This variation of green tea is also rich in L-theanine, which provides a number of overarching benefits to your health. Research suggests that this amino acid can have an “anti-stress” effect on the body1, and combined with the caffeine2 from matcha, you may experience a natural boost of energy and alertness. Not to mention matcha is loaded with nearly three times as much of the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) than other green teas, supplying the body with a slew of healthy properties3. One review analyzing the benefits and chemical makeup of matcha4 found that its antioxidant content can help neutralize free radical damage and even aid in the body’s natural detoxification processes. As for caffeine content, matcha boasts 70 milligrams per 8 ounce cup, offering a significant boost of energy in the morning if you’re often groggy or didn’t quite get enough sleep. Your cup of joe might also support longevity, new research reveals, with one large study explaining that “higher consumption of coffee was associated with lower risks of death, and in particular, mortality due to digestive and circulatory diseases,” as reported by the Annals of Internal Medicine. Coffee has also been known to get digestion moving: Functional medicine doctor Wendie Trubow, M.D., MBA, previously told mbg that “it is clear that coffee increases the activity in your gut, called peristalsis.” That said, it’s still unclear to experts why this occurs. “The warm temperature of the liquid6 may stimulate motility,” integrative gastroenterologist Marvin Singh, M.D., adds—which means this benefit may not be exclusive to coffee. In terms of caffeine, a cup of black coffee provides 96 milligrams per 8 fluid ounces, packing quite a punch in comparison to its matcha counterpart. Having too much caffeine, in general, can also bring about uncomfortable side effects, like worsened anxiety, dehydration, and jitters, so keep this in mind before sipping on that fourth cup of coffee in the afternoon. If you’re more prone to anxiety or stress, the soothing properties of matcha may better serve your needs in comparison to a cup of joe, which is important to consider when making your choice. Seeing as matcha, in Davar’s words “has virtually no downsides” to your overall well-being, it seems the bright green beverage wins this round. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your collagen intake, try mixing a serving of collagen into your hot drink each morning. (Here are our favorite ways to serve collagen in coffee, if you need inspo!) Skin feeling dried out and in need of exfoliation? This DIY coffee scrub will do the trick for clearing away dead skin cells and revealing your healthy glow from within. Both coffee and matcha can also be lovely flavor additions to different dishes, particularly homemade desserts—like this dairy-free ice cream recipe. As for the healthiest way to prepare your coffee? Check out these eight coffee-boosting tips. “For those who love to enjoy coffee flavor and the remarkable health benefits of matcha tea (including me!), I recommend having matcha three to four days per week and coffee one to three times per week,” Davar suggests, so you can have the best of both worlds.
