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Coffee has been my preferred hot beverage since college, almost like a tradition marking my entry into adulthood. Daily stops at Starbucks in the mornings and afternoons soon became an integral part of my routine, which continued well into my early thirties. That is until recently, when I decided to switch things up and replace my coffee with matcha for 30 days, an experience that brought about four unexpected benefits.
Let me clarify, I absolutely adored starting my day with the rich scent of hazelnut coffee, almond milk, and a hint of cinnamon. However, transitioning to matcha and its earthy, creamy flavor was surprisingly easy, revealing qualities that fulfilled needs I didn’t even know I had.
In This Article
My Daily Matcha Routine
For those unfamiliar with matcha, it’s a powdered Japanese green tea that blends with water and your preferred type of milk, perfect whether you prefer it hot or over ice.
What did my matcha routine look like? I simply replaced my two cups of coffee each day with matcha, one upon waking and one in the early afternoon. I stuck with Navitas 100% organic matcha powder, but there are many brands on the market. You can also opt for something like a matcha “superlatte” in powder form that’s packed with probiotics, adaptogens, and mushrooms.
By the end of my 30-day journey, let’s just say matcha had me hooked. I may be swapping out my regular cup of joe for a cozy morning mug of matcha moving forward—and for good reason! There are four life-changing benefits I experienced while drinking matcha, all of which helped me come to this conclusion.
1. Matcha Provides a Solid Energy Boost Without The Anxiousness
During my 30-day matcha-drinking experience, I discovered that matcha gives me the energy boost I need—without the baggage. My biggest complaint about coffee is the “coffee jitter” after-effect. I need the easy caffeine boost it provides first thing in the morning and during afternoon drags, but I disliked feeling on edge, anxious, and hyper after drinking just one or two cups. When I switched to matcha, I felt energized, but a relaxed energy.
Why the difference? I spoke with The Nutrition Twins®, Tammy Lakatos Shames, RD, CDN, CFT, and Lyssie Lakatos, RD, CDN, CFT, who sit on our Medical Expert Board, to find out why matcha seems to be a better fit for me than coffee.
“Matcha’s caffeine boosts energy at a slower rate and reaches a peak level in the body in about 30 minutes, which is ideal for many people who tend to get jittery from coffee as well as those who are looking for a boost with less caffeine,” The Nutrition Twins explain. “Matcha also has an additional boosting benefit in that it contains an amino acid called l-theanine, which creates a mental alertness [and] mental calmness.”
2. It Tastes Way Better Than Coffee
Old habits die hard, and I firmly believe it’s a smart idea to reevaluate certain parts of your daily routine every now and then. I’m glad I welcomed matcha into my life because I prefer its natural taste over that of coffee.
Is it because I’ve been drinking coffee too long, and every cup tastes the same? Perhaps. The reason could also be that I stopped adding sweeteners and creamers to it over the past few years with healthier habits in mind.
On the contrary, matcha powder has a natural, earthy flavor, and I simply whisked in a bit of hot water and almond milk to add a smooth, creamy texture. It felt like waking up to a special treat rather than simply dosing myself with caffeine.
3. It’s Chock-Full of Health Benefits
One of the main reasons I decided to give matcha a 30-day trial is it’s chock-full of health benefits. This powdered green tea contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a compound that decreases inflammation, lowers cortisol levels, and aids in weight loss. The Nutrition Twins explain, “[EGCG] gives matcha an additional weight loss and belly fat-fighting edge [compared to coffee].”
Matcha also fights oxidative stress, shielding your cells from harm and preventing diseases. “Matcha may help to kill cancer cells and help protect against tumors by preventing the formation of tumor-feeding blood vessels,” The Nutrition Twins add.
Research is divided on how healthy or unhealthy coffee really is. However, it does contain a higher caffeine content than matcha, and some studies show that greater amounts of caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. In addition, individuals who have difficulty controlling their blood pressure should keep their coffee consumption at bay.
4. It’s Sustainable for the Long Haul
Healthy habits need to be easy, enjoyable, and sustainable. I found matcha to be a seamless habit to stick with. It provided exactly what I was looking for in my go-to hot beverage, including comfort, energy, and a wealth of health benefits. The fact that I love how it tastes is an added bonus, as it will help make this healthy habit more sustainable in the long run.
Alexa Mellardo
