Matcha is wealthy in antioxidants, however overconsumption may cause uncomfortable side effects like nausea, hypertension, and intestine points. A dietitian explains what dangers to be careful for.
Matcha tea has taken the wellness world by storm. Its vibrant inexperienced hue, earthy flavour, and excessive antioxidant content material make it the most effective superfood. Not like common inexperienced tea, matcha is made by grinding complete tea leaves right into a fantastic powder, making it extra helpful. Whereas it gives a concentrated dose of catechins, caffeine, and L-theanine, all linked to elevated alertness and metabolism, it’s not all inexperienced flags. Based on consultants, matcha should be consumed sparsely. In case you are ingesting greater than two cups a day, you might expertise sure uncomfortable side effects of matcha. Overconsumption can result in indigestion, hypertension, and may even be problematic throughout being pregnant.
What’s matcha?
Matcha and common inexperienced tea come from the identical plant, Camellia sinensis. However they differ within the rising and processing strategies. For matcha, the tea bushes are shaded from direct daylight for about 20–30 days earlier than harvest. This boosts chlorophyll ranges and will increase the amino acid content material, particularly L-theanine, giving matcha its distinctive style and dietary profile.
After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and stone-ground right into a fantastic, vibrant inexperienced powder. Because of this if you drink matcha, you’re consuming the entire leaf, not simply an infusion like with common tea.
Why matcha might be unsafe: 7 uncomfortable side effects it’s best to know
Listed below are a number of the most typical uncomfortable side effects of consuming matcha, particularly in excessive quantities:
1. Contaminants within the powder
Since matcha is comprised of complete floor tea leaves, you might ingest all the pieces that the plant absorbed, together with heavy metals, pesticides, and fluoride from the soil. A examine revealed within the Journal of Shopper Safety and Meals Security warns that matcha might comprise traces of such contaminants, particularly if sourced from polluted areas.
2. Liver and kidney toxicity
Matcha accommodates about 3 times extra antioxidants than high-quality inexperienced tea. Based on a examine by the Nationwide Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Illnesses, consuming excessive ranges of catechins, the antioxidants present in matcha, might result in signs akin to nausea and, in some instances, liver or kidney issues. Nonetheless, as Dietitian Vidhi Chawla factors out, moderation is vital. “The advantages of matcha are actual, however so are the dangers when consumed in extra,” she says.
3. Elevated blood stress
Though inexperienced tea is commonly promoted for coronary heart well being, it may well increase blood stress in some people. Analysis within the European Journal of Scientific Vitamin has linked inexperienced tea consumption with slight will increase in blood stress, particularly when consumed continuously. If you have already got hypertension, matcha is probably not appropriate for you.
4. Not secure throughout being pregnant
Matcha is wealthy in caffeine, and that may be a pink flag for pregnant girls. Extra caffeine throughout being pregnant can result in issues like miscarriage, low beginning weight, and developmental points. “Pregnant girls ought to both keep away from matcha or eat it underneath strict medical steering,” advises Chawla.
5. Extreme allergic reactions
Although uncommon, some individuals might expertise allergic reactions to matcha. Its signs embody rashes, itching, swelling, and even respiration difficulties. In case you expertise any of those indicators, search rapid medical consideration.
6. Threat of esophageal most cancers
Ingesting any scorching beverage at very excessive temperatures can harm the liner of the esophagus over time. This has been linked to an elevated danger of esophageal most cancers. Let your matcha cool barely earlier than ingesting to scale back this danger.
7. Digestive points
An excessive amount of matcha can disrupt your intestine well being. Its excessive polyphenol content material might result in nausea, diarrhea, and even set off signs of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Overconsumption may additionally trigger vomiting or upset the pure intestine biome.
Learn how to put together matcha tea the best method?
To organize matcha historically:
- Sift 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder right into a bowl (known as a chawan).
- Add a small quantity of scorching water (about 70°C or 158°F).
- Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) to combine till easy and frothy.
- Add extra scorching water to your required power and luxuriate in.
You can too use matcha tea baggage, however powdered matcha gives a richer expertise.
Tip: Drink it within the morning or early afternoon. “Keep away from consuming it too near bedtime because the caffeine might intervene with sleep,” says Chawla.
How a lot matcha ought to I take?
Matcha gives highly effective well being advantages, however it may be problematic, particularly if consumed in excessive quantities. So, ensure you select high-quality, natural matcha and follow 1–2 cups per day.
Associated FAQs
What makes matcha completely different from common inexperienced tea?
Matcha is comprised of complete floor tea leaves, making it extra concentrated in vitamins and caffeine in comparison with common inexperienced tea, which is simply steeped.
Can I drink matcha on an empty abdomen?
It’s not beneficial. Matcha might irritate the abdomen lining when consumed with out meals, presumably resulting in nausea or acid reflux disease.
Can matcha assist with weight reduction?
Matcha might barely enhance metabolism and fats burning, because of catechins and caffeine, however it’s not a magic answer. Weight-reduction plan and train matter extra.
Can children drink matcha tea?
Attributable to its caffeine content material, matcha just isn’t beneficial for youngsters. It could have an effect on their sleep, temper, or digestion.
