Coffee is already one of the world’s most commonly consumed beverages, but more and more people realize that they don’t like the jittery feeling they get from a strong cup of coffee. Still, people continue to drink it for many reasons; it tastes good, it provides a jolt of energy, it’s a ritual. 

But matcha has skyrocketed in popularity lately, with matcha shots, lattes, teas, and even desserts appearing everywhere from health stores to coffee shops. 

Centuries ago, Japanese Zen monks first discovered that drinking matcha before long hours of meditation helped with their focus and kept them awake during long sessions of mental focus. Soon the Samurai adopted drinking matcha as a ritual to optimize their physical and cognitive performance during training and battle.

Matcha can offer the same benefits as coffee without nervousness and jitteriness. Despite having less caffeine than coffee, matcha can provide a significantly more extended period of calm and alert states of mind.

One serving of traditionally prepared matcha, about 1 teaspoon of powder, contains roughly 70mg of caffeine. An average 8oz cup of coffee contains approximately 100mg. The exact amount of caffeine varies based on the grade of the matcha or coffee and each used in a serving. 

One of the factors is the rate of release of caffeine into the body. The caffeine in coffee hits hard and fast. A big hit of caffeine may help ward off drowsiness, but it can also induce heart-racing anxiety, and a crash often follows the intense stimulating effect. 

Matcha, on the other hand, releases the caffeine slowly. Therefore, the caffeine from matcha provides an even sense of alertness for a longer time (4-6 hours). This slow release of caffeine is due to matcha’s high antioxidant and amino acid count. The caffeine is absorbed into the body along with the antioxidants and amino acids over a few hours.

Not only is matcha loaded with caffeine and antioxidants, but the other secret in matcha is the high concentration of the amino acid L-theanine, which calms and reduces stress, and promotes a sense of peaceful focus.

L-Theanine is a non-protein amino acid found naturally in the green tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and in small amounts in Bay Bolete mushrooms. It is a precursor to GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and supports healthy relaxation without drowsiness. Because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, L-theanine helps increase brain dopamine levels and helps support a healthy immune system.

Several studies show that L-Theanine can boost alpha brain waves, which are associated with heightened states of alertness, similar to meditative states, enhancing the moderate amount of caffeine to create a sharply focused mind. 

One of the appealing aspects of L-theanine is that it relaxes the brain without sedation. That can make L-theanine a good choice for people looking to enhance their “wakeful relaxation” without worrying about becoming sleepy and tired during the day. This unique combination of stimulating caffeine and calming L-theanine makes matcha a better choice of caffeinated beverage for people with ADHD who want to experience natural stimulants. 

While coffee, and most teas, are extractions, the whole matcha leaf is consumed. The health benefits of matcha, made from the entire leaf, far outweigh traditional loose-leaf brewed green tea.

However, if coffee works for you and you love the taste, continue to enjoy it. Coffee is just as good and still has many health benefits.