Which drink has more antioxidants and caffeine?

Green tea and matcha provide different levels of caffeine, L-theanine and antioxidants, which influences their impact on health.

Antioxidants

Matcha contains significantly higher levels of antioxidantslike catechins and vitamin C, making it a better choice for its antioxidant benefits than green tea.

“Matcha and green tea contain many active compounds, including L-theanine, rutin, quercetin, caffeine, chlorophyll, and several catechins,” explained Kiran Campbell, RDN.

Diets rich in antioxidants, primarily concentrated in plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables and tea, have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including a lower risk of diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.

Energy and concentration

Due to its higher caffeine content, matcha offers a more powerful natural energy boost than green tea.

However, high levels of L-theanine, a calming amino acid, help balance the stimulating effects of caffeine. This makes matcha a good option for those who want sustained energy without the jitters often associated with coffee.

Heart health

Research shows that green tea consumption linked to lower risk of heart disease. Regular consumption of green tea can help reduce inflammation and heart disease risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Matcha may offer similar cardiac protective effects, although research is limited.

Metabolism and weight support

Green tea extracts are commonly included in weight loss supplements because their natural caffeine and catechin content may slightly increase fat oxidation and calorie burning.

Since matcha contains higher levels of caffeine and catechins, it may offer a slight advantage over regular green tea in promoting weight loss.. However, no single food, drink or supplement can cause significant weight loss. Lasting results require lasting diet and lifestyle changes.

Green tea consumption has also been shown to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a long-term marker of blood sugar control, making green tea a good choice for metabolic health.

Brain health

The higher concentrations of L-theanine in matcha could make it more powerful for brain healthgreen tea is also a great choice.

“The L-theanine in matcha is known to improve brain health, including improving memory, attention and reaction time,” Best explained. “The caffeine content also helps improve brain function,” she said.

L-theanine also has brain-protective properties and may protect brain cells from age-related damage and reduce the risk of cognitive disorders like dementia. In fact, research shows that people who regularly drink green tea have a lower risk of developing dementia.

Both green tea and matcha are healthy choices, so your choice depends on your taste preferences, caffeine tolerance, and health goals.

However, there are some things to keep in mind before making your decision.

“Green tea is easier to prepare than matcha, requiring only a cup of hot water,” Campbell noted. “It’s also a better choice for people with high blood pressure or caffeine sensitivity because it contains less caffeine than matcha,” she said.

Because matcha has a richer, more intense flavor than green tea, it is often prepared with added sweeteners or calorie-containing ingredients like milk or coconut milk. To keep your drink lighter, opt for unsweetened concoctions or use safe, non-caloric sweeteners like monk fruit. The milder taste of green tea can make it easier to enjoy without added sweeteners.