Dangers of matcha tea: what you should know before drinking it

Matcha tea is an ancient drink that has become popular in recent years for its multiple health and weight loss benefits. 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 what the dangers of matcha tea are and how to avoid them.

What is matcha tea and why is it so good?

Matcha tea is a variety of green tea that is obtained by grinding the whole leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. When consuming matcha tea, you take advantage of all the nutrients and antioxidants in the leaf, 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 kidney.

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

What are the dangers of matcha tea?

Despite all the benefits of matcha tea, it must also be taken into account that it is a drink that contains 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 made with 2 g of tea contains about 48 mg of caffeine, which is about half that of a cup of coffee.

However, it must be taken into account that the caffeine in matcha tea is absorbed more slowly and is released for a longer period of time than that in coffee, due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that modulates its effects. For this reason, matcha tea provides more sustained and balanced energy, without causing nervousness, tachycardia or insomnia.

However, this does not mean that you can consume matcha tea without limit, since excessive intake can cause a caffeine overdose, which can have serious consequences for your health. Some of the symptoms of a caffeine overdose are:

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

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

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

How to consume matcha tea safely?

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

• Choose a good quality matcha tea, preferably organic, that does not contain additives, colorings, sugars or pesticides.
• Prepare the matcha tea with hot, but not boiling, water at around 80ºC, and beat it with a bamboo or electric whisk until it forms a foam.
• Do not add milk, cream, sugar or sweeteners to matcha tea, as they can alter its properties and flavor.
• 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.
• Consult your doctor before consuming matcha tea if you have any medical condition, are pregnant, lactating, or taking any medication.

Conclusion

Matcha tea is a healthy and delicious drink that can provide many health and weight loss benefits. 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 that we have given you in this article. This way you can enjoy its benefits without putting your health at risk. Do you dare to try matcha tea? Tell us your experience in the comments!