Drinking coffee and matcha are both anti-fatigue drinks, rich in antioxidants that can help prevent chronic diseases.
Below are their benefits, similarities, and differences, which type is better for health.
Benefits of coffee
Drinking coffee is a particularly good source of an antioxidant called chlorogenic acid, which can reduce inflammation and positively change blood sugar and lipid levels. It may help prevent or control inflammation and cancer.
Drinking coffee, caffeinated or decaffeinated, is associated with lower rates of type 2 diabetes.
One study found that the risk of diabetes decreased by 6% for each additional cup of coffee consumed.
Other studies have found that drinking coffee is associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Drinking coffee is also beneficial for brain health, with lower rates of depression. Specifically, study participants who drank about 400 milliliters (mL), or about 1.5 cups of coffee, per day had the lowest rates of depression.
Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is another antioxidant-rich beverage that contains caffeine. It contains antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, especially a type of polyphenol called catechins.
Catechins help reduce levels of harmful compounds called free radicals that are linked to several chronic diseases.
Studies show that increasing the amount of a catechin in matcha called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) may help prevent colon cancer, gallbladder cancer, and bile duct cancer.
Drinking matcha may also help promote cognitive function. Additionally, the caffeine and theanine (an amino acid) content in matcha can help increase dopamine and serotonin receptors to reduce anxiety and improve memory.
Another study found that drinking matcha tea improved markers of metabolic health in participants with a higher weight.
Drinking matcha may also help lower depression in postmenopausal women.
Similarities and differences
Matcha and coffee have many similar benefits, mainly due to their antioxidant and caffeine content, but they also have some differences.
For example, matcha tends to be less acidic than coffee. The pH of coffee ranges from 4.85–5.13, while matcha has a pH of about 5.58–5.94.
Here are some other similarities and differences.
Antioxidant benefits
Matcha and coffee are both rich sources of antioxidants called polyphenols, but each has different antioxidant content. The main type of polyphenol in matcha is catechins, while the main type in coffee is chlorogenic acid.
Effects of Caffeine
Both coffee and matcha contain caffeine, which can fight fatigue and improve athletic performance. Studies on both matcha and coffee have found that the drinks are effective in reducing fatigue during physical activity.
The caffeine content per serving of matcha is typically lower than that of coffee.
Impact on mental health
Drinking coffee or matcha, or both combined, may reduce the risk of stroke and dementia.
Studies on both matcha and coffee show benefits to cognitive function, but in different ways.
Although drinking coffee and matcha both reduce the rate of depression, coffee has a more pronounced effect.
Which is better?
Drink coffee and matcha are both anti-fatigue drinks, rich in antioxidants that can help prevent chronic diseases.
However, if you suffer from acid reflux or experience restlessness or anxiety from coffee, try matcha. It is less acidic, lower in caffeine and contains theanine, which has a stress-relieving effect that can prevent coffee-induced agitation. It may also reduce reflux symptoms.