Matcha Madness: Unlocking the Power of Japanese Green Tea for Mental Clarity

Matcha isn't just a Starbucks trend - it's a natural energy drink that dates back to the 12th century! Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that's known for its high levels of naturally occurring caffeine, amino acids, and antioxidants.

By whisking these powdery green tea leaves into your glass of water (or making a delicious matcha latte), you can boost your energy levels and brain function without any artificial ingredients! In fact, matcha is gluten-free, zero sugar, and free of the potential risks that come with chemical-based beverages.

This article explores why matcha green tea will become your go-to for healthier, sustained energy. Just like our energy tea range at Zest, matcha is a vibrant example of how natural products are where it's at.

All About Matcha

Matcha is a Japanese green tea that's made by crushing green tea leaves into a fine powder. To produce these tea leaves, Camellia sinensis tea plants are grown in the shade. This changes the nutritional composition of the tea leaves and that's why matcha is one of the best healthy energy drink options.

But let's go back to the beginning for a second.

As we explored in our article A Complete History of Tea, these natural energy drinks made from just plant matter and water have been consumed for centuries. And while drinking black teas (and to a lesser extent, green teas) in the Western world didn't emerge until the 17th century, tea has roots that go back much further in Asia.

Matcha green tea was invented in China but really exploded in Japan in the 12th century. It was used for the traditional Japanese tea ceremony to embody a kind of meditative spirituality (more on that below). But those who drank matcha quickly found that it could enhance alertness and brain function while providing clean energy to get them through the day too.

We now know that these properties are thanks to the caffeine and antioxidants present in matcha. By growing matcha tea leaves in the shade, they have a much higher caffeine and l-theanine content according to some studies.

It's great to know that you can get an energy boost from simple organic ingredients like matcha, rather than consuming large amounts of sugary food! It's better for your health, and depending on your choice of matcha energy drink, it may be a source of certain vitamins too.

Oh, and if you're worried about drinking too much caffeine, don't. As we explored in our article Uncovering the Best Tea for Caffeine, matcha has less caffeine than Zest energy tea and coffee.

A Natural Energy Drink

Natural energy drinks usually run on two ingredients: caffeine and added sugars (or artificial sweeteners). The awesome thing about matcha and other green teas is that they have a high caffeine content without any synthetic ingredients. The caffeine they contain naturally forms in the leaves of the tea plants as they grow.

Caffeine is a source of clean energy, in a manner of speaking. It works by entering the bloodstream, crossing the blood-brain barrier, and blocking adenosine receptors. Without adenosine binding to those receptors, all those sleepy, sluggish feelings are blocked. This pumps up your energy level and gets you raring to go.

For most people, drinking large amounts of caffeine helps them stay awake, but you can go overboard. The FDA recommends consuming no more than 400mg of caffeine per day. Consuming more than this can lead to jitters and more serious side effects like heart palpitations.

You don't need to worry about that with matcha for two reasons:

1. A standard 8oz cup of matcha contains roughly 70mg of caffeine, so you'd need to guzzle over six full cups to hit the limit.
2. Matcha contains l-theanine which softens the blow of caffeine for a gradual onset. The two compounds actually create a synergistic relationship. This means no jitters, no crash, and a gentle come down too.

More energy drinks include both caffeine and l-theanine together for this very reason. There's even evidence that l-theanine might be able to help you sleep better as well as smooth over the caffeinated energy boost.

Cognitive Benefits of Natural Caffeine Drinks

Green tea leaves don't contain artificial flavors and nutrients - they're natural, clean ingredients to make into hot cups of green tea or smooth and grassy matcha lattes. One of the biggest and most interesting health benefits of matcha is the way it can boost cognition.

As a natural energy drink, matcha can boost your energy levels with a high caffeine content. But it's the l-theanine that really makes an impact. According to studies, the l-theanine (or the combination of l-theanine and caffeine) can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety, thanks to the l-theanine, arginine, caffeine and EGCG.
• Boost cognition and prevent cognitive decline in the elderly.
• Improves accuracy and alertness when quickly switching between demanding tasks.

Some beverages may claim to be "healthy drinks" if they contain l-theanine, natural ingredients and vitamins, like vitamin C. While individually these ingredients might be good for your body, mind or immune system, there might be more going on. High quantities of sugar and artificial ingredients could potentially negate some of these awesome l-theanine cognition benefits, so be careful. Always read the label on your energy drinks!

