Matcha vs. Coffee: Why One Causes Sickness

Quick Answer

• Matcha contains caffeine, but also L-theanine, which can affect how caffeine is absorbed and processed.
• Some individuals are sensitive to compounds in matcha, such as catechins or tannins, which can cause digestive upset.
• The preparation method for matcha, often involving a fine powder, can lead to consuming more plant material than with coffee.
• Differences in gut microbiome or individual metabolism can play a role in how your body reacts to matcha versus coffee.
• High-quality matcha is less likely to cause sickness than lower-grade varieties, which may contain more impurities.
• If you experience sickness after drinking matcha, consider reducing the amount, trying a different preparation, or consulting a healthcare professional.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Matcha: A finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves.
• Caffeine: A natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and other plants, known for its energizing effects.
• L-theanine: An amino acid found primarily in tea leaves, known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness.
• Catechins: A type of antioxidant found in tea, particularly green tea and matcha, which can have various health effects.
• Tannins: Compounds found in plants, including tea and coffee, that can contribute to bitterness and, in some people, digestive discomfort.
• Digestive Upset: A general term for discomfort in the stomach or intestines, which can include nausea, cramping, or an upset stomach.
• Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms, including how the body processes substances like caffeine and other compounds.
• Gut Microbiome: The collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.) living in the digestive tract, which can influence digestion and overall health.
• Antioxidants: Molecules that fight free radicals in your body, potentially preventing cell damage.
• Bioavailability: The degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes available at the site of action.

How It Works: Matcha and Your Body

• Matcha powder is made from the entire tea leaf, meaning you consume more of the plant’s compounds with each serving compared to steeped tea.
• The caffeine in matcha is released more slowly into the bloodstream due to the presence of L-theanine.
• L-theanine can promote alpha brain wave activity, leading to a state of calm alertness, which is different from the jitters some experience with coffee.
• The fine particulate nature of matcha means it can potentially irritate the stomach lining for some sensitive individuals.
• Compounds like catechins and tannins in matcha can affect the digestive system, sometimes leading to increased stomach acid or discomfort.
• For coffee, the brewing process typically filters out much of the plant material, leaving primarily dissolved compounds.
• Coffee’s caffeine is often absorbed more rapidly, leading to a more immediate and sometimes intense effect.
• The acidity of coffee can also be a factor in digestive issues for some people, but the mechanism differs from matcha.
• Individual body chemistry and how efficiently your system processes these compounds play a significant role.
• The quality and processing of both matcha and coffee beans can influence the final beverage and its effects on your body.

What Affects the Result: Why Does Matcha Make Me Feel Sick But Not Coffee?

• Matcha Quality: Lower-grade matcha, often used for lattes or baking, may contain more stems, veins, or impurities, which can be harder on the stomach.
• Caffeine Content: While both contain caffeine, the amount can vary. Consuming too much caffeine, regardless of the source, can lead to sickness.
• L-Theanine Interaction: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha can affect neurotransmitter levels and digestive processes differently than coffee’s caffeine alone.
• Digestive Sensitivity: Some people are naturally more sensitive to the tannins or catechins present in green tea and matcha, leading to nausea or stomach upset.
• Grind Size and Consumption: Because matcha is a powder, you ingest the entire leaf. This can mean more fiber and plant matter, which some stomachs struggle with.
• Stomach Acidity: Coffee’s inherent acidity can trigger heartburn or indigestion in susceptible individuals. Matcha is generally less acidic.
• Preparation Method: How you prepare matcha (e.g., with hot water, milk, sweeteners) can influence its impact on your stomach. Overly hot water can degrade some beneficial compounds and increase bitterness.
• Gut Health: The balance of bacteria in your gut can affect how you digest and react to different compounds in food and beverages.
• Hydration Levels: Being dehydrated can exacerbate the effects of stimulants like caffeine and make you more prone to feeling unwell after consuming them.
• Empty Stomach Consumption: Drinking either matcha or coffee on an empty stomach can sometimes lead to digestive distress due to increased stomach acid production.
• Freshness: While less of a factor for sickness than for flavor, the freshness of both coffee beans and matcha powder can impact their chemical composition and how your body reacts.
• Individual Metabolism: Each person’s body metabolizes substances differently, meaning what causes sickness in one person might be perfectly fine for another.

Pros, Cons, and When It Matters

• Matcha Pro: Rich in antioxidants like EGCG, which may offer various health benefits.
• Matcha Con: Can cause digestive upset or nausea in sensitive individuals due to tannins or the powdered leaf.
• Matcha Pro: Provides sustained energy without the typical coffee crash, thanks to L-theanine.
• Matcha Con: Higher cost compared to many types of coffee.
• Matcha Pro: Versatile for drinks and culinary uses.
• Matcha Con: The preparation can be finicky, and improper whisking can result in a bitter taste.
• Coffee Pro: Widely available and generally more affordable.
• Coffee Con: Can cause jitters, anxiety, or sleep disturbances due to rapid caffeine absorption.
• Coffee Pro: The aroma and ritual of brewing coffee are highly enjoyable for many.
• Coffee Con: Acidity can trigger heartburn or exacerbate existing digestive issues for some.
• Coffee Pro: Offers a wide range of flavor profiles depending on origin and roast.
• Coffee Con: Can lead to caffeine dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
• When It Matters: If you experience stomach pain or nausea after drinking matcha, it’s crucial to understand the potential causes rather than just avoiding it.
• When It Matters: For those sensitive to acidity, coffee might be a less ideal choice than matcha, assuming matcha doesn’t cause other issues.
• When It Matters: If you’re looking for a calm, focused energy boost, matcha’s L-theanine might be preferable to coffee’s sharper stimulant effect.
• When It Matters: Budget considerations often lean towards coffee for daily consumption.

