Matcha vs green tea, which is healthier? This question may have crossed the minds of matcha and green tea fans. Both do have a delicious aroma and taste. However, when viewed from the side of the benefits for health, which one is better?
Matcha and green tea are derived from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), but processed in a different way. Green tea is processed by steaming or roasting raw tea leaves for a short time, then drying for several days. After that, green tea can be consumed immediately.
In contrast to green tea which is still in the form of leaves, matcha is a green tea powder that has been processed through a grinding process. This process makes matcha more fragrant and lighter in color than green tea.
Benefits of Matcha for Health
Matcha is rich in polyphenol antioxidants and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate I) which can protect body cells from damage caused by exposure to free radicals. Matcha also contains protein, sugar, vitamin A, vitamin C, and various minerals, such as iron, calcium, zinc, and potassium.
Thanks to its antioxidant and nutritional content, matcha is considered good for health. The following are some of the benefits of matcha for the body:
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease
- Maintain bone strength and health and prevent bone loss or osteoporosis
- Reduce cancer risk
- Calms the mind and reduces stress
- Maintain dental hygiene and health
- Improve memory and concentration
- Help the process of removing toxins from the body or detoxification
- Lowering bad cholesterol (LDL)
To feel these benefits, you can consume matcha drinks as much as 2 cups per day. Matcha is generally safe to consume, but if consumed too much can cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
Consumption of matcha with certain drugs is also at risk of drug interactions or other side effects, such as liver damage.
Benefits of Green Tea for Health
Just like matcha, green tea is also rich in antioxidants. The nutritional content in green tea is also not much different from matcha. This is what makes green tea has many health benefits, including:
- Improve memory and concentration
- Reduce stress and calm the mind
- Increase body metabolism
- Inhibits the growth of cancer cells
- Maintain brain function and prevent Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels stable
- Inhibits premature aging of the skin
- Prevents tooth decay due to bacteria and plaque buildup
To get the benefits of green tea, you can consume green tea 1-3 cups per day. Meanwhile, pregnant and lactating women should only drink 1-2 cups per day. You are also advised to limit the consumption of green tea if you are taking certain medications.
Choose Matcha or Green Tea?
Actually, both matcha and green tea, both are equally beneficial for health. The difference between these two drinks is only the shape and taste. Green tea is still in the form of leaves, while matcha has been processed into powder.
Another difference is also found in the taste of matcha and green tea. If you prefer a drink with a fresh and bitter aroma, matcha can be an option. Matcha is also popular because it can be drunk with milk or made into smoothies.
However, if you like flavored drinks with a slightly lighter taste, green tea can be the right choice for you.
If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite after consuming matcha or green tea, immediately consult a doctor. This can be due to overconsumption or interactions with medications you are currently using.