Japanese matcha tea is hailed as a potent enhancer of cognition and mental health. There’s no beating around the bush:drinking matcha regularly has a positive impact on your cognitive function.
Are you ready to supercharge your brain?
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Chemical composition of matcha
According to a2023 study,matcha has many health benefits, “including an enhancing effect on cognitive function, cardio-metabolic health, and anti-tumorogenesis.” This vibrant green elixir can even do wonders for your skin and promote a radiant, youthful complexion.
Stick around to find out all about the benefits of matcha green tea for your brain. Speaking of tea, how about a cup of delicious, all-natural, and healthy matcha mushroom tea?
Our unique blend also contains another superfood called Cordyceps militaris, hailed for its own antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and other anti- properties.
Matcha: The Green Goddess of Vitality
Matcha is a type ofgreen tea powderproduced from the leaves of theCamellia sinensisplant.
Other types of tea also come fromCamellia sinensis, likeregular green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea. This plant is characterized by dark green, glossy leaves and small, white flowers.
About three weeks before harvest, the matcha plant is shaded from direct sunlight. This increases the production of chlorophyll and amino acids in thetea leaves, giving matcha that bright green color we love.Tea leavesturned intofine powderrelease more antioxidants, L-theanine, and other bioactive compounds, which boost thehealth benefits of matcha. This is why matcha is hailed for its unique cultivation and processing methods.
Learn about matcha and all its health benefits.
Brain-Friendly Compounds in Matcha
Camellia sinensiscontains all the bioactive components that give matcha its aroma, flavor, astringency, taste, and therapeutic value. Since our focus will be on thebenefits of matcha for the brain, let’s talk about the chemical composition ofJapanese matcha.
- Antioxidants: matcha is bursting with potent antioxidants like catechins, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate,epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and others. Antioxidants help protect the brain from oxidative stress, which can damage neurons and contribute tocognitive decline.
- Caffeine: a natural stimulant that provides energy, enhances alertness, and boostscognitive performance. According to Kochman, et. al., matcha contains more caffeine than coffee: “the content of caffeine in green teas was found to fall within the range of 11.3–24.67 mg/g, while… most coffee beans will contain 10.0–12.0 mg caffeine/g of beans.”
- L-theanine: theanines are amino acids that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mental focus. Because of L-theanine, drinking green tearegularly can help you reduce stress and anxiety. At the same time, the combination ofcaffeine and L-theanine makes matcha a great source of sustained energy without the jitters typically produced by caffeinated beverages.
- Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are a class of polyphenolic compounds that are linked to improvedcognitive function.
- Vitamins (C, E, B2, and K) and minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, and manganese) play vital roles in various brain functions, such as aiding nerve transmission, reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and maintainingbrain health.
Our organic tea contains all the above and MORE bioactive compounds. The combination of cordyceps and matcha doubles the benefits forbrain functionand, if we may humbly say so, quadruples the flavor!
Wait until you discover the all-around awesome benefits of cordyceps. You’ll never part with our 30-serving jar of cordyceps matcha powder again.
Now that we know what potent brain-boosting compoundsmatcha contains, let’s see the exact mechanisms behind matcha’s phenomenal effects on our brain.
Is Matcha Good for the Brain?
Matcha is a natural nootropic. Nootropics are called “brain–boosting drugs” because they enhancecognitive performance. Studies have shown thatnatural brain boosters like matcha can reduce neuroinflammation, help with neurological disorders, and protect our brains from toxins.
The nootropic affects the brain performances through number of mechanisms or pathways, for example, dopaminergic pathway. Previous researches have reported the influence of nootropics on treating memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Those disorders are observed to impair the same pathways of the nootropics. (Suliman, et. al.)
This research shows that nootropics can help treat memory disorders such asAlzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. These disorders affect different regions in the brain that nootropics target, making them potentially beneficial for improving memory and cognitive abilities.
We’ve mentioned a few compounds in matcha that may help boostcognitive functions and protect the brain. Let’s analyze each and every bioactive compound that makes matcha such a goodbrain booster.
How Does EGCG Protect Our Brain?
EGCG is a type of catechin (a subclass of polyphenols) found inmatcha green tea. It is one of the most abundant and potent catechins in matcha, with extraordinary health benefits.
One of the amazing effects of EGCG on our body is that it reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Research suggests that EGCG can promote neuronal plasticity.
After EGCG treatment, the young [doublecortin]-positive neurons showed more elaborated dendritic trees. EGCG also significantly increased net neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus and increased the hippocampal levels of phospho-Akt. Ex vivo, EGCG exerted a direct effect on survival and neuronal differentiation of adult hippocampal precursor cells… Our results thus support a pro-survival and a pro-neurogenic role of EGCG. (Ortiz-López, et. al.)
