Matcha green tea powder offers an energy boost that lasts longer than coffee and provides numerous health benefits, including antioxidants. Matcha’s sustained energy boost doesn’t produce the jitters associated with too much caffeine and may help prevent an energy crash later in the day – not to mention it tastes amazing when mixed with milk (dairy or nondairy), sweetener, and milk!

Matcha contains less caffeine than coffee, about 35 milligrams in one teaspoon of powder. Furthermore, L-theanine helps regulate caffeine release from within your body without creating jitters. Matcha also boasts essential plant compounds and nutrients such as vitamin C, chlorophyll, manganese and an antioxidant known as EGCG for an additional soothing and relaxing effect.

Matcha’s EGCG not only aids in cancer prevention and lowering cholesterol levels but can also reduce blood sugar and keep tooth decay and gum disease under control, killing some bacteria while relieving bad breath.

Matcha and coffee contain few calories when made with just water; however, adding milk, cream, whipped cream, sweetener or any of the other toppings and ingredients associated with coffee latte is likely to increase its calorie count significantly. A cup of green tea typically has 2 calories while matcha contains four.

Green tea and matcha can both help lower oxidative stress levels in the body, which are major risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, gene mutations and aging. Matcha’s EGCG can specifically reduce free radical formation associated with oxidative stress; research also suggests it might lower cholesterol in the body while protecting against heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Though both matcha and coffee offer antioxidants with health-promoting effects, matcha appears to offer more extensive phytochemical protection and amino acids than its coffee counterpart. Furthermore, matcha was found to contain higher concentrations of key vitamins like C and E as well as polyphenols and L-theanine than coffee does.

Matcha can be added to food, smoothies and lattes in various forms. Try mixing matcha with pineapple juice, one cup of almond, soy or coconut milk and half a banana for an amazing breakfast drink that also helps fight cavities! Alternatively, create a matcha latte by whisking one-half teaspoon of matcha powder with either hot or cold milk, then adding some form of sweetener (such as honey).

Coffee and matcha both provide health benefits; however, to avoid overdoing it. Keep in mind if you suffer from an underlying health condition, such as heart disease or acid reflux, that consuming excessive caffeine could put your health at risk; speak to your physician regarding how much caffeine would be safe for you; 200 mg per day for adults should suffice as an effective daily limit; those expecting or breastfeeding should seek advice from an OB-GYN or midwife for advice before increasing caffeine consumption.