Matcha’s myth check: Why your “superdrink” might not be so super

Updated: November 15, 2025 05:10

Image Source: NDTV

Matcha’s halo—antioxidants, calm focus, clean energy—has fueled a wellness fad. But experts warn overconsumption can trigger side effects, interactions, and quality pitfalls. Dose, temperature, and sourcing matter: too much caffeine and catechins may raise blood pressure, gut issues, and rare liver risks. Enjoy matcha, just not as a cure-all.

What matcha is—and why hype outpaced nuance

Matcha is powdered green tea from Camellia sinensis, shade-grown and stone-ground, delivering a concentrated hit of catechins and caffeine. Quality grades (ceremonial vs culinary) and farming practices shape taste, texture, and potential benefits, yet hype often skips discussion of dose, preparation, and individual risk factors.

Key highlights you should know

It’s potent, not magic:

Concentrated antioxidants don’t equal limitless health gains. Excess intake can flip benefits into risks—especially for sensitive individuals.

Side effects from overdoing it:

Reported issues include nausea, gut discomfort, elevated blood pressure, and rare liver concerns with excessive consumption. Heat from very hot tea may raise esophageal cancer risk over time; moderation and cooler preparations help.

Caffeine and catechin load:

Matcha can pack more caffeine than typical green tea, potentially impacting sleep, anxiety, and blood pressure. Catechins may interact with certain meds; check with a clinician if you have conditions or are on treatment.

Quality matters (a lot):

Ceremonial-grade powders are purer and smoother; lower-grade or contaminated products can taste bitter and carry impurities. Source reliability and preparation (temperature, whisking) influence the experience and tolerability.

Who should be cautious:

Pregnant individuals, people with cardiovascular conditions, iron-deficiency risk, or medication regimens should be mindful of caffeine and potential interactions. Allergic responses, though uncommon, can occur.

Temperature and preparation tips:

Extremely hot beverages are linked with higher esophageal cancer risk; lukewarm to warm matcha is safer. Balanced recipes (latte with milk alternatives, cooler brews) reduce irritation.

Sensible consumption beats superdrink claims

Enjoy matcha as part of a varied diet—think one to two servings a day, prepared warm not scalding, and sourced from reputable producers. Focus on overall nutrition, sleep, and stress management; no single drink replaces foundational habits. If you notice palpitations, insomnia, or digestive distress, dial back or pause and reassess.

Sources: Gulf News, HealthShots, Verywell Health

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