Drink 1-3 cups of matcha tea per day!
Recently, claims that actress Elvin Levinler experienced heart health issues due to frequent consumption of matcha tea have brought the possible risks of this popular beverage back into the spotlight. Experts warn about the health effects of matcha tea, which contains a high amount of caffeine.
Nutritionist InstructorKübra Şahin states that matcha tea has a high caffeine content and, when consumed excessively, may lead to side effects related to caffeine, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, heart palpitations, and headaches. She recommends that healthy individuals consume 1-3 cups of matcha tea per day to benefit from its health advantages while avoiding excessive caffeine and oxalate intake.
Instructor Kübra Şahin from Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics has issued warnings regarding the health effects of matcha tea.
Matcha tea is different from other teas
Explaining that matcha tea originates from Japan and is made from the shade-grown leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, Kübra Şahin stated that "Unlike other green teas, matcha tea offers a more intense flavor and higher nutritional value because it is made by using the entire tea leaf. The shade-grown tea leaves are hand-picked, separated from their veins and stems, and then steamed. After steaming, the leaves are dried to remove moisture and finely ground into powder using traditional stone mills." Pointing out the rising interest in natural products like matcha due to the increasing trend of healthy living and natural nutrition, Şahin emphasized that "Matcha is also suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets."
Benefits of matcha tea
Highlighting the benefits of matcha tea, Kübra Şahin stated that "With its high antioxidant content, matcha strengthens the immune system and protects against diseases. It also boosts metabolism, supporting fat burning. It contains vitamins such as A, C, and E, which help support immunity. It is rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. Additionally, it provides dietary fiber that supports digestive health."
She also noted that matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works with caffeine to provide a balanced energy boost. Thanks to L-theanine, matcha can reduce stress and is known to enhance mental clarity, focus, and concentration throughout the day.
Excessive consumption may cause anxiety and heart palpitations
Warning that excessive matcha tea consumption can lead to health problems, Kübra Şahin continued her remarks as follows: "Matcha contains a high amount of caffeine. Excessive consumption can cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, heart palpitations, and headaches, all of which are associated with caffeine intake. It may also lead to digestive issues such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. Due to its high oxalate content, it can reduce iron absorption and increase the risk of toxicity from contaminated matcha powders containing heavy metals like lead or arsenic."
It may contribute to kidney stone formation
Explaining that matcha tea aids digestion by regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation due to its fiber content, Kübra Şahin stated that "Its antioxidants may help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining. However, matcha’s acidic nature can also cause stomach discomfort or acid reflux. Excessive consumption may lead to nausea. Due to its high oxalate content, it can contribute to kidney stone formation. The high caffeine content acts as a diuretic, increasing fluid excretion from the body, which may put additional strain on the kidneys." Şahin also warned about potential liver issues, explaining that consuming too much matcha could put extra stress on the liver due to its high caffeine content. Low-quality matcha powders may contain heavy metals or pesticide residues, which can burden the liver’s detoxification processes and negatively impact long-term organ health.
Warnings for pregnant and breastfeeding women
Kübra Şahin emphasized that certain individuals should be more cautious when consuming matcha tea and made the following remarks: “People with a history of kidney stones should limit their intake due to its high oxalate content. Those with liver disease or liver dysfunction should be cautious of matcha’s potential toxins. Individuals suffering from anxiety, irregular heartbeats, or sleep disorders should avoid excessive matcha consumption due to their sensitivity to caffeine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their intake because high caffeine consumption may negatively affect fetal or infant health. People with stomach conditions or acid reflux may experience discomfort due to matcha’s acidity.”
Recommended daily intake: 1-3 cups
Concluding her remarks, Instructor Kübra Şahin reiterated that to maximize the benefits of matcha tea while avoiding excessive caffeine and oxalate intake, healthy individuals should consume 1-3 cups per day.
Üsküdar Haber Ajansı (ÜNA)