Matcha tea: properties and contraindications

Matcha tea has spent years sneaking into cafés, Instagram accounts and kitchens around half the world, and it's no coincidence. That little green powder that looks like an ingredient from a magic potion has a handful of features that have made it one of the favourite drinks of those who watch what they put into their bodies.

What benefits does matcha tea have?

Before we get down to business, let's go over why this tea has so many fans. Matcha's first asset is its concentration of antioxidants, especially some compounds called catechins, among which the famous EGCG stands out. These antioxidants help fight the cell damage caused by free radicals, those troublesome elements that speed up ageing and are linked to a whole host of diseases. Since matcha is made by grinding the whole green tea leaf rather than steeping it, the dose of these compounds is quite a bit more generous than that of a cup of regular green tea.

Another of matcha tea's most prized properties is its effect on focus and energy. Here two substances that work as a pair come into play: caffeine, which activates you, and L-theanine, an amino acid that relaxes you without making you sleepy. The combination is quite unique, because it gives you a spark without making you jittery, that state many describe as "calm alertness".

On top of this comes its role in metabolism. Matcha is considered a good support for anyone looking to take care of their weight because it can help speed up fat burning, especially when combined with exercise. It doesn't work miracles, mind you, but as a complement within a healthy routine, it adds up.

When is it advisable to drink matcha tea?

The best time to enjoy it is in the morning or early in the afternoon:

In the morning

Loads of people use it to replace their breakfast coffee and tend to agree that the energy matcha gives is more stable, without those peaks and crashes so typical of coffee.

In the afternoon

It also works really well before a workout, an intense study session or any moment when you need to concentrate for a good while. The caffeine–L-theanine duo helps you stay focused without your mind wandering off in a thousand different directions. As a habit, one or two cups a day is a reasonable amount and enough to make the most of the good stuff without overdoing it.

On an empty stomach

What is worth mentioning, because a lot of people ask us, is the matter of matcha on an empty stomach. Having it as soon as you wake up, on an empty stomach, can be a good strategy if your goal is to activate your metabolism first thing. But it also has its grey area, and this is where the properties of matcha tea that are worth keeping in mind when there's some gastric sensitivity come in.

Matcha tea on an empty stomach: contraindications you should know

If you've got used to having matcha as the first thing that enters your body each morning, you'll want to read this section. Matcha is fairly powerful from a digestive point of view, and consuming it with nothing in your stomach can bring some not-too-pleasant effects: acidity, a burning sensation, mild nausea or that strange discomfort that leaves you with the day just started and your stomach churning.

Why does this happen? Well, because catechins, as well as being very beneficial, stimulate the production of gastric acid. If your stomach is empty on top of that, that acid has nothing to digest and ends up irritating the walls. Added to this is the astringent effect of the tea and the dose of caffeine, which also plays its part. If you have pre-existing digestive issues, gastritis or reflux, the contraindications of matcha on an empty stomach are heightened.

The solution isn't complicated: instead of having it with nothing else, pair it with something light. A piece of toast, a couple of nuts, a yoghurt or a piece of fruit are enough so that your stomach doesn't feel attacked and so that you keep enjoying all its benefits. At Matchaflix we always recommend this option to beginners, because the experience improves enormously and you avoid rough moments.

Who shouldn't drink matcha tea?

Let's move on to the less pleasant part, because talking about the contraindications of matcha tea without dodging the subject is being honest with you. It's not a product for everyone, and there are certain profiles who should avoid it or, at the very least, check with a professional first.

Pregnant people

Pregnant or breastfeeding people fall into this group. The main reason is caffeine, which crosses the placenta and also passes into breast milk, and although an occasional cup isn't usually a drama, the prudent thing is to limit or eliminate consumption during these stages.

People with heart conditions

If you have high blood pressure, palpitations or some heart rhythm disorder, matcha may not be your best companion. Caffeine can aggravate these symptoms, and although L-theanine softens the effect, it doesn't neutralise it completely. The same goes for people who suffer from chronic insomnia, who would do well to avoid it at least from mid-afternoon onwards, or simply replace it with another drink if they're very sensitive.

People with liver conditions

People with liver or kidney problems aren't matcha's ideal audience either. High concentrations of catechins, in excessive doses, can mean an additional burden on these organs. And if you take medication, especially anticoagulants, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants or thyroid treatments, the most sensible thing is to ask your doctor, because some green tea compounds can interfere.

People with low iron

Another group to keep in mind are people with anaemia or a tendency to have low iron. Catechins, as well as all the good they do, make it harder to absorb plant-based iron. The solution is not to have it with main meals, but to leave at least an hour or two between your plate and your cup of matcha.

When do the effects of matcha tea start to be noticed?

This depends a lot on what kind of effects you're expecting. If we're talking about the immediate sensation, the energy and mental clarity appear between 20 and 40 minutes after having it, and they last for several hours, much longer than those of a coffee. That's the first "win" you'll notice, almost from day one.

The effects that take a little longer, the ones to do with general wellbeing, the skin, digestion or improved physical performance, usually start to be felt after two or three weeks of constant consumption. It's not magic and they don't appear overnight, but if you keep up the habit of a cup a day, the changes are tangible. For the deep antioxidant effects, the ones that act over the long term on cardiovascular health or cellular ageing, we're talking about months or even years of regular consumption, because they're slow, cumulative processes.

Patience is key here. Matcha isn't a quick hit, it's a routine. And like any healthy routine, it rewards those who keep it up over time. If you try it for a week and expect spectacular results, you're going to come away frustrated. If you bring it in as a habit and let it do its work in the background, you'll really notice it.

We hope you now have a fairly clear idea of what this tea can offer you and where its limits are. Like any natural product, the important thing is to listen to your body, not overdo it and adjust it to your circumstances. If you have specific questions about how to incorporate it into your routine, at Matchaflix we're here to help you choose the matcha that best fits you.