Matcha tea, an alternative to coffee to increase alertness and brain function

Photo: -ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels

Coffee is a recognized stimulating drink that can increase the state of alertness, energy and ability to concentrate, but it is not the only healthy option that can stimulate you and increase brain function, matcha tea can do it too.

Matcha tea is a drink loaded with antioxidants that can boost your energy. Matcha is a traditional Japanese drink made by grinding green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis).

Green tea leaves are full chlorophyll and polyphenols; especially a polefinol called epigallocatechin gallate-3 (EGCG). Polyphenols, or flavonoids are chemical compounds that act as antioxidants that control the damaging effects of free radicals in the body.

The Matcha tea is more powerful (more antioxidants and five times more chlorophyll) than green tea since powdered Camellia leaves are mixed with hot water, while to make the Traditional green tea leaves are infused into the hot water and then discarded.

Relaxed effect and unique alertness

Matcha can increase your alertness thanks to the fact that it provides caffeine, although in less quantity than coffee. An 8 ounce cup of coffee usually has 96 mg of caffeine, while a cup of matcha has 70 mg.

“Matcha creates a unique alert and relaxed effect, as it contains L-theanine, ”says cardiologist Alejandro Junger through Mind Body Green. Junger notes that research suggests that L-theanine may help reduce anxiety and stress, but it also increases focus and attention.

Caffeine and L-theanine and EGCG from matcha can improve mood, attention, memory, and reaction times. Nutritionist Ariane Lang points out in Healthline that L-theanine relaxes the mind without causing drowsiness.