Dr. Rajeshwari Panda, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Medicover Hospital, Navi Mumbai (India) - shares, switching from coffee to matcha can be a good choice if you want to reduce your coffee intake. consume or benefit from the antioxidants found in matcha.
Antioxidant content in matcha
Matcha contains high levels of antioxidants, including polyphenols like catechins. It is often said that it has significantly more antioxidants than regular green tea because when you consume matcha, you are ingesting the whole ground tea leaves, whereas with regular green tea, you are steeping the leaves. tea and leave.
However, the exact polyphenol content can vary greatly depending on the quality and preparation of the tea.
Anti-aging claims
Although matcha is rich in antioxidants, known to fight oxidative stress, there is no direct evidence that matcha reverses the aging process, says Dr. Rajeshwari Panda.
Antioxidants can help protect cells from damage, but reversing the aging process involves many factors beyond antioxidants.
Claims about gut health and cancer
Matcha, like green tea, contains compounds that may have beneficial effects on gut health and may potentially exhibit anti-cancer properties.
Research shows that catechins in green tea, including matcha, may have some anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies, but more research is needed to understand the effects, said Dr. Rajeshwari Panda. effects on humans, especially when it comes to specific claims like killing breast cancer stem cells.
Macha retains water while coffee dehydrates the body
Meanwhile, Dr. Subrata Das - Head of the Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetes at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru (India) - said that matcha is rich in antioxidants such as EGCG, providing significant protection against Free radicals contribute to skin aging.
Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce skin redness and conditions like acne while supporting collagen production to improve elasticity.
In addition, as a hydrating beverage, matcha helps maintain skin moisture. In contrast, coffee, although it also contains antioxidants that are beneficial for skin health, has the potential to dehydrate the skin due to its diuretic properties.
Consuming too much coffee can disrupt sleep, affect skin repair, and may worsen acne in some people by affecting hormonal balance and oil production.
While both beverages have antioxidant benefits, matcha's hydrating properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects may make it the preferred choice for those who prioritize skin health.