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Common Misconceptions

• Misconception: Matcha is always bitter and unpleasant.
• Reality: High-quality ceremonial grade matcha is smooth and has a natural sweetness. Bitterness often comes from lower grades or improper preparation.
• Misconception: All caffeine makes you feel the same way.
• Reality: The accompanying compounds, like L-theanine in matcha, significantly alter how caffeine affects your body and mind.
• Misconception: If matcha makes you sick, coffee will too.
• Reality: Different compounds trigger reactions. Sensitivity to tannins in matcha doesn’t mean you’ll react to coffee’s acidity or other compounds.
• Misconception: Matcha is just fancy green tea.
• Reality: Matcha is a unique preparation of green tea where the entire leaf is consumed, offering a different nutrient and compound profile.
• Misconception: Coffee is inherently bad for your stomach.
• Reality: While coffee’s acidity can bother some, many people drink it without issue. The problem is often individual sensitivity or consumption habits.
• Misconception: The sickness is solely due to caffeine.
• Reality: Other compounds in matcha, like catechins and tannins, can be the primary culprits for digestive discomfort.
• Misconception: Matcha is always healthy, so it can’t cause sickness.
• Reality: Even healthy foods can cause adverse reactions in some individuals due to allergies, sensitivities, or digestive issues.
• Misconception: You can’t get too much caffeine from matcha.
• Reality: Matcha does contain caffeine, and overconsumption can lead to stimulant-related side effects, though often moderated by L-theanine.
• Misconception: All tea has the same effect on digestion.
• Reality: Different types of tea (black, green, herbal) and their processing methods result in vastly different chemical compositions and potential effects.

FAQ

Q: Why does matcha make me feel nauseous, but coffee doesn’t?

A: This can be due to individual sensitivities to tannins or catechins found in matcha, or the higher concentration of plant material you ingest. Coffee’s effects are often related to its acidity or rapid caffeine release, which might not bother you.

Q: Is it possible I’m allergic to matcha?

A: While true allergies to tea are rare, it’s possible to have a sensitivity or intolerance to certain compounds in matcha. Symptoms can sometimes mimic allergic reactions.

Q: Should I stop drinking matcha if it makes me feel sick?

A: Not necessarily. Try reducing the amount you consume, ensuring you’re using high-quality matcha, or preparing it with less hot water. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider.

Q: Does the way I prepare matcha matter?

A: Yes, significantly. Using water that is too hot can degrade beneficial compounds and increase bitterness, potentially worsening stomach upset. Adding sweeteners or dairy can also affect digestion.

Q: Can matcha cause stomach pain even if I don’t drink it on an empty stomach?

A: It’s possible. Some individuals are sensitive to the compounds in matcha regardless of when they consume it. The overall composition of the leaf, rather than just the timing of consumption, can be the issue.

Q: Is matcha caffeine stronger than coffee caffeine?

A: Matcha typically contains less caffeine per serving than a standard cup of coffee, but the L-theanine in matcha can alter the perceived effect, making it feel more sustained and less jarring.

Q: What are the “sickness” symptoms I might experience from matcha?

A: Common symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, mild dizziness, or an upset stomach. These are usually mild and temporary.

Q: Can the quality of matcha affect how I feel?

A: Absolutely. Ceremonial grade matcha is made from the youngest leaves and processed with great care, resulting in a smoother taste and potentially fewer digestive irritants than lower grades.

Q: How does coffee’s acidity compare to matcha’s?

A: Coffee is generally more acidic than matcha. If you experience heartburn, coffee’s acidity might be the culprit, whereas matcha’s issues are often related to other compounds.

Q: What should I do if I want to enjoy matcha but it makes me sick?

A: Start with a very small amount, perhaps a quarter of a teaspoon, and see how you react. Try different brands and preparation methods. If discomfort continues, it might be best to stick with coffee or other beverages.

What This Page Does Not Cover (and Where to Go Next)

• Specific Medical Advice: This page offers general information. For personalized health concerns, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.
• Detailed Nutritional Breakdowns: We haven’t provided exact vitamin, mineral, or antioxidant values for either beverage.
• Brand Comparisons or Recommendations: This guide focuses on the general properties of matcha and coffee, not specific product reviews.
• Advanced Brewing Techniques: Exploring the nuances of espresso machines, pour-over methods, or specialized matcha preparation tools is beyond this scope.
• Long-Term Health Studies: While we touch on potential benefits, this article doesn’t delve into extensive research on the long-term health impacts of regular consumption.