“Drink 1-3 Cups of Matcha Tea a Day”

Matcha Tea is Different from Other Teas

Matcha tea is a fine green tea powder obtained from shade-grown leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, originating in Japan. Lecturer Kubra Sahin“Unlike other green teas, matcha tea offers a more intense flavor and higher nutritional value due to the use of whole leaves. The tea leaves are picked by hand in the shade, separated from the veins and stems, and then steamed. After the steaming process, the leaves are dried to remove moisture. The dried leaves are ground into fine powder by special grinding in stone mills,” he said.

Noting that with the increase in healthy living and natural nutrition trends in recent years, interest in natural products such as matcha has also increased, Lecturer Kübra Şahin said, “It is also compatible with vegan and gluten-free diets.”

Benefits of Matcha Tea

Also pointing out the benefits of matcha tea, Lecturer Kübra Şahin said, "Thanks to its high antioxidant content, it strengthens the immune system and protects against diseases. It also supports fat burning by accelerating metabolism. It contains vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E, and supports the immune system. It is rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium and iron. It contains fiber that supports digestive health. Thanks to the L-theanine amino acid it contains, it provides balanced energy with caffeine. Thanks to L-theanine, it reduces stress. It is also known to increase mental clarity, focus and concentration throughout the day.”

Excessive Consumption Causes Anxiety and Heart Palpitations

Indicating that excessive consumption of matcha tea may lead to some health problems, Lecturer Kübra Şahin continued as follows:

“Matcha contains high amounts of caffeine. Excessive consumption can lead to caffeine-related side effects such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, heart palpitations and headaches. It can cause digestive problems such as stomach upset, nausea or diarrhea. It can reduce iron absorption due to its high oxalate content. It can increase the risk of toxicity, especially from matcha powder contaminated with heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic).”

May Contribute to Kidney Stone Formation

Stating that matcha tea helps the digestive system function properly thanks to its fiber content and prevents constipation by regulating bowel movements, Lecturer Kübra Şahin said, “The antioxidants it contains can help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining. The acidic structure of matcha can cause stomach discomfort or reflux. Excessive consumption can cause nausea and upset stomach. Matcha can contribute to kidney stone formation due to its high oxalate content. Its high caffeine content can increase fluid excretion from the body by having a diuretic effect. This can cause the kidneys to work excessively. Since matcha has a high caffeine content, excessive consumption can create an additional burden on the liver. Poor quality matcha powders may contain heavy metals or pesticide residues. Such contaminants can strain the liver’s detoxification function. Excessive consumption or low quality products can have negative effects on organ health in the long term.”

Warnings for Women During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding!

Emphasizing that some individuals should be more careful in consuming matcha tea, Lecturer Kübra Şahin said, “Due to its high oxalate content, individuals with a history of kidney stones should be careful in consuming matcha tea. Individuals with liver disease or dysfunction should be careful considering the potential toxins of matcha. Individuals with anxiety, heart rhythm disorders or sleep problems should not consume matcha tea in large amounts, as they are sensitive to caffeine. Due to its high caffeine content, excessive consumption is not recommended for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caffeine can negatively affect the health of the fetus or babies. Individuals with stomach disorders or problems such as reflux may experience discomfort due to the acidic structure of matcha.”

1-3 cups should be consumed per day

Lecturer Kübra Şahin added that healthy individuals can be recommended to consume 1-3 cups of matcha tea per day to benefit from its health benefits and avoid excessive caffeine and oxalate intake.

Source: HORECA TREND and Uskudar University