Our brain’s ability to create new neurons paves the way for its adaptation in response to new experiences, learning, and environmental stimuli. This is called neuronal plasticity. This skill is vital for the maintenance of neural networks that overlook cognitive processes such as memory, attention, and emotional regulation. By increasing brain plasticity, matcha’s EGCGenhances cognition and improves mental health.
Does Matcha Improve Cognitive Performance in Seniors?
Matcha extract increasescognitive performance, particularly working memory, in elderly people. Several studies reveal the positiveeffects of matcha on cognitive impairment in the elderly.
In a 2014 study, only 2mg of matcha every day slowed the course of cognitive dysfunction and improved cognitive performance.
After three months of green tea consumption, the participants' MMSE-J scores were significantly improved... This result suggests that green tea consumption may be effective in improving cognitive function or reducing the progression of cognitive dysfunction.
Another study wanted to see if matcha could improve cognitive performance in older people.
…a significant cognitive enhancement was observed in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score in the active group of women… The present study suggests that daily supplementation of Matcha Green Tea Powder has protective effects against cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly women.
Do Caffeine and L-Theanine Protect Mental Health?
Caffeine and L-theanine have been demonstrated to improve brain function. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, improving alertness, attention, and focus. Meanwhile, the L-theanine in matcha promotes alpha wave activity in the brain, which is linked to relaxation and stress reduction. By enhancing our alpha wave activity, L-theanine paves the way for reduced brain fog and sharper focus.
In a review of 49 studies, researchers found that matcha tea can improve cognitive performance and mood. Caffeine boosts alertness and performance on difficult tasks, while L-theanine promotes relaxation and reduces tension. These combined effects make matcha tea a great option for enhancing focus and well-being.
Caffeine was found to mainly improve performance on demanding long-duration cognitive tasks and self-reported alertness, arousal, and vigor. Significant effects already occurred at low doses of 40 mg. L-theanine alone improved self-reported relaxation, tension, and calmness starting at 200 mg. L-theanine and caffeine combined were found to particularly improve performance in attention-switching tasks and alertness. (Dietz and Dekker)
L-theanine increases alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a state of calm and relaxation. These soothing effects can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, which means that matcha’s rich chemical composition not only helps improve cognition but also takes good care of our mental state.
The best way to take care of your brain is to indulge yourself with acup of matcha mushroom tea. This invigorating beverage combines the brain-boostingbenefits of matcha with the goodness of cordyceps mushrooms, creating a powerhouse of nutrients for your mind and body.
Let the magic of Hone’s cordyceps matcha tea nourish your brain and elevate your day.
Benefits of Drinking Matcha
Due to its rich chemical composition, thehealth benefits of matcha go beyond enhancing cognition and helping us think more clearly. Whether you’re looking for a boost in energy, immune system support, a natural detox, or improvedcognitive function, the health-promoting components ofgreen tea matcha can positively impact your overall well-being.
- Caffeine is the main source of energy in matcha. However, the combination ofcaffeine and L-theanine promotes calm alertness and prevents the jitters typically associated with consuming caffeinated beverages.
- Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG, which help boost the immune system. “The immunomodulative actions of L-theanine are therefore very important for combating various infections and allergic diseases and hypersensitivity reactions.” (Saeed, et. al.) These antioxidants help protect against free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support overall immune function.
- Speaking of EGCG, matcha may possess potent anticancer properties. Epigallocatechin gallate helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote cancer cell apoptosis (cell death).
- Matcha's active components seem to block the production of inflammatory cytokines, which helps lower inflammation.
- Matcha may be able to cure your hangover. Antioxidants help get rid of toxins in your body, while caffeine can reduce headaches and help you think more clearly. The amino acids in matcha—particularly L-theanine—may help reduce fatigue and bring a sense of calm.
- The catechins in matchapromote heart health. They help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, improve blood lipid profiles, and support healthy blood pressure levels. According to Velayutham, et. al., “catechins may be novel plant-derived small molecules for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.”
Is It Safe to Drink Matcha Every Day?
It is perfectly safe to drink matcha tea every day. People in Japandrink matcha every day. If you’ve never had matcha before, onecup of matcha per day is a good start. Once your body adjusts to its beneficial effects, you can increase the dosage.
Don’t forget that matcha contains caffeine. If you don’t want the negative effects of caffeine—those similar to drinking a lot of coffee every day—limit your caffeine intake and go slow with your matcha tea.
Disclaimer: our matcha tea also contains cordyceps mushrooms, which doubles the health benefits. After regular consumption, you may experience a surge in energy and mental clarity that'll make you feel like you could outwit Einstein in a game of chess. Side effects may include glowing admiration from friends and colleagues and a contagious positive attitude.