Low Sugar!

Grabbing a whisk and making matcha at home is a guaranteed way to make sure no artificial ingredients, artificial preservatives, or artificial colors make their way into your beverage. You'll also avoid citric acid, stevia extract, fruit juice and other more natural ingredients that are added to all kinds of natural energy drinks to boost energy and alertness. So, you win some, you lose some.

Making matcha at home can make it healthier in some respects. Compared to a sweetened matcha latte from a cafe, homemade matcha will have zero sugar. Aiming to consume less sugar in your diet is often a good idea. You might even need to restrict yourself to foods with a low sugar content or low glycemic index.

But this doesn't necessarily mean that all energy drink beverages are less healthy than homemade matcha. Not to brag, but Zest Ready-to-Drink Energy Teas are zero or low sugar with low calories and no nasties. Just because a drink comes in a can or bottle, doesn't mean it's bad for you. It's what's on the inside that counts.

So, if you want to enjoy the energy and cognitive benefits of matcha, you can find both homemade and ready-to-drink options that'll get the job done.

Versatile and Tasty

Another important reason we love matcha as an energy drink is its versatility. Few natural ingredients can be used in this way! As a powder, you can add it to smoothies, ice cream mixes, milkshakes, and even recipes like cakes and cookies. It gives your food and drinks a bright green color without the need for any artificial colors. You'll find that the grassy flavor is lovely and mellow when used in recipes too.

Consuming matcha in food can still give you a caffeine boost (it is green tea, after all) but it's also an opportunity to add additional natural ingredients, vitamins, flavors and calories - whatever your body needs.

Here are some key nutrition facts about matcha, whether you drink it as an energy drink, make a smoothie with fruits, matcha and coconut water, or just whip up a simple matcha latte at home:

• It's gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan, keto and plant-based.
• You can find organic and non-GMO matcha powders.
• It's available in different grades - look for ceremonial-grade to get the best possible matcha. Use culinary-grade matcha for cooking.
• 1 teaspoon of organic culinary-grade matcha contains:
• 3 kcal
• 1g protein
• 1g carbs
• 1g fiber
• Small amounts of calcium and potassium

Get Ready to Whisk

To make matcha into a drink, you've got to put in some effort. The first step is usually to sift the matcha powder to remove any clumps. Then, you've got to whisk it thoroughly into water until it is fully incorporated. If you are making a matcha latte, the next step is to add milk.

If you're baking with matcha, simply sifting the matcha before use is still advisable. You don't want to bite into a big clump of grassy matcha powder!

When it comes to whisking your matcha, you can either use a traditional bamboo whisk or an electric whisk. Either way, it's quite a bit of effort. For a green tea beverage that packs more caffeine and is super simple to brew, check out our line of Energy Teabags instead (the Superberry Samba flavor is a best-seller).

A Natural Energy Drink for Meditation

Before matcha was a popular ingredient for natural energy drinks, these green tea leaves were used during traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and to promote mental focus during meditation. Part of the tea ceremony is actually described as a moving meditation - this is the practice of making mindful movements and living in the present.

Tranquility is one of the key elements of a Japanese tea ceremony. The ceremony is typically hosted in a minimalistic room - it's a calming environment to connect with the tea ceremony host - where you can practice mindfulness and sip your matcha tea.

It's not the caffeine content that's important here (though clean energy is always a great perk) but the l-theanine. Consuming this amino acid that's unique to tea leaves and a few fungi species can really help you get into the zone and meditate fully.

Is Matcha the Best Option?

Back to the topic of natural energy drinks. Is matcha the best one? While it's high in natural caffeine, it doesn't come with other valuable organic ingredients or added vitamins. So, let's take a look at some popular alternatives.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is another type of tea that's a source of natural caffeine. However, yerba mate isn't made from the Camellia sinensis plant. As we explored in our article 10 Best Coffee Alternatives, yerba mate gives you an energy kick like a shot of espresso - without any l-theanine to soften the blow.

This makes yerba mate an energy drink made from natural, clean ingredients... but it doesn't come with the cognitive benefits that matcha does. And while it's still good for your health, the flavors of yerba mate can be... an acquired taste. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Coconut Water

Coconut water doesn't contain caffeine... but it can have a high sugar content. This "energy drink" is often mixed with sugar and sometimes preservatives (like citric acid) and artificial flavors. If you find totally natural, sugar-free coconut water, that's great! But it still won't give you an energy boost like matcha.

