Matcha vs Green Tea: Which one is better for your health? US gastroenterologist explains the real difference

Green tea and matcha tea are both from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. However, there is a difference in the way they are grown, processed, and prepared (Images: Canva)

• Matcha has more antioxidants and caffeine than green tea due to its preparation.
• Green tea offers gentle calm, while matcha provides stronger focus and energy.
• Tea can block iron absorption; avoid drinking it with meals if iron-deficient.

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Green tea is a widely enjoyed beverage around the world, offering several health benefits, while matcha tea has gained popularity in recent years for similar reasons. Such has been the growing craze for matcha that it is now served in uptown cafes in the form of lattes, shots, and desserts. However, if that’s making you wonder which is better for your health, here’s what you should know.

Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi shared that both green tea and matcha tea are from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. However, there is a difference in the way they are grown, processed, and prepared.

Matcha is a concentrated green tea powder derived from shade-grown leaves, responsible for increasing its antioxidants. Green tea, on the other hand, comes from plants grown in full sunlight and is not shaded before harvesting. This makes it different from matcha.

Also read | 10 amazing health benefits of having green tea daily

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

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Not just this, the way you consume the leaf also makes a difference, according to Dr Sethi. For green tea, leaves are steeped in the water and removed. This gives an infused water with flavour and some compounds that leach out. But the tea leaves in matcha are finely ground and whisked into water. This way, nothing is left out, and it’s similar to drinking a leaf smoothie.

Matcha Vs green tea: Common differences

Antioxidants: Both are excellent sources of L-theanine and antioxidants, but matcha contains higher amounts than green tea. Research suggests that matcha provides between 9.30- 28.51 mg of L-theanine per gram, whereas green tea offers around 6.56 mg per gram.

Additionally, matcha may have up to 137 times more antioxidants than low-grade green teas and nearly 3 times more antioxidants than premium green teas.

Caffeine: Because matcha is consumed as powdered whole leaves, it contains more caffeine than green tea. Green tea contains less caffeine compared to other caffeinated beverages.

Also read | 9 health benefits of matcha, best weight loss organic drink

Taste: Matcha has a distinct taste that most people find grassy and earthy. That’s why it’s enjoyed in lattes and other drinks. Green tea is slightly bitter due to higher levels of catechins.

According to Dr Sethi, both promote a sense of calm alertness because they contain L-theanine, which balances the stimulating effect of caffeine.

Should you replace green tea with matcha?

However, the real difference is not in the antioxidants, caffeine, and flavour profiles, but rather in your health goal. Dr Sethi said, “If your goal is gentle calm, regular green tea is good. If you want stronger focus and sustained energy, matcha is better.”

Word of caution

The gastroenterologist, however, cautioned, “Don’t drink tea with meals if you’re iron-deficient. Tea compounds can block iron absorption. Drink it between meals instead.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.