What Is the Best Time to Drink Matcha?
The best time to have matcha is in the morning or early afternoon. Matcha will provide an energetic boost that can get you through the day. Drinking matcha tea later in the day or right before bed can make you feel a bit too overstimulated to sleep.
Since cordyceps mushrooms should also be consumed earlier in the day, the best time to drink our mushroom matcha tea is in the morning, just around breakfast. One delicious cup will keep you up and running throughout the day.
This may be bad news for all those early morning sleepyheads who just don’t have the time or energy to deal with elaborate matchatea ceremonies. That’s why we’ve created our electric magic wand, which makes whipping up yourmatcha tea as easy as do-re-mi.
With a flick of the switch, you'll have a perfectly frothy and invigorating elixir ready to awaken your senses and jumpstart your day. No more complicated rituals or morning grogginess—just pure mushroom matcha magic in a matter of seconds.
Can I Drink Matcha on an Empty Stomach?
Some people say that the best thing for your body is to drinkgreen tea matchafirst thing in the morning, before breakfast. This way, you can detoxify your body. On the other hand, the caffeine in matcha can cause an upset stomach or jitters, and it can even make you feel sick if you haven’t had anything to eat.
The best way to go is to listen to your body. If you don’t experience any unpleasant effects whendrinking green tea on an empty stomach, go for it. If you do need a snack or a proper meal before you can sip on your matcha latte or traditional matcha tea, that’s okay too.
How To Drink Matcha
Our premium matcha tea contains the finestceremonial grade matcha and cordyceps mushrooms. This powerful blend supports stamina, mental cognition, stress reduction, and overall health.
The matcha in our tea is shade-grown in Japan for optimal flavor profile and nutrient density. Our Cordyceps militaris is grown in optimal conditions for higher concentrations of bioactive compounds. This makes our tea packed with vitamins, enzymes, essential amino acids, and everything else you need to propel your body to excellence and health.
Care to try our mushroom matcha jar?
Learn more about our ingredients and why our tea is one of the best organic supplements out there.
FAQ on Matcha For Brain Function
What does matcha do for the brain?
Matcha offers remarkable brain-boosting benefits due to its unique combination of antioxidants and L-theanine. These compounds enhance cognitive function, improve attention, and supportbrain cells.
Antioxidants protectbrain cellsfrom oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting overall brain health.
An amino acid called L-theanine induces a state of relaxation and reduces stress, resulting in increased mental clarity and focus. The synergistic effect of matcha's bioactive components fosters improved memory retention and sustained attention, making it a potent ally for cognitive performance.
Is it OK if I drink matcha every day?
Incorporating matcha into your daily routine is generally safe and can offer many health benefits. Matcha's abundant antioxidants and L-theanine promote overall well-being and cognitive function.
Since each person responds to matcha’s ingredients differently, it's vital to listen to your body and consume matcha in moderation. For those sensitive to caffeine, limiting intake or opting for lower-caffeine options might be a good idea.
Is matcha better for studying?
Matcha is an excellent beverage for studying due to its natural combination of caffeine and L-theanine. Caffeine provides a gentle energy boost and enhances alertness, improving focus and concentration during study sessions.
L-theanine, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and reduces stress, counteracting any potential jitters caused by caffeine. This combination creates a state of calm focus, ideal for supporting prolonged mental efforts and facilitating better learning and retention.
Is matcha good for your mental health?
Matcha can be extremely good for your mental health. The L-theanine in matcha promotes relaxation and reduces stress, helping to alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood. By inducing a sense of calm focus, matcha supports mental clarity and emotional well-being. The combination of matcha's healthful compounds fosters a balanced state of mind, making it a soothing beverage to include in a mindful self-care routine.
Does matcha give you dopamine?
Matcha does not directly provide dopamine. However, its caffeine content can stimulate dopamine release. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. The mild caffeine in matcha can contribute to increased dopamine activity, resulting in a sense of alertness, pleasure, and overall well-being.
Is 4 teaspoons of matcha too much?
Consuming four teaspoons of matcha at once might be excessive because of its high caffeine content. While matcha's L-theanine content can temper the effects of caffeine, excessive consumption could lead to restlessness, jitteriness, or disrupted sleep.
Drink your matcha in moderation—one to two cups of matcha tea with no more than 4g of matcha powder per day—and listen to your body’s response to caffeine.
Who should not drink matcha?
While matcha is generally safe for most people, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid it altogether. Those sensitive to caffeine should limit their intake or opt for lower-caffeine options. Pregnant or nursing women, individuals with specific medical conditions, or those taking certain medications should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating matcha into their diet.
