I Swapped My Morning Coffee For Matcha - Here's How My Energy And Stress Levels Transformed
My alarm sounds and I reluctantly rise, groggy and blurry-eyed. Instinctively, I make my way to the kitchen, the familiar whir of the coffee machine springing my body into action. For as long as I can remember, my morning routine has centred on the same theme: I wake up; I caffeinate, only to ignore the niggling anxiety that manifests throughout the day and the dramatic afternoon slumps (fuelling, yes, more of the good stuff) – which is why I recently turned my attention to matcha.
What once was a relatively niche drink order, matcha has made its way into the mainstream; it’s the order of every health-conscious celebrity and has captured the hearts of TikTok. But despite the prettiest of matcha latte art doing the rounds on social media, the ancient beverage has been used for decades as a natural energy booster and health drink.
Below, I spoke to Claudia Boyer, Co-Founder of JENKI and clinical director and dietician, Renee McGregor, about the many health benefits of matcha and explain what happened after three months switching from a double-shot coffee to matcha. The result? Improved stress levels, gut health and a boost of energy were just a few of the differences I noticed…
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What is matcha?
‘Matcha is a type of powdered green tea, containing a number of biologically active compounds, including caffeine, theanine, chlorophyll and various types of catechins,' shares McGregor. 'It is this very high concentration of catechins that boasts the health benefits, namely antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,’ she adds.
What are the benefits of drinking matcha?
As you've probably heard, drinking matcha comes with a whole host of benefits. 'Matcha is a powerhouse for both mind and body. It’s packed with catechins—aka supercharged antioxidants—that help fight oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support heart health,’ adds Boyer.
The benefits don't stop there. ‘The vibrant green colour is all thanks to chlorophyll, which helps detoxify the body, boost red blood cells, and support long-term liver health. Because you’re consuming the whole tea leaf, matcha also provides dietary fibre, which is great for digestion,' she adds. That's before even mentioning that it's also packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, plus iron, magnesium, and zinc.
The research is stacking up in its favour too. ‘Studies have suggested positive associations with decreased incidence of liver disease, reduced risk of some cancers; it also promotes heart health and has potential brain boosting actions,’ says McGregor.
Why switch to matcha instead of coffee?
‘Unlike coffee, matcha doesn’t give you that jittery, anxious energy rush (or the dreaded crash that follows),' shares Boyer. 'Thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that slows the absorption of caffeine, matcha delivers a smooth, sustained energy boost for 6-8 hours – you get a more gradual, long-lasting energy boost, which means fewer dips throughout the day.'
This was certainly my experience after making the switch. I no longer had bursts of intense alertness in the morning followed by chronic fatigue and crashes post-lunch and my focus remained steady throughout the day. 'The L-theanine aids concentration but without the energy slumps often associated with caffeine in coffee,’ McGregor shares.
I also noticed lower cortisol levels too – even my Oura ring praised me for a dip in my usually sky-high stress score. ‘The L-theanine in matcha increases the production of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine—those feel-good neurotransmitters that help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and balance your mood. It’s why matcha drinkers often describe feeling both alert and chilled at the same time,’ explains Boyer.
Ceremonial Grade Matcha
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Ceremonial Matcha Powder
Are there any drawbacks to consider?
As with everything in the world of wellness, moderation is key. 'Matcha is much higher in caffeine than green tea and while caffeine is not harmful in moderate quantities, if consumed in large quantities, it can have negative effects on heart health, mood and concentration,' shares McGregor. It's really important to drink matcha in moderation to avoid adverse effects, speak with a health professional prior to making the switch if you have ongoing health concerns, and always opt for 'ceremonial grade' matcha.
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