Current:Home > MarketsWhat is matcha? What to know about the green drink taking over coffeeshops.-LoTradeCoin
What is matcha? What to know about the green drink taking over coffeeshops.
View Date:2024-12-23 17:09:08
If you've stepped into a coffeeshop in the last few years, you've probably seen some form of matcha on the menu.
Interest in matcha has been steadily on the rise over the last few years — experts credit rising interest in healthier nutrition swaps as well as the fact that the drink is aesthetically appealing and fun to share pictures of online.
"Matcha tea has become popular in the western world with photogenic social media pictures of this bright green drink popping up everywhere," Virginia-based registered dietitian and diabetes educator Caroline Thomason tells USA TODAY.
Here's what nutrition experts want you to know about drinking matcha.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea made from finely grounding green tea leaves into a powder. It has a slightly earthy taste.
The beverage originated in China, but the matcha consumed today was largely influenced by Japan.
Does matcha have caffeine?
Matcha does contain some caffeine, but many enjoy it as an alternative to coffee because it doesn't contain quite as much.
A cup of matcha has about 70 mg of caffeine, which Thomason notes is equal to a shot of espresso and a bit less than a cup of coffee.
"Matcha tea also contains compounds that slow down the absorption of caffeine so that we don’t get such a spike and crash in energy — a benefit most people report enjoying about this green drink," Thomason says.
But, she notes, those who get overly anxious or jittery from caffeine may still want to avoid matcha.
"You may not enjoy drinking caffeinated beverages like matcha despite the fact that they are lower in caffeine and have different effects on energy levels compared to coffee," she says.
What is the healthiest tea?We're breaking down the health benefits of black, herbal, more
Is matcha good for you?
Research has shown that green tea offers a whole host of health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties and possible aids in disease prevention.
Is decaf coffee bad for you?What to know about calls to ban a chemical found in decaf.
As a type of green tea, matcha has many of those benefits, too. Some studies have shown that matcha may boost liver, brain and heart health.
"All types of green tea are also high in antioxidants and contain a compound called ECGC which has been shown to improve metabolism and may impact fat loss when taken consistently," Thomason adds.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Jennifer Lopez Gets Loud in Her First Onstage Appearance Amid Ben Affleck Divorce
- Q&A: The Power of One Voice, and Now, Many: The Lawyer Who Sounded the Alarm on ‘Forever Chemicals’
- Cities Stand to Win Big With the Inflation Reduction Act. How Do They Turn This Opportunity Into Results?
- Harry Styles’ 7 New Wax Figures Will Have You Doing a Double Take
- Louisiana House greenlights Gov. Jeff Landry’s tax cuts
- Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James Biggest Sale Is Here: Save 70% and Shop These Finds Under $59
- Environmental Justice Advocates Urge California to Stop Issuing New Drilling Permits in Neighborhoods
- Revisit Sofía Vergara and Joe Manganiello's Steamy Romance Before Their Break Up
- NATO’s Rutte calls for more Western support for Ukraine, warns of Russian alliances
- Biden’s Top Climate Adviser Signals Support for Permitting Deal with Fossil Fuel Advocates
Ranking
- Taylor Swift gifts 7-year-old '22' hat after promising to meet her when she was a baby
- Q&A: The Power of One Voice, and Now, Many: The Lawyer Who Sounded the Alarm on ‘Forever Chemicals’
- Why Teen Mom's Maci Bookout Didn't Think She'd Ever Get to a Good Place With Ex Ryan Edwards
- Q&A: Linda Villarosa Took on the Perils of Medical Racism. She Found Black Americans ‘Live Sicker and Die Quicker’
- Nelly will not face charges after St. Louis casino arrest for drug possession
- A New Hurricane Season Begins With Forecasts For Less Activity but More Uncertainty
- Environmental Groups File Court Challenge on California Rooftop Solar Policy
- A New White House Plan Prioritizes Using the Ocean’s Power to Fight Climate Change
Recommendation
-
John Krasinski Reveals Wife Emily Blunt's Hilarious Response to His Sexiest Man Alive Title
-
An Agricultural Drought In East Africa Was Caused by Climate Change, Scientists Find
-
Jennifer Lopez Teases Midnight Trip to Vegas Song Inspired By Ben Affleck Wedding
-
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s Ty Pennington Hospitalized 2 Days After Barbie Red Carpet
-
The 10 Best Cashmere Sweaters and Tops That Feel Luxuriously Soft and Are *Most Importantly* Affordable
-
Ohio Environmentalists, Oil Companies Battle State Over Dumping of Fracking Wastewater
-
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Appeals From Fossil Fuel Companies in Climate Change Lawsuits
-
Keep Up With Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods' Friendship: From Tristan Thompson Scandal to Surprise Reunion