Easy methods to take pleasure in matcha safely and successfully? Be taught the well being advantages and dangers of matcha, together with its potential to trigger diarrhoea.
From iced lattes, soothing teas, and refreshing smoothies to ice lotions, candies, and different culinary delights, matcha —the powdered inexperienced tea superfood —is having its second! Its vibrant inexperienced color, distinctive flavour, and record of well being advantages proceed to draw shoppers, who’re fortunately experimenting with this versatile ingredient. Nonetheless, be cautious of consuming an excessive amount of matcha! One query that always arises is: Can matcha trigger diarrhea? Know what consultants say concerning the hyperlink between matcha and digestive well being.
What’s matcha?
Matcha is a kind of powdered inexperienced tea created from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Not like conventional inexperienced tea, the place the leaves are steeped after which eliminated, matcha includes consuming the entire leaf, floor right into a tremendous powder. This powder is then used to make matcha tea, a latte, or a smoothie. This course of permits drinkers to soak up the next focus of vitamins and antioxidants, notably catechins, that are believed to advertise good well being. The fibre content material in matcha could help in digestion and help a wholesome intestine, in the end enhancing total wellness, as reported within the Journal of Diet. Nonetheless, extreme matcha consumption can show in any other case as effectively.
Well being advantages of matcha
Earlier than delving into potential unwanted effects, it’s price noting matcha advantages, notably regarding digestive well being, based on a examine revealed within the Molecules journal:
- Wealthy in antioxidants: Matcha is well known for its excessive ranges of antioxidants, notably catechins, which can assist fight oxidative stress. Moreover, matcha can be recognized for its potential advantages to digestive well being, as it will possibly help in digestion and help a wholesome intestine, based on the Journal of Scientific Biochemistry and Diet.
- