Is matcha bad for you? Real dangers and contraindications

Matcha tea is an ancient beverage that has gained popularity in recent years for its many health benefits and for weight loss. However, like everything in life, matcha tea also has its contraindications and side effects, especially if consumed in excess. In this article, we tell you about the dangers of matcha tea and how to avoid them.

What is matcha tea and why is it so good?

Matcha tea is a variety of green tea obtained by grinding the entire leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. When consuming matcha tea, all the nutrients and antioxidants of the leaf are utilized, which gives it numerous health properties. Some of these properties are:

• Stimulates metabolism and helps burn fat.
• Strengthens the immune system and prevents diseases.
• Improves mood and concentration.
• Protects the liver and kidneys.

If you want to know more about the benefits of matcha tea, you can read our article Matcha tea for weight loss: truths and dangers you should know before consuming it.

And our own analysis complements the picture: The effects of matcha tea on body fat reduction.

What are the dangers of matcha tea?

Despite all the benefits of matcha tea, it is also important to consider that it is a drink containing caffeine, an alkaloid that has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. Caffeine can have benefits, such as improving physical and mental performance, but it can also have negative effects, such as causing nervousness, insomnia, tachycardia, or anxiety.

Matcha tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which varies depending on the quality and quantity of the tea. According to the USDA database, 100 g of matcha tea contains 2.4 g of caffeine, which is equivalent to about 24 mg per gram of tea. This means that a cup of matcha tea prepared with 2 g of tea contains about 48 mg of caffeine, which is approximately half that of a cup of coffee.

However, it should be noted that the caffeine in matcha tea is absorbed more slowly and released more gradually than that in coffee, due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that modulates its effects. Therefore, matcha tea provides more sustained and balanced energy, without causing nervousness, tachycardia, or insomnia.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that matcha tea can be consumed without limits, as excessive intake can lead to a caffeine overdose, which can have serious health consequences. Some of the symptoms of caffeine overdose are:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Tremors
• Palpitations
• Hypertension
• Seizures
• Arrhythmias
• Heart attack

According to the Mayo Clinic, the maximum recommended caffeine dose for a healthy adult is 400 mg per day, which is equivalent to about 8 cups of matcha tea. However, this amount can vary depending on each person's sensitivity, weight, age, health status, and other factors. Therefore, it is best to be cautious and not exceed 2 or 3 cups of matcha tea per day, and avoid consuming it with other sources of caffeine, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, or medications that contain it.

Furthermore, some people should avoid or limit matcha tea consumption, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, the elderly, people with heart, kidney, liver, gastric, or nervous problems, or those taking medications that may interact with caffeine.

How to consume matcha tea safely?

To enjoy the benefits of matcha tea without risks, it is best to follow these recommendations:

• Choose good quality matcha tea, preferably organic, that does not contain additives, colorings, sugars, or pesticides.
• Prepare matcha tea with hot, but not boiling, water at about 80ºC, and whisk it with a bamboo or electric whisk until a foam forms.
• If you add milk, cream, sugar, or sweeteners to matcha tea, keep in mind that they can alter its properties and flavor. If you choose milk, our recommendation is oat milk.
• Consume matcha tea in moderation, no more than 2 or 3 cups a day, and avoid drinking it at night or with other sources of caffeine.
• If you have never consumed caffeine, or if you have any medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medication, consult your doctor before consuming matcha tea.

Conclusion

Matcha tea is a healthy and delicious beverage that can provide many health benefits and help with weight loss. However, it also has its contraindications and side effects, especially if consumed in excess or if you have any sensitivity to caffeine. Therefore, it is best to consume matcha tea safely, following the recommendations we have given you in this article. This way you can enjoy its benefits without risking your health. Are you eager to try matcha tea? Tell us about your experience in the comments! Try our best Matcha Zen now.