Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutritionUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageHow to Prepare MatchaInteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutrition
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
How to Prepare Matcha
Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Matcha is a powdered green tea that some research has connected to cancer and diabetes prevention and overall heart health.People may take matcha as a supplement—as capsules, in food bars, or in reconstituted (mixed) drink forms.
Although matcha originated in Japan, the tea seeds were initially grown in China. It is made from the buds and top three layers of young and shade-grown tea plants with the scientific nameCamellia sinensis(C. sinensis).There are strict rules regarding how matcha tea is grown and made.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
According to a review, matcha contains the following:
Supplement Facts
Luis Alvarez / Getty Images
How Much Caffeine Is Really in Your Green Tea?
Matcha Benefits
More research has focused on green tea or theC. sinensistea plant for the following:
However, few clinical trials specifically test matcha, which can be far more potent than regular tea.
People might use matcha for various reasons, mainly brain health.
Brain Health
According to a review, short- or long-term use of matcha may support brain health and improve brain function.
The researchers suggested matcha helped with the following:
While these outcomes are positive, the sample sizes of these studies were small, which can affect results.
To better understand matcha’s effect on brain health, higher-quality, larger, and longer-term studies are necessary.
What Are the Side Effects of Matcha?
As with many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with matcha.
Common Side Effects
According to a review, studies also reported no or minor side effects with green tea. But some common side effects include:
Severe Side Effects
In general, there is limited information on the safety of matcha. But severe side effects may include:
If you’re having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.
A healthcare provider may advise against matcha if any of the following applies to you:
Dosage: How Much Matcha Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
While there are some studies on matcha in humans, high-quality clinical trials are still necessary.Therefore, no guidelines exist on the appropriate dosage to take matcha for any condition.
In clinical trials, however, some study participants took matcha products at the following amounts for cognition and attention:
Preparation instructions may vary for different products. Carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container.
Generally, there are strict rules regarding how matcha is grown and made and entails:
Mix and dissolve the matcha powder in water to make a creamy and frothy drink.
To make a matcha tea infusion:
If you have any questions regarding how to prepare matcha, ask at the store where you purchased the product.
A registered dietitian, culinary nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare provider may also address your questions about preparing matcha.
There is limited information about possible medication interactions with matcha. Possible interactions are based on the potential uses or side effects of matcha.Use caution when taking matcha with the following:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Summary
Matcha is a powdered green tea made under stringent rules from theC. sinensistea plant. It may have potential use for brain health support.
But similar to many medications and natural products, side effects and medication interactions are possible. Further research is necessary. Furthermore, it’s essential to properly diagnosis and treat serious medical conditions in a timely manner.
Before taking matcha, consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
Matcha is available in a few different dosage forms—with powder being the most common.
Matcha has an unbitter taste.It also has a unique umami (rich and savory) flavor, with notes of fresh greens, roasted flavor, and vegetables.
Compared to other green teas, matcha contains more caffeine. There are roughly 19 to 45 mg of caffeine for every gram of matcha.
People might use matcha as an antioxidant.Your body has naturally occurring antioxidants that attack unstable molecules known asfree radicalsthat can damage material in the body such asDNA.People might also use matcha for a variety of other reasons, such as brain health support, heart health support, weight loss,high blood sugar,high cholesterol, andcancer.Most matcha-related studies have not been performed on humans.So, more extensive research is necessary.
People might use matcha as an antioxidant.Your body has naturally occurring antioxidants that attack unstable molecules known asfree radicalsthat can damage material in the body such asDNA.
People might also use matcha for a variety of other reasons, such as brain health support, heart health support, weight loss,high blood sugar,high cholesterol, andcancer.
Most matcha-related studies have not been performed on humans.So, more extensive research is necessary.
To safely take natural products like matcha, let your healthcare provider, a registered dietitian/registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist know about all medication you take to prevent possible interactions and side effects.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements.Clearing the use of this product with a medical professional will also ensure you’re giving matcha a fair trial at appropriate doses.
To safely take natural products like matcha, let your healthcare provider, a registered dietitian/registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist know about all medication you take to prevent possible interactions and side effects.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements.
Clearing the use of this product with a medical professional will also ensure you’re giving matcha a fair trial at appropriate doses.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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