Matcha vs. Green Tea: Two brain boosting beverages. But which one is right for you?
Check out this comparison you decide which is better for your everyday and your brain health.
1. Antioxidants
- Matcha: Contains up to 137x more antioxidants than regular green tea. This is due to the whole leaf being consumed, with approximately 60-70mg of catechins per gram of matcha powder, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known for its neuroprotective effects.
- Green Tea: Contains about 2-3mg of catechins per mL (around 25-30mg per cup), which is still beneficial for brain health but significantly lower than matcha’s concentration.
2. Caffeine Content
- Matcha: Provides approximately 70mg of caffeine per serving (1g of matcha powder), which releases slowly, giving a more sustained energy boost over 4-6 hours due to the presence of L-theanine.
- Green Tea: Contains about 30-50mg of caffeine per cup (depending on brewing time). This provides a lighter, shorter energy boost, typically lasting 2-4 hours.
3. L-Theanine for Calm Alertness
- Matcha: Contains about 20-30mg of L-theanine per gram, which balances the caffeine and promotes a calm, focused energy. This helps you feel alert without the jitteriness that often comes with caffeine.
- Green Tea: Contains around 5-8mg of L-theanine per cup, offering a milder calming effect, but not as potent as matcha’s higher concentration.
4. Brain Health Benefits
- Matcha: Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, particularly EGCG, matcha supports brain protectionby reducing oxidative stress. It can help protect against cognitive decline, and some studies suggest it can enhance memory and attention. It’s also believed to support neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.
- Green Tea: Also rich in antioxidants, but with lower amounts of EGCG (about 20-30mg per cup), green tea provides brain health support but to a lesser degree. It still helps with cognitive function, memory retention, and neuroprotection, though it’s not as potent as matcha in this regard.
Which One is Best for You?
- Matcha: Best if you’re looking for a stronger boost of antioxidants (137x more than green tea), a greater mental clarity, and a more sustained calm energy. Ideal for a focused, longer-lasting energy boost with added brain protection.
- Green Tea: Ideal if you prefer a lighter pick-me-up, gentler brain support, and a milder caffeine lift. Green tea is still great for overall health but provides a more subtle effect than matcha.
Both are fantastic brain-boosting options, so choose based on your energy needs and taste preferences!
