Which drinks contain more antioxidants and caffeine?

	Matcha	Green tea
Calories	5	2.5
Caffeine	37+ mg	29 mg
L-theanine	9.3-28.51 mg/g	6.56 mg/g

Green tea and matcha provide different levels of caffeine, L-theanine, and antioxidants, which influence their effects on health.

Antioxidants

Matcha contains much higher levels of antioxidantssuch as catechins and vitamin C, making it a better choice for the antioxidant benefits of green tea.

“Matcha and green tea contain many active compounds, including L-theanine, rutin, quercetin, caffeine, chlorophyll, and multiple catechins,” he explained. Kieran Campbell, RDN.

Diets rich in antioxidants, mainly concentrated in plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables and tea, have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including a lower risk of diseases such as heart disease and some types of cancer.

Energy and focus

Because of its high caffeine content. Matcha provides a stronger natural energy boost than green tea.

However, matcha’s high levels of L-theanine, a soothing amino acid, help balance out the stimulating effects of caffeine. This makes matcha a good choice for those who want sustained energy without the jitters often associated with coffee.

Heart health

Research shows that Green tea consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Drinking green tea regularly may help reduce inflammation and heart disease risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Matcha may offer similar heart-protective effects, although research is limited.

Metabolism and weight support

Green tea extracts are commonly included in weight loss supplements because their natural caffeine and catechin content can slightly increase fat oxidation and calorie burning.

Because matcha contains higher levels of caffeine and catechins, it may offer a slight advantage over regular green tea to support weight loss.. However, no food, drink or supplement can cause significant weight loss on its own. Permanent results require sustainable diet and lifestyle changes.

Green tea consumption has also been shown to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a long-term marker of blood sugar control, making green tea a good choice for metabolic health.

Brain health

High concentrations of L-theanine in matcha can make it more effective for brain healthGreen tea is also an excellent choice.

“The L-theanine in matcha is known to improve brain health, including improved memory, attention, and reaction time,” Best explained. “The caffeine content also helps improve brain function,” she said.

L-theanine also has brain-protective properties and may protect brain cells from age-related damage and reduce the risk of cognitive conditions such as dementia. In fact, research shows that people who drink green tea regularly are less likely to develop dementia.

Both green tea and matcha are healthy options, so your choice depends on your taste preferences, caffeine tolerance, and health goals.

However, there are some things to consider before making your decision.

Campbell noted, “Green tea is easier to prepare than matcha, as it only requires a cup of hot water.” “It is also a better option for those with high blood pressure or sensitivity to caffeine because it contains less caffeine than matcha,” she said.

Because matcha has a richer, more robust flavor than green tea, it is often prepared with the addition of sweeteners or caloric ingredients such as milk or coconut milk. To keep your drink lighter, choose unsweetened preparations or use safe, calorie-free sweeteners like monk fruit. The milder taste of green tea may make it easier to enjoy without added sweeteners.