Recently, claims that actress Elvin Levinler experienced heart health problems due to her frequent consumption of matcha tea have brought the potential harms of this popular beverage back to the agenda. Experts are issuing warnings about the health effects of matcha tea, which contains high levels of caffeine.
Nutritionist Lect. Kübra Şahin noted that matcha tea contains a high amount of caffeine and, when consumed in excessive amounts, can lead to caffeine-related side effects such as sleep disorders, anxiety, heart palpitations, and headaches. She stated that for healthy individuals, consuming 1-3 cups of matcha tea per day can be recommended to both benefit from its health advantages and avoid excessive caffeine and oxalate intake.
Lect. Kübra Şahin from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar Üniversitesi, issued warnings about the health effects of matcha tea.
Matcha tea is different from other teas
Lect. Kübra Şahin stated that matcha tea is a fine green tea powder originating from Japan, made from the shade-grown leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. She said, “Unlike other green teas, matcha tea offers a more intense flavor and higher nutritional value because the entire leaf is used. The shade-grown tea leaves are hand-picked, separated from their veins and stems, and then steamed. After the steaming process, the leaves are dried to remove moisture. The dried leaves are then specially ground into a fine powder in stone mills.”
Lect. Kübra Şahin noted that with the increasing trends in healthy living and natural nutrition in recent years, interest in natural products like matcha has also grown, adding, “It is also compatible with vegan and gluten-free diets.”
Benefits of matcha tea…
Pointing to the benefits of matcha tea, Lect. Kübra Şahin said, “Thanks to its high antioxidant content, it strengthens the immune system and protects against diseases. It also boosts metabolism and supports fat burning. It contains vitamins such as A, C, and E, supporting the immune system. It is rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. It contains fiber that supports digestive health. Thanks to the L-theanine amino acid it contains, it provides balanced energy along with caffeine. L-theanine reduces stress. It is also known to increase mental clarity, focus, and concentration throughout the day.”
Excessive consumption causes anxiety and heart palpitations
Stating that excessive matcha tea consumption can lead to some health problems, Lect. Kübra Şahin continued as follows:
“Matcha contains a high amount of caffeine. Excessive consumption can lead to caffeine-related side effects such as sleep disorders, anxiety, heart palpitations, and headaches. It can cause digestive problems like stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. Due to its high oxalate content, it can reduce iron absorption. It can also increase the risk of toxicity, especially from matcha powders contaminated with heavy metals (such as lead and arsenic).”
Can contribute to kidney stone formation
Lect. Kübra Şahin stated that thanks to its fiber content, matcha tea helps the digestive system function properly and regulates bowel movements, preventing constipation. She said, “The antioxidants it contains can help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining. Matcha's acidic nature can lead to stomach upset or reflux. Excessive consumption can cause nausea. Due to its high oxalate content, matcha can contribute to kidney stone formation. Its high caffeine content can have a diuretic effect, increasing fluid excretion from the body. This can lead to excessive kidney function. As matcha's caffeine content is high, excessive consumption can put an additional burden on the liver. Low-quality matcha powders may contain heavy metals or pesticide residues. Such contaminants can challenge the liver's detoxification function. Excessive consumption or low-quality products can lead to long-term negative effects on organ health.”
Warnings for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
Emphasizing that some individuals should be more cautious when consuming matcha tea, Lect. Kübra Şahin stated, “Individuals with a history of kidney stones should be careful with matcha tea consumption due to its high oxalate content. People with liver disease or dysfunction should be cautious, considering matcha's potential toxins. Individuals experiencing anxiety, heart rhythm disorders, or sleep problems should not consume excessive amounts of matcha tea, as they are sensitive to caffeine. Due to its high caffeine content, excessive consumption is not recommended for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caffeine can adversely affect the health of the fetus or babies. Individuals with stomach problems or reflux may experience discomfort due to matcha's acidic nature.”
1-3 cups should be consumed daily
Lect. Kübra Şahin added that for healthy individuals, consuming 1-3 cups of matcha tea per day can be recommended to both benefit from its health advantages and avoid excessive caffeine and oxalate intake.
