History of Matcha
Boosts Brain Function
L-theanine is 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!
Improves Performance Under Stress
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 ofcreatingit. The result? Increased attention span and overall productivity.
Immune Boosting
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…
Clean, jitter free energy source
With Matcha caffeine, there is no crash in energy levels or caffeine jitters. Unlike coffee, a cup of matcha tea contains a compound known as L-theanine, which alters the effects of the caffeine in matcha, often promoting relaxed alertness for an average of 6-8 hours.
Melt away Anxiety
Drinking matcha regularly may help lower anxiety in people who regularly drink it due to its 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.
Boost Your Mood and Help Combat Depression
Matcha may be very helpful for giving you peace of mind and increasing your overall happiness without causing any drowsiness. Matcha also helps promote more balanced activity levels in the brain by offering a robust nutritional boost of key vitamins and trace minerals that may help address dietary deficiencies connected to depression.
Promote Healthy Skin
The high concentration of antioxidants and other healthy compounds in matcha may be exactly what your skincare routine is missing for a clear, smooth, healthy complexion. Matcha can help support and nourish all different skin types— from oily, acne-prone skin to dry, aging skin. Matcha may help protect skin against UV Rays and sun damage, fight off acne, alleviate redness, promote blood flow, and even help slow down the signs of skin aging.
Promote Healthy Cholesterol
Drinking matcha could be one of the simplest ways to help manage your cholesterol levels naturally. Studies have shown that individuals who drink matcha tea regularly have lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while at the same time having higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
Where is Matcha Kari Matcha grown?
caffeine
Does Matcha have caffeine?
Matcha contains caffeine, with the amount typically ranging from 18 to 50 mg/g depending on the quality of the matcha. The growing, harvesting, and preparation methods used can significantly affect the caffeine content. (5)
Wondering how much caffeine is found in Matcha Kari? Their superior grade daily matcha and ceremonial matcha have all been vigorously lab tested, and carry 37.5mg to over 50 mg of caffeine per gram of matcha, which is considered the typical serving portion. (5) (6)
Matcha caffeine vs. green tea caffeine
Caffeine content in matcha is relatively higher than other bagged green tea varieties, which is one of the reasons matcha has such a lovely, unique aroma and flavor. When comparing caffeine levels, green teas fall within a range of 11.3–24.67 mg/g, packing about half the amount of caffeine found in matcha. Keep in mind that the caffeine content of whatever type of matcha beverage you are having varies depending on how much powder is added. (5)
Matcha is derived from the same plant as green tea, but it is grown and prepared differently. Matcha powder is packed with nutrients from the entire green tea leaf, resulting in a higher quality and amount of caffeine and other powerful antioxidants than bagged green tea. (5)
So one cup (8 ounces) of standard matcha that uses 4 teaspoons of powder can have well over 200 mg of caffeine, while a cup of regular green tea that size provides up to 25 mg of caffeine. However, most people don't drink a full cup of matcha at once because of its much higher caffeine content. With matcha, less really is more. (5)
Matcha caffeine vs. coffee caffeine
When it comes to comparing caffeine levels, coffee contains more caffeine per serving than matcha. For example, the average cup of coffee contains 96 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces, while a 2-ounce cup of matcha, when prepared traditionally with one teaspoon, contains about 18–50 mg/g. And did you know just one 1-ounce shot of espresso has up to 100 mg of caffeine? (5) (8)
Most coffee drinkers cannot rely on just one cup of coffee to get them through even half their day. The boost from coffee's caffeine usually lasts a mere 1–3 hours and then leads to a sudden crash in energy levels. Then it's time for another cup. (4) (2)
Having the four 8-ounce cups of coffee you may think you need to get you through the day, which is around 400 mg of caffeine, can be harmful to your health. Consuming up to 400mg/day of caffeine from coffee, or about 4 cups, has been shown to double the risk of headaches, panic attacks, feelings of being trapped or caught, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. (7)
However, matcha releases slowly in the body, so you aren't left with an uneasy feeling. Caffeine from matcha promotes a state of relaxation and overall well-being, providing 6 hours of sustained energy. (5)
Matcha Caffeine Digestion is different
Our bodies process caffeine from matcha and coffee differently. Because matcha has higher phytonutrient levels, matcha caffeine release happens in a much slower, much healthier way than coffee caffeine. (5)
When you drink matcha, your body absorbs the caffeine in a way that prevents a lot of side effects that you get from drinking coffee.
The caffeine molecules in matcha bind to the larger catechin molecules. Catechins are powerful antioxidants that are naturally broken down and slowly assimilated. This leads to the gradual breakdown of caffeine into the bloodstream. This slow process is what allows matcha to provide sustained, level energy for up to 6-8 hours. (5) (9)
How the body processes caffeine from coffee leads to spikes in adrenaline, glucose, and insulin levels, which is why people often experience a crash when their blood sugar drops.
While a cup of espresso in the morning will wake you up, it also spikes your stress hormones. Coffee caffeine is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, but you may notice after an hour that you have less energy and are more grumpy than you were before. Unlike coffee, caffeine from matcha is absorbed very slowly into the body, giving you a long and sustained energy boost rather than a quick spike.