How do you know if the matcha you are drinking is healthy? This is what nutritionists say

It feels like everyone is drinking matcha these days. Every time I open Instagram, someone’s busy whisking up a cup. I asked a nutritionist friend if it actually had any real benefits, and she said it’s a great alternative to coffee for an energy boost.

“Matcha gives you sustained energy because it comes from a concentrated form of green tea,” explains nutritionist Mariana Perez Trejo, who drinks it regularly. “Coffee causes a sharp energy spike—that’s why you feel like you need cup after cup just to keep going.”

When she told me it helps with fatigue, I was intrigued. But, as she warned, the quality of the matcha really matters. “If it’s not high quality, you miss out on most of its benefits.”

So I decided to dig deeper—turn to the experts, figure out what makes matcha actually healthy (or not) and understand its benefits.

What are the benefits of matcha?

Matcha, in itself, is great for your health. “Green tea in powdered form lets you consume the entire leaf, which is where all its benefits are concentrated,” explains food coach Giovanna Alva. “One of its biggest advantages is its high antioxidant content, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is known for fighting cellular ageing and reducing inflammation.”

What does matcha do in the body?

Alva also notes that matcha helps improve focus and mental calm. “It contains theine, which is combined with L-theanine—an amino acid that smooths out the effects of theine, promoting a steady state of alertness without the sharp spikes or crashes you get from coffee.”

He adds that L-theanine also boosts the production of dopamine and serotonin—AKA the “happy hormones.” “That’s why people say matcha ‘activates’ you without overstimulating the nervous system. It’s a gentler option, especially for those prone to anxiety or nervousness,” says Alva.

And the benefits don’t stop there. According to the nutrition expert, matcha also stimulates metabolism, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports the immune system. “That’s thanks to its high concentration of polyphenols and vitamins C, A, and E.”

What are the downsides of matcha?

“If it’s not high quality, matcha can contain heavy metals and lead due to soil contamination where it’s grown,” warns Giovanna Alva. “It can also cause acidity or digestive discomfort in people with sensitive stomachs—especially if consumed on an empty stomach.”