Is ceremonialgrade matcha healthier?
When it comes to comparingmatcha gradesacross health benefits, the unanimous nod goes to ceremonial matcha. The highest quality ofmatcha powder owes its health supremacy to the careful selection, cultivation, and processing of thetea leaves.
Here’s whyceremonial grade matcha is the ultimate powerhouse of nutrition:
- It contains the most antioxidants. Antioxidants play a pivotal role in our health by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Ceremonial gradematcha contains an impressive amount of antioxidants, particularlyepigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The amounts of EGCG are significantly higher than those found in culinarygrade matcha, black tea, herbal tea, or even traditional green tea leaves.
- It is superior in harvesting and processing methods. This type ofmatcha powder comes from the most tender, young leaves of the first harvest of theCamellia sinensisplant. They are carefully grown to increase the levels of chlorophyll and other beneficial compounds.
- Ceremonial grade matcha has more L-theanine than other grades. Because it’s meticulously cultivated and processed, ceremonial gradematcha contains high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and improves cognitive function.
Is matcha high in caffeine?
Matcha contains more caffeine than regular green tea. However, its caffeine content varies depending on factors such as the quality of the tea and the serving size. On average, one teaspoon of matcha can contain approximately 30-70 mg of caffeine. While matcha does have caffeine, its L-theanine content helps modulate the effects, offering a smoother and more sustained energy boost compared to coffee.
Why does matcha make me happy?
Matcha may induce feelings of happiness due to its L-theanine content. L-theanine promotes relaxation and the release of neurotransmitters associated with a sense of calm and well-being, including serotonin and dopamine. This combination of L-theanine-induced relaxation and the gentle energy boost from caffeine can create a positive mood and a sense of contentment after consuming matcha.
Does matcha affect testosterone?
Matcha's impact on testosterone levels has not been widely studied. While it contains phytochemicals that may have various health benefits, research on matcha's specific effects on testosterone is limited. If you have concerns about hormone levels or specific health conditions, consult with a healthcare professional.
Is milk or water better for matcha?
Traditionally, matcha is whisked with water, allowing you to fully experience its distinct flavor and benefits. Adding milk, such as in a matcha latte, is a personal preference and may provide a creamier texture. However, adding milk can dilute some of the unique properties of matcha, including its vibrant green color and natural taste.
Does matcha clear brain fog?
Yes, matcha's combination of caffeine and L-theanine can help clear brain fog and enhance mental clarity. Caffeine improves alertness and focus, while L-theanine promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This synergistic effect creates a state of clear-headedness, making matcha an excellent choice for banishing brain fog and maintaining mental sharpness.
How quickly does matcha work?
Matcha's effects can vary among individuals. Typically, its benefits, including improved cognitive function, enhanced focus, and increased energy, may be noticeable within 30 minutes to an hour after consumption. The caffeine and L-theanine combination work in tandem, providing a gradual, yet steady, boost in alertness and mental acuity.
Can too much matcha cause anxiety?
Excessive consumption of matcha, primarily due to its caffeine content, can lead to anxiety, restlessness, or feelings of unease in some individuals. Caffeine affects people differently, and excessive intake may not be well-tolerated by everyone. Moderation is essential to avoid potential negative side effects and maintain a balanced experience with matcha.
Resources
Sokary, S., Al-Asmakh, M., Zakaria, Z., & Bawadi, H. (2022, November 23).The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015
Kochman, J., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., Mruk, H., & Janda, K. (2020, December 27).Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010085
Suliman, N. A., Mat Taib, C. N., Mohd Moklas, M. A., Adenan, M. I., Hidayat Baharuldin, M. T., & Basir, R. (2016, August 30).Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by Natural Nootropic. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4391375
Green tea compound epigallo-catechin-3-gallate (EGCG) increases neuronal survival in adult hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo and in vitro - PubMed. (2016, May 13). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.02.040
Green tea consumption affects cognitive dysfunction in the elderly: a pilot study - PubMed. (2014, September 29). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6104032
Effects of Matcha Green Tea Powder on Cognitive Functions of Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals - PubMed. (2020, November 26). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123639
Effect of Green Tea Phytochemicals on Mood and Cognition - PubMed. (2017, January 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612823666170105151800
Saeed, M., Khan, M. S., Kamboh, A. A., Alagawany, M., Khafaga, A. F., Noreldin, A. E., Qumar, M., Safdar, M., Hussain, M., Abd El-Hack, M. E., & Chao, S. (2020, August 6).L-theanine: an astounding sui generis amino acid in poultry nutrition. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2020.07.016
Velayutham, P., Babu, A., & Liu, D. (n.d.).Green Tea Catechins and Cardiovascular Health: An Update. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.2174/092986708785132979
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