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Matcha Tea Benefits, Side Effects & My Honest Review

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  • Post last modified:May 20, 2025

There’s a reason everyone—from wellness influencers to fitness trainers—is raving about matcha tea. Known for its vibrant green color and powerful health benefits, matcha has made its way into lattes, smoothies, skincare products, and even desserts. But is it really a health miracle, or just another overhyped trend?

I decided to try matcha tea daily for two weeks and observe how it affected my body, mind, and overall well-being. In this blog, I’ll walk you through what matcha tea actually is, its potential benefits, side effects I personally experienced, and my honest verdict—no fluff, no sugar-coating.


What Is Matcha Tea?

Matcha is a type of powdered green tea made from specially grown and processed tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, which is steeped and then discarded, matcha is consumed whole, meaning you ingest the entire leaf in powdered form. This results in a much higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants.

The tea leaves used for matcha are shade-grown for several weeks before harvesting. This increases their chlorophyll content and enhances the amino acid profile—particularly L-theanine, a compound known for promoting calmness and focus.


Matcha vs. Regular Green Tea

While both come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), matcha and green tea are quite different in terms of their nutritional profile and effects on the body:

FeatureMatchaGreen Tea
Antioxidant LevelExtremely highModerate
Caffeine Content~70mg per cup~30-50mg per cup
Preparation MethodWhisked powderSteeped leaves
Nutrient AbsorptionFull (leaf consumed)Partial
FlavorEarthy, umami-richLight, grassy

Because you’re consuming the entire leaf, matcha delivers a more potent dose of nutrients than regular green tea.


My Matcha Routine

To test matcha’s effects, I consumed one cup every morning for two weeks. I started with a small amount—about half a teaspoon—mixed with hot (not boiling) water. On some days, I added a splash of plant-based milk for a creamier texture. I avoided adding sweeteners so I could evaluate the taste and effect without interference.

I kept everything else in my routine the same to ensure that any changes I noticed were actually due to the matcha.


Benefits I Experienced with Matcha Tea

benefits of matcha tea |fitgood360.com

1. Sustained Energy Without the Crash

The most immediate change I noticed was in my energy levels. Unlike coffee, which gave me a sudden burst followed by a jittery crash, matcha provided a calm, focused energy that lasted several hours.

This is likely due to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine. While caffeine stimulates the body, L-theanine helps to balance the effects by promoting relaxation and focus. It felt like a clean kind of energy—perfect for work, workouts, or even writing sessions.


2. Improved Mental Focus and Clarity

Along with the energy boost came better concentration. I found myself completing tasks more efficiently and staying mentally alert throughout the day. This was especially helpful during long workdays or when I needed to be creative and focused.

Matcha is often praised for enhancing alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxed alertness. In my case, I felt less mentally scattered and more in control of my thoughts.


3. Better Digestion and Less Bloating

Around the fourth or fifth day, I noticed my digestion had improved. I felt less bloated after meals, and my gut felt lighter and more settled overall.

This could be due to the chlorophyll and antioxidants in matcha, which are known to support digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut. It seemed to work gently and consistently without causing any discomfort.


4. Mild Appetite Control

Another subtle benefit I observed was a reduced craving for snacks, especially mid-morning and late afternoon. Drinking matcha in the morning seemed to keep me fuller for longer. I didn’t feel the urge to reach for processed or sugary foods.

While it’s not a magic bullet for weight loss, matcha may help with mindful eating and appetite regulation, which in turn can support healthy weight management over time.


5. Skin Health and Radiance

By the end of the two-week period, my skin started to look slightly brighter and more even-toned. Though I didn’t change anything in my skincare routine, there was a noticeable freshness to my complexion.

Matcha is packed with EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful antioxidant that helps fight oxidative stress and supports skin health from the inside out. While the change wasn’t dramatic, it was certainly encouraging.


Side Effects I Experienced

While my experience was largely positive, matcha did come with a few side effects, especially during the first few days:

1. Mild Headache on Day One

After my first cup, I experienced a mild headache, possibly due to the higher caffeine content compared to green tea. It wasn’t severe and disappeared after drinking more water. This can be avoided by starting with a smaller dose and gradually increasing it.


2. Nausea on an Empty Stomach

On one occasion, I drank matcha before breakfast and felt a bit nauseous. Matcha is quite strong and concentrated, so it’s best consumed after a light meal or with food to prevent this.


3. Acquired Taste

Let’s be honest—matcha doesn’t taste like your typical cup of tea. Its earthy, grassy flavor takes some getting used to. The first few sips felt unusual, but after a few days, I began to enjoy its unique profile. For beginners, mixing it with milk or adding a hint of honey can make it more palatable.


Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Try Matcha?

Ideal For:

  • People looking for a natural energy boost
  • Those who want to cut down on coffee
  • Anyone interested in improving focus and clarity
  • Wellness seekers looking for a gentle detox

Best to Avoid If:

  • You are extremely sensitive to caffeine
  • You dislike strong, earthy flavors
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult a healthcare provider first)
  • You have kidney or liver conditions (due to high antioxidant content)

Final Verdict: My Honest Review

After 14 days of consistent use, I can say that matcha tea lived up to most of its promises. I experienced a gentle energy lift, sharper focus, reduced bloating, and a mild improvement in skin clarity. It didn’t drastically transform my life, but it definitely enhanced my routine in a subtle yet powerful way.

Would I continue using it? Yes.

Will I replace coffee with it entirely? Not quite, but I now prefer matcha on days when I want to stay calm, productive, and light on my stomach.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I drink matcha every day?
Yes, most people can safely drink 1–2 cups of matcha per day. Just avoid overconsumption due to its caffeine content.

Q2. Is matcha good for weight loss?
Matcha may support weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing appetite, but it’s not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.

Q3. What’s the best time to drink matcha?
Morning or early afternoon is ideal. Avoid drinking it late in the evening, as the caffeine may interfere with sleep.

4.Can matcha tea cause side effects?
In some people, matcha may cause headaches, nausea, or insomnia, especially when consumed in excess or on an empty stomach. Start with small amounts to see how your body responds.

5.How do I prepare matcha tea properly?
To prepare matcha:

Whisk until frothy using a bamboo whisk or milk frothier
You can also add milk to make a creamy matcha latte.

Sift ½–1 tsp of matcha powder into a bowl or cup

Add hot (not boiling) water (about 70–80°C)


Final Thoughts

Matcha tea isn’t just a trendy Instagram beverage—it’s a nutrient-dense powerhouse with real, tangible benefits. From supporting your digestion and metabolism to enhancing your focus and energy, it can be a great addition to a wellness routine.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re curious, start with small amounts and see how your body responds. With consistent use, you might just find it becomes your new favorite morning ritual.

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