Matcha latte with its cool green color, sweet taste, easy to drink and many compliments about its health benefits, is chosen by many people as an indispensable part of their daily menu to replace other drinks. Some people even drink 2-3 cups/day. Is consuming a lot of this drink good for your health?

Below is the sharing of Dr. Chu Thi Dung, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Facility 3 will help you understand the nature of this drink from the perspective of science and traditional medicine.

What is Matcha and why is it so popular?

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from young Japanese tea leaves grown in shade to increase the chlorophyll and L-theanine content. Unlike regular green tea, which only uses the brewed water, when drinking matcha, we consume the entire tea leaf, so the bioactive content is also higher.

Some of the main ingredients in matcha are:

Caffeine : Creates alertness and concentration, but can also cause insomnia or restlessness.

L-theanine : An amino acid that has the ability to calm the nervous system, balancing the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Catechins (EGCG): Powerful antioxidant, supports cardiovascular health, anti-aging, supports fat metabolism.

Therefore, matcha is often considered a "superfood", helping to fight aging, reduce stress and support weight loss.

"Matcha latte is a combination of matcha powder and milk (fresh milk, nut milk, condensed milk), often mixed with sugar or syrup to make it easier to drink. Its appeal lies in its eye-catching color, pleasant flavor, and refreshing feeling. However, if the amount used is not controlled, matcha latte can cause unpredictable health consequences," Dr. Dung shared.

PHOTO. LE CAM

Drinking matcha latte every day, good or bad?

The caffeine content in matcha is quite high. Each cup of matcha latte usually contains about 2g of matcha, providing about 60-80mg of caffeine, equivalent to half a cup of coffee. If you drink 2-3 cups/day, you can take in more than 150-200mg of caffeine, causing insomnia, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, especially for sensitive people.

Sugar and calories are hidden behind the sweetness. Many shops use condensed milk, sugar syrup or sweetened milk to make matcha lattes. On average, a cup can contain up to 15-25 grams of sugar, equivalent to 3-5 teaspoons of sugar, exceeding the WHO's recommended daily sugar intake.

Affects iron absorption. EGCG and catechins in matcha inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron (from plants). People at risk of iron deficiency anemia (especially young women, vegetarians) should limit drinking matcha close to meals or drinking it too often.

Unknown origin can be harmful. Some cheap matcha of unknown origin may contain heavy metals or pesticide residues, affecting the liver and kidneys if used for a long time.

Good or bad depends on how you use it.

According to modern medicine, matcha is a source of antioxidants, but the benefits are only achieved when used in the right dose and combined with a healthy diet, said Dr. Dung. If abused, the benefits do not outweigh the harm.

According to traditional medicine, green tea is classified as a heat-clearing, damp-beneficial tea that can help cool the liver, improve digestion, and detoxify. However, the cold nature of matcha is not suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach, and can easily cause stomachache, diarrhea, and cold hands and feet if consumed in large amounts or on an empty stomach.

How to use matcha latte safely and scientifically

You should only drink 1 cup/day, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. Choose pure matcha, certified safe, no colorants, no impurities. Use unsweetened milk or low-sugar nut milk, limit added sugar or syrup. Do not drink on an empty stomach or right before bedtime. People with stomach problems, anemia, sleep disorders, and pregnant women should consult a doctor before using regularly.

"Matcha latte is not a 'miracle drug', nor is it a 'bad guy'. If used properly, it is still a good choice to help keep the mind alert and provide antioxidants," Dr. Dung shared.