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232214169

Hayes, M., & Ferruzzi, M. G. (2020). Update on the bioavailability and chemopreventative mechanisms of dietary chlorophyll derivatives. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 81, 19–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2020.06.010