Matcha for Energy

by Vorst Canada May 03, 2022

matcha and energy

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

Though it’s not marketed as an energy drink, most people use match for energy and focus. It has traditionally been used in Japan for centuries for increasing energy and mental alertness especially by monks during meditations and still today it has indispensable significance in tea ceremonies.

In this article, we'll have a look at the benefits of matcha for energy in humans. But before we get into the secrets of matcha for energy, it's important to learn exactly what matcha is. So, let's get started.

What is Matcha?
Nutrients found in Match
Benefits of Matcha for energy
Coffee vs Matcha for energy
How to use Matcha
Precautions and side effects
Final words

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea that's grown differently. Though matcha comes from the same plant Camellia sinensis from where the regular green tea comes as well, for producing matcha, the tea plants are shaded from sunlight for at least 20 to 30 days before harvesting.

These tea leaves have an increased level of chlorophyll that triggers an increase in amino acid production, leading to more health benefits and a higher energy boost.

Once harvested, the veins and stems are removed from the chosen green tea leaves, and then they are ground into a fine, deep green powder which is known as matcha or matcha powder or matcha green tea powder.

Nutrients found in Matcha

Since the whole leaf is used, matcha powder has certain ingredients like antioxidants and caffeine in higher levels compared to regular green tea, making it one of the most powerful natural dietary supplements for energy and focus.

Matcha is considered the highest source of L-theanine, an amino acid that has a miraculous ability to enhance alpha waves in the brain that play an important role in reducing anxiety, stress, and cognitive impairment and increasing mental function and concentration.

Benefits of Matcha for energy

Matcha has been found highly beneficial for increasing physical as well as mental energy levels. People who consume matcha supplements feel more energetic and alert for an extended period of time (at least 4 to 6 hours) after consumption. There are two major reasons why matcha works wonder for energy - caffeine, and L-theanine.

Matcha contains a very small amount of caffeine that helps the gradual and consistent release of energy in the body as just the human body needs it over a longer period of time. A cup of matcha provides around 60 mg of caffeine, which is a lower and safer amount of caffeine level compared to a cup of coffee.

Besides matcha comes with various added nutrients such as L-theanine and EGCG, a high potential polyphenol with incredible antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The caffeine compound matcha contains is absorbed very slowly in the body and used to release energy for a longer period of time approximately six to eight hours after it is consumed. Therefore, matcha does not deliver a rapid energy spike on a short-term basis but supports a sustainable energy boost in a safer and longer manner.

It is assumed that L-theanine is the main ingredient that allows caffeine to enter the bloodstream and get absorbed in the body in a slower way. Camellia sinensis is the only plant that can produce L-theanine, also known as Theanine or Teanin, which is why the plant is named “Tea”.

L-theanine compound found in matcha is popularly known for its significant ability to enhance alpha waves in the brain. Alpha waves play an important role in maintaining a healthy level of mental alertness and arousal.

A randomized controlled trial published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008 concluded that consuming L-theanine with realistic dietary levels may increase the alpha activity of the brain and has a noticeable effect on the state of mental alertness and arousal. Moreover, this research also suggested that alpha activity plays a vital role in critical aspects of attention.

Coffee vs Matcha for energy

Matcha contains a relatively lower amount of caffeine (sometimes only 1/10 caffeine) compared to coffee. But there is a significant difference in the way the caffeine contained in matcha is used and releases energy in the body in comparison to coffee. The caffeine content matcha contains is absorbed slowly in the body and helps produce energy for a longer period of time (6 to 8 hours).

In essence, matcha has the capacity to increase energy levels in a more sustainable and safer form in comparison to coffee or other types of energy drinks without producing any adverse effects such as jitters that often come with caffeine overdose.

In addition, coffee doesn’t contain L-theanine which plays an important role in maintaining a healthy brain energy level that’s vital for alertness and concentration.

How to use Matcha

For healthy adults, 2 to 3 servings of matcha with 10 grams each can be taken daily. According to multiple studies, this is the healthiest serving of matcha green tea powder on a daily basis for people who want to stay energetic and alert throughout the day.

However, it’s always best practice to consult with a nutritionist to determine what dosage would be the best for your specific health condition.

Precautions and side effects

Though matcha is generally considered safe and no adverse effects have been reported, caution is important since it contains caffeine, and overdoses of caffeine may result in caffeine crash, a condition associated with nervousness, jitters, hunger pangs, and sleeplessness.

Consult with your healthcare provider before starting matcha dietary supplements especially if you are suffering from any chronic health conditions, are a nursing mother, or are pregnant.

Final words

Matcha is a special type of green tea powder which has traditionally been used for energy and concentration in China and Japan for centuries. Matcha not only provides energy, but also offers a range of health benefits including detoxification, weight loss, and healthy heart.

Since matcha contains caffeine and side effects are associated with caffeine overdoses, it’s highly recommended to consult with a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist prior to using matcha for energy or any other aims.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Matcha + Organic Spirulina and Chlorella Powder 600 G.

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