While coffee is still one of the most popular beverages worldwide, over the last couple of years, green tea has seen a surge in popularity. You can hardly go to a cafe now without a matcha or green tea on the menu. Not to mention that thousands of health professionals online are constantly telling their followers to make the switch from coffee to green tea for their health, longevity, and vitality.
Is this green, earthy drink worth all the rave it's been getting? Or is this just another fad that will eventually die down?
As you may know, at Jomeis Fine Foods, we've stocked matcha in our range for over a decade now, and the reason behind it is simple. It is a powerful blend that has outstanding benefits for your health. But we understand that sentence alone may not be enough to convince you to trade your morning coffee for a matcha instead. So, we've broken down the effects of both.
How do they impact energy levels?
It's no secret that coffee is the wake-up juice many people need in the morning. It's long since been masking sleep deprivation, and it does a good job at it, too. Just 15-30 minutes after drinking coffee, you can expect a noticeable lift that makes you feel more alert, switched on and functioning.
Matcha, on the other hand, is a more gradual lift. You won't really notice it happening, like coffee. Instead, over 30-60 minutes after drinking your matcha, you may notice you feel less fatigued and ready to take on your day.
So, they both wake you up in their own way. But, how does this energy last?
Coffee is largely popular due to its quick release of energy. It can feel intense at first. This burst usually only lasts 2-4 hours, depending on your tolerance. After this, the notorious coffee crash is inevitable, which is why so many reach for a second, third and even fourth cup.
Matcha is a slow-release caffeine. This means that rather than firing you up all at once, it releases its energy over a slower, more controlled period. This allows you around 4-6 hours of steadier energy. When it wears off, you will hardly notice a crash, too, as you haven't been relying on that burning energy adrenaline as you would with coffee.
Do they give you the jitters?
The term 'jitters' was practically coined by coffee drinkers. Now, you don't even need to put the word coffee in front of it to know what it's in reference to. If you haven't experienced them before, it can feel like you're anxious or so hyped up on adrenaline that you can't stop your body from shaking. Unfortunately, the cause of them is a little more dire than just being overenergised.
The jitters occur when caffeine stimulates your nervous system so much that it generates a fight or flight response. It really is your body trying to tell you that something is wrong, which can put stress on you and harm other areas in your body, including your brain, gut health and heart.
Fortunately, one cup of coffee is hardly enough to produce strong jitters alone. However, drinking too much coffee or consuming your morning cup without any food can cause this response, which can make the coffee come down feel even more exhausting.
Now, we aren't going to lie and tell you that matcha is low in caffeine. It actually can contain more than some cups of coffee. This means that jitters are possible. However, matcha contains one compound that coffee does not, L-theanine, which is known to have a calming effect. Put simply, the caffeine jitters are still possible, but this compound reminds your fight or flight response that there truly is nothing at threat, which can help ease the mind and prevent the shakes.
How do they impact focus and concentration?
Coffee drinkers often praise their beverage of choice for helping them feel sharp, alert and more awake, especially when the mid-week slump kicks in. And it's true! Coffee is phenomenal at helping you find the energy you need to feel lighter, less mentally clouded and more focused on the tasks at hand.
Matcha also has the same impacts, but the key difference is how that awakeness feels. In coffee, it may feel overstimulating or like you're 'bouncing.' Whereas, those calming compounds in matcha allow you to remain focused over longer periods without feeling like you've had cold water splashed in your face! When it comes to focus, it's really up to preference.
How do they impact the body?
Here's where the real differences kick in! Both coffee and matcha are once again high in antioxidants. However, while coffee only helps to detox, matcha can help naturally support metabolism, heart health, wellbeing, cellular health and anti-ageing.
It is important, however, to note that matcha is now mass-produced all around the world, and not all companies will commit to keeping it as clean or green as we do. We use the whole matcha leaf and add no dairy, sugar or gluten to our blends, because you don't need any of the nasties. We sweeten our matcha naturally to create a feel-good drink that leaves you energised, relaxed and detoxed!
Always remember to read the ingredients before purchasing your matcha if you opt for another brand! This way, you can ensure that you're getting all the good stuff and no unnecessary additives!
Find Our Matcha Latte Online
Our Matcha Latte has been a long favourite in the Jomeis Fine Foods range as we mastered the art of making it sweetly delicious while keeping it sugar-free and good for you. Haven't tried it yet? Get yours today and let us know how it compares to a morning coffee! The impacts will surprise you!
