Is Matcha stronger than coffee?

1. Is Matcha Healthy I’ve been getting asked about matcha a whole lot lately. I heard that matcha shots were the “it beverage” at New York Fashion Week, and many dedicated coffee lovers are ditching java in favor of matcha. If you’re curious about this trendy beverage, here are seven things you should know.

2. Things You Should Know About Matcha This form of green tea is getting a lot of buzz. I’ve been getting asked about matcha a whole lot lately. I heard that matcha shots were the “it beverage” at New York Fashion Week, and many dedicated coffee lovers are ditching java in favor of matcha. If you’re curious about this trendy beverage, here are seven things you should know. It's a special form of green tea Matcha literally means "powdered tea." When you order traditional green tea, components from the leaves get infused into the hot water, then the leaves are discarded. With matcha, you’re drinking the actual leaves, which have been finely powdered and made into a solution, traditionally by mixing about a teaspoon of matcha powder with a third cup of hot water (heated to less than a boil), which is then whisked with a bamboo brush until it froths.

3. Unlike traditional green tea, matcha preparation involves covering the tea plants with shade cloths before they’re harvested. This triggers the growth of leaves with better flavor and texture, which are hand selected, steamed briefly to stop fermentation, then dried and aged in cold storage, which deepens the flavor. The dried leaves are then stone-ground into a fine powder. It offers health benefits Because matcha is made from high-quality tea, and the whole leaves are ingested, it’s a more potent source of nutrients than steeped green tea. In addition to providing small amounts of vitamins and minerals, matcha is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer, as well as better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-aging. Another polyphenol in matcha called EGCG has been shown in research to boost metabolism, and slow or halt the growth of cancer cells.

4. It contains caffeine Because you’re consuming whole leaves in matcha, you may get three times as much caffeine than a cup of steeped tea, about the amount in a cup of brewed coffee. Matcha aficionados say that compared to the caffeine buzz from coffee, matcha creates an “alert calm” due to a natural substance it contains called l-theanine, which induces relaxation without drowsiness. Still, I do believe it’s best to nix all forms of caffeine (including matcha) at least six hours before bedtime, to ensure a good night’s sleep. Stick to simple matcha and harness these benefits:

5. Since matcha is more concentrated than tea, it contains up to three times the amount of caffeine. That's almost as much as a cup of coffee, so look for types that are clearly labeled "caffeine free" if you plan on drinking it before bed. However, the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans does suggest having 300 to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day to slow cognitive decline, boost memory and improve energy. So for those who aren't as sensitive, drink up. 1. It'll help you stay awake.

6. …but not by much — and not for very long! A few small studies have linked drinking about four cups of caffeinated green tea a day with a higher metabolic rate. Research suggests that both the caffeine and antioxidant compounds called catechins may give you a slight boost. That said, you may not see much of a benefit unless you're guzzling only matcha all day, every day. Plus, genetics play a pretty big role in how effective matcha "works" on your metabolic rate. The only tried-and-true way drinking green tea will boost your metabolism? By helping you wake up and get to the gym. 2. It may help boost metabolism…

7. 3. Matcha can help with weight loss. Here's the deal: If you're regularly drink soda, juice and sugary beverages, making the switch to unsweetened matcha will absolutely help! That's because the number one source of added sugar (and therefore added calories) in the American diet is sugar-sweetened beverages, so opting for a calorie-free alternative is always best. But if you're already sipping on sparkling water, unsweetened coffee and tea and the occasional diet drink, you'll have to do more than switch up your hydration habits to lose weight.

8. 4. It's good for your blood sugar. As long as you're sipping unsweetened versions, matcha is certainly a smart choice. But be warned: Matcha also appears in sugary juices, frozen yogurt, ice cream, pasta sauces, salad dressings and "tonics" and "elixirs." These can contain loads of added sugar (among other saturated fat-filled ingredients!), leading to blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes. Always read the ingredients list and check labels for sneaky sweeteners if you're unsure.