Is matcha tea protected? Know 7 unintended effects to be careful for

Matcha tea has taken the wellness world by storm. Its vivid inexperienced hue, earthy flavour, and excessive antioxidant content material make it the very best superfood. Not like common inexperienced tea, matcha is made by grinding entire tea leaves right into a effective powder, making it extra helpful. Whereas it affords a concentrated dose of catechins, caffeine, and L-theanine, all linked to elevated alertness and metabolism, it’s not all inexperienced flags. In accordance with specialists, matcha should be consumed sparsely. If you’re consuming greater than two cups a day, you could expertise sure unintended effects of matcha. Overconsumption can result in indigestion, hypertension, and might even be problematic throughout being pregnant.

What’s matcha?

Matcha and common inexperienced tea come from the identical plant, Camellia sinensis. However they differ within the rising and processing strategies. For matcha, the tea bushes are shaded from direct daylight for about 20–30 days earlier than harvest. This boosts chlorophyll ranges and will increase the amino acid content material, particularly L-theanine, giving matcha its distinctive style and dietary profile.

After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and stone-ground right into a effective, vibrant inexperienced powder. Because of this while you drink matcha, you might be consuming the entire leaf, not simply an infusion like with common tea.

Why matcha might be unsafe: 7 unintended effects it’s best to know

Listed below are among the most typical unintended effects of consuming matcha, particularly in excessive quantities:

1. Contaminants within the powder

Since matcha is constructed from entire floor tea leaves, you could ingest every part that the plant absorbed, together with heavy metals, pesticides, and fluoride from the soil. A examine printed within the Journal of Shopper Safety and Meals Security warns that matcha might include traces of such contaminants, particularly if sourced from polluted areas.

2. Liver and kidney toxicity

Matcha incorporates about thrice extra antioxidants than high-quality inexperienced tea. In accordance with a examine by the Nationwide Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Illnesses, consuming excessive ranges of catechins, the antioxidants present in matcha, might result in signs equivalent to nausea and, in some instances, liver or kidney issues. Nevertheless, as Dietitian Vidhi Chawla factors out, moderation is vital. “The advantages of matcha are actual, however so are the dangers when consumed in extra,” she says.

3. Elevated blood stress

Though inexperienced tea is usually promoted for coronary heart well being, it might probably increase blood stress in some people. Analysis within the European Journal of Scientific Diet has linked inexperienced tea consumption with slight will increase in blood stress, particularly when consumed often. If you have already got hypertension, matcha will not be appropriate for you.

4. Not protected throughout being pregnant

Matcha is wealthy in caffeine, and that could be a purple flag for pregnant ladies. Extra caffeine throughout being pregnant can result in problems like miscarriage, low delivery weight, and developmental points. “Pregnant ladies ought to both keep away from matcha or eat it underneath strict medical steering,” advises Chawla.

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5. Extreme allergic reactions

Although uncommon, some individuals might expertise allergic reactions to matcha. Its signs embody rashes, itching, swelling, and even respiratory difficulties. In case you expertise any of those indicators, search speedy medical consideration.

6. Danger of esophageal most cancers

Ingesting any sizzling beverage at very excessive temperatures can harm the liner of the esophagus over time. This has been linked to an elevated danger of esophageal most cancers. Let your matcha cool barely earlier than consuming to scale back this danger.

7. Digestive points

An excessive amount of matcha can disrupt your intestine well being. Its excessive polyphenol content material might result in nausea, diarrhea, and even set off signs of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Overconsumption may trigger vomiting or upset the pure intestine biome.

How you can put together matcha tea the correct manner?

To arrange matcha historically:

• Sift 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder right into a bowl (known as a chawan).
• Add a small quantity of sizzling water (about 70°C or 158°F).
• Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) to combine till easy and frothy.
• Add extra sizzling water to your required energy and revel in.

You can even use matcha tea luggage, however powdered matcha affords a richer expertise.

Tip: Drink it within the morning or early afternoon. “Keep away from consuming it too near bedtime because the caffeine might intrude with sleep,” says Chawla.

How a lot matcha ought to I take?

Matcha affords highly effective well being advantages, however it may be problematic, particularly if consumed in excessive quantities. So, be sure you select high-quality, natural matcha and persist with 1–2 cups per day.