The Magic of Matcha

There has been a lot of media coverage about matcha recently and for good reason. We take a closer look at what has caused the upsurge in demand and what benefits can be derived from a daily routine that includes Matcha.

What Is Matcha?

Matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make all green, black, and oolong tea. However, what makes matcha unique is how it’s grown and prepared:

1. Shaded Growth:
   A few weeks before harvest, tea farmers cover the tea plants with shade cloths. This slows down growth and increases chlorophyll production, giving the leaves a deep green colour and boosting their amino acid content, especially L-theanine - and, as you read, this is a key component of Matcha.
2. Harvesting and Processing:
   Only the youngest, most tender leaves are picked, steamed to prevent oxidation, dried, and then stone-ground into a fine, bright-green powder.
3. Whole-Leaf Consumption:
   Unlike regular green tea (where you steep and remove the leaves), with matcha, you consume the entire leaf. This means you get a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants.

What are the main benefits of Matcha?

It is the consumption of the leaf itself that produces the increased level of benefits over other teas.

• 137 times higher in antioxidants than green tea
• 1 cup = 10 cups of green tea by nutritional value

• 1.5g of Matcha is equivalent to: 
  • 300g Cherries
  • 130g Strawberries
  • 85g Blueberries
  • 230g Broccoli                                      

Superboosting Antioxidants                 

Antioxidants are the bodies natural defence mechanism, they prevent aging and disease and infection caused by damage to cells. But it is our bodies ability to absorb these all important antioxidants.

Test using ORAC - Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity - showed matcha is 1573 units per gram compared to 93 units per g in blueberries.

Matcha contains Catechins, in particular a class of Catechin called Epigallocatechin gallate EGCG known to fight cancer cells.  Catechins fight free radicals, an atom or group of atoms that react with cells and cause damage, associated with UV rays, pollution and other carcinogens.

Is L-Theanine The Difference? 

L-Theanine (chemical name g-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid) is a rare amino acid. This amino acid, with apparently only one exception, is found only in certain species of tea plants. It constitutes between 1 and 2% of the dry weight of tea leaves and accounts for approximately one half of all the free amino acids present in the leaves. First discovered in 1949, L-theanine not only is an important health-giving constituent of tea, but also is the major flavour component of green tea. 

Have you ever wondered why tea, despite its caffeine content, tends to relax individuals without making them drowsy? Similarly, those engaging in meditation practices may drink tea to dispel mental sluggishness and yet not become mentally agitated, as is typical with drinking too much coffee.

L-theanine appears to be the component in green tea which is responsible for these particular benefits.

Various tests have demonstrated the anti-stress effects of L-theanine. One of the more revealing of these experiments examined brain wave patterns after the ingestion of L-theanine. This research built upon the knowledge that humans produce specific patterns of electrical pulses on the surface of the brain which mirror brain states. The four primary wave patterns are known as the alpha, beta, delta and theta (a, b, d and q) brain waves, representing, respectively, 1) relaxed wakefulness, 2) excitation, 3) sound sleep, and dosing sleep.

In one experiment, 50 women volunteers (aged 18-22 years old) were divided into high anxiety and low-anxiety groups. Each group was given either 50 or 200 mg L-theanine in water once a week. Their brain waves were measured during the 60 minutes after ingestion. The measurements were repeated twice during a two-month test period. The results were a marked increase in a-waves starting roughly 40 minutes after ingestion.

Researchers concluded that L-theanine rapidly enters the system when ingested and that it heightens the index of the brain wave which is known to be linked to a state of relaxed wakefulness. Researchers also have explored whether the response to L-theanine might be influenced by the level of anxiety found in test subjects.

As might be expected, the greater degree of change is found in those manifesting high anxiety.

How Caffeine Works in Matcha

Matcha naturally contains caffeine, since it comes from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. On average:

• 1 gram of matcha powder contains about 35 mg of caffeine,
• 1 serving (2g) = roughly 70 mg of caffeine  - about the same as a small cup of coffee.

However, matcha caffeine behaves very differently from coffee caffeine.

Matcha vs. Coffee: The Energy Difference

And that takes us back to L-theanine, the amino acid that promotes calm focus, because of its presence, the caffeine is released more slowly into the bloodstream. This creates a state of “calm alertness”  - energy without the jitteriness or sudden crash that often comes with coffee.

A Better Caffeine Source

• Steady energy: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine balances stimulation and relaxation.
• Improved focus: L-theanine increases alpha brain wave activity, supporting concentration and mental clarity.
• Enhanced endurance: Caffeine in matcha can boost stamina and metabolism, making it popular among athletes and those seeking sustained energy.
• Gentler on the body: Because you consume matcha as a powder mixed in water (not a brew), it contains fibre and antioxidants that help slow caffeine absorption.

Can I Have Too Much Of A Good Thing?

In short, yes.

1. Excess Caffeine

Matcha contains about 35 mg of caffeine per gram, or 70 mg per typical serving (2g).
Drinking several cups a day can easily push your caffeine intake above recommended limits.

Possible effects of too much caffeine:

• Jitters, anxiety, or nervousness
• Insomnia or poor sleep quality
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Stomach upset or nausea
• Headaches or irritability

Safe daily caffeine limit for most adults: around 400 mg (about 5–6 servings of matcha).

2. Heavy Metal Contamination

Because matcha is made from whole ground tea leaves, it can contain traces of heavy metals (like lead or aluminium) absorbed from the soil  -  especially if grown in polluted regions.

We have both Japanese and Chinese high-quality, organic matcha from trusted sources. Japanese farms are known for strict quality control and lower contamination risks and our Chinese Matcha is from Taishan an Eu Organic Demonstration base.

3. Too Many Antioxidants

Although antioxidants are beneficial, excessive intake can disrupt your body’s natural oxidative balance.

Possible effects:

• Interference with iron absorption
• Digestive upset (especially on an empty stomach)
• Rarely, liver strain if consumed in very large quantities (10+ cups daily over time)

4. Stomach Sensitivity

Matcha is slightly acidic and rich in compounds called catechins. On an empty stomach, this can cause:

• Nausea
• Acid reflux
• Upset stomach

Tip: Drink matcha after a meal or with a plant based milk to reduce irritation. Coconut milk is amazing by the way!

How Much Matcha Is Safe?

For most healthy adults:

• 1–2 servings per day (1–2 grams each) = safe and beneficial
• Up to 4 grams per day (≈2–3 cups) = still fine for most people
• Over 6 grams per day (≈5+ cups) = may cause side effects over time

A little Moderation Gives A Lot Of Matcha Magic

We hope that this has given you an insight into the benefits of Matcha. As with most things in life, but in this case Matcha, moderate consumption is very healthy! Matcha offers energy, focus, and antioxidant protection and better sleep.
Remember it’s concentrated, a little goes a long way. Stick to quality matcha and reasonable amounts to enjoy all the magic without the risks.

If you'd like to start a journey with Matcha, or just explore our range, click the link below.

Matcha – The Teahouse

Happy sipping!

Team Teahouse