This beverage is often a popular choice for its electrolyte content instead. For example, 1 cup of coconut water can contain 600mg of potassium. Electrolytes help you retain hydration and are important for all sorts of bodily functions. You can learn more about electrolytes (and find an electrolyte powder that also packs in caffeine) at Zest.

Black Tea

We won't deny it. When it comes to natural energy drinks, black tea is always our favorite for a hearty energy boost with natural caffeine and satisfying flavors. Unlike yerba mate and green tea, this tea tastes much closer to coffee - they both have a deep richness that goes beautifully with milk and sugar.

A cup of black Zest tea can contain as much as 150mg of caffeine, while a standard cup contains just 50mg. If you drink your tea black, it will have even fewer calories than matcha but still provide a good energy boost.

We explored the health benefits of this tea type in our article Black Teas vs Coffee (it's really worth reading).

Red Bull

Red Bull - and other energy beverages that don't count as natural energy drinks - can be a good way to add some vitamins (like vitamin C) to your diet alongside caffeine and other stimulating ingredients. But let's not kid ourselves. These types of energy drinks are often full of preservatives, unnecessary calories, flavorings and sweeteners.

We love the convenience of energy drinks but we always recommend carefully reading the label to find out what's actually in them! Look for plant-based ingredients that you can actually pronounce when read aloud.

Coffee

Yes, coffee makes the list! Arguably more popular than yerba mate, coconut water and energy drinks combined, coffee is a natural source of caffeine. Whether you choose gourmet green coffee beans or just whatever is in the pot at work, coffee can boost you with a considerable amount of caffeine.

One thing that coffee lacks is l-theanine. Unlike tea which naturally contains the amino acid and energy drinks that are formulated with it, coffee doesn't have any l-theanine at all. That means you get all the energy and none of the mental clarity. So, if it's focus that you're after, stick with matcha!

Natural Energy Drinks (Without the Whisking)

Matcha is high in caffeine and l-theanine. Perfect, right? Well, not always. If you want to make matcha at home to avoid the sugar and unnecessary calories in your drink, you'd better be prepared to whisk.

Another option (and a better option, if you ask us) is to find a green tea energy drink like Zest. Our ready-to-drink energy drinks are made with natural ingredients and use green tea extract for a boost of natural caffeine. Our ingredients are non-GMO, totally plant-based and low in calories. We even add some B vitamins to support your health.

For a clean and simple way to get 150mg of caffeine and 100mg of l-theanine into your day, explore Zest Energy Tea now.

FAQs

What drinks have natural caffeine?

Besides energy drink formulas, natural sources of caffeine include tea, coffee, and even hot chocolate. Just watch out for any added sugar content if you're looking to energize without compromising your health.

What does matcha do for the brain?

Matcha (and energy drinks that contain green tea) is a natural source of caffeine and l-theanine. Both nutrients can impact your brain to enhance energy, focus and calmness. They're good for your health in moderation!

What is the healthiest caffeine to drink?

Caffeine that's good for your health will be plant-based and in a moderate dose. Don't consume more than 400mg in a day. For an extra healthy way to consume caffeine, look for an energy drink with other ingredients like vitamin C and l-theanine.

Can matcha make you focus?

Yes! Matcha contains l-theanine, which is also in many energy drinks. Along with caffeine, these natural nutrients have been shown to enhance focus and alertness.

What is a good natural caffeine source?

Not all energy drink beverages are a natural source of caffeine. Look for drinks that are plant-based and free of sugar, like coffee and tea.

Is matcha good for ADHD?

Matcha drinks are a natural source of l-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calmness, alertness and focus. However, these drinks are also a source of caffeine (and sometimes sugar) that may not have the right effect. We recommend chatting with your doctor before using any kind of tea to treat ADHD.

What drink has the most caffeine besides coffee?

Coffee aside, some energy drink formulas provide as much caffeine as coffee. Just watch out for the sugar and choose a beverage with natural, plant-based ingredients like Zest.

How does matcha calm the mind?

This drink is a natural source of caffeine and l-theanine, two ingredients that have impressive cognitive benefits.