Sometimes it feels like you can barely get through the hectic 9-to-5 life without caffeine. For many people, drinking coffee (or matcha) in the morning is the only way to spend their time relaxed, not only does it provide them with a natural energy boost, but it also tastes great. But have you ever wondered if one source of caffeine is really better for your body than another? Here’s a guide on coffee vs. matcha, each with its own benefits, and which caffeine is better than the other.
Benefits of Matcha and Coffee
Matcha Tea
Matcha is a popular green tea powder made from removed leaves ground into the signature bright color we know well. Matcha also has a number of potential health benefits.
- Matcha is less acidic: Matcha is more alkaline than coffee with almost the same caffeine content. The lower acidity means that matcha may also be a better choice for people with sensitive stomachs.
- Matcha for stress relief: This green tea is also rich in L-theanine, which can provide many benefits for your health. Studies have shown that this amino acid has an “anti-stress” effect on the human body, which, combined with the caffeine in matcha, allows you to naturally feel more energetic and alert.
- Matcha is rich in antioxidants: Matcha contains almost three times as much antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as other green teas, providing a range of health benefits to the body. A review analyzing matcha’s benefits and chemical composition found that the antioxidant content in matcha can help neutralize free radical damage and even aid the body’s natural detoxification process.
- Matcha is high in caffeine: As for the caffeine content, matcha contains 70 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, which can give you a significant energy boost in the morning if you’re constantly groggy or sleep-deprived.
Coffee
There’s no denying that coffee is the most popular energy booster around the world, but that’s not the only health benefit this bitter drink brings.
- Coffee has cognitive advantages: Coffee is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and refreshing caffeine. Why is this a good thing? A large-scale study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at 676 healthy older men in Europe over a 10-year period. The results showed that the degree of cognitive decline in the participants who drank coffee was smaller than that of the participants who did not drink coffee. While coffee intake was not controlled, the researchers found that men who drank three cups of coffee per day had the least cognitive decline.
- Coffee may contribute to longevity: A large study showed that drinking more coffee reduced the risk of death, especially from digestive and circulatory disorders.
- Coffee may help with digestion: it is clear that coffee increases intestinal activity, that is, peristalsis. That being said, it’s still unclear to experts why this is happening. The warm temperature of the liquid may stimulate exercise, which means that this benefit may not be unique to coffee.
- Coffee has a lot of caffeine in it: A cup of black coffee contains 96 mg of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces, which is quite high in caffeine compared to matcha coffee.
So, Which One Is Superior?
While both coffee and tea have significant health benefits, drinking coffee can be especially difficult if you have a sensitive stomach. “Coffee is a highly acidic food that can be problematic if consumed in excess or if the digestive tract is sensitive,” Dawar warns. However, if you want to enjoy the taste and benefits of coffee without having a stomachache, cold brew coffee is significantly less acidic and therefore less irritating.
In general, consuming too much caffeine can also come with uncomfortable side effects, such as increased anxiety, dehydration, and nervousness, so keep this in mind before drinking your fourth cup of coffee in the afternoon.
If you’re more prone to anxiety or stress, matcha’s soothing properties may be more satisfying than a cup of coffee, something to consider when choosing.
Conclusion
Both coffee and matcha have health-promoting benefits when consumed in moderation, boosting energy levels and cognitive function through caffeine and antioxidant content. However, if you’re looking to reap the health benefits of reducing caffeine tension and reducing acidity, matcha is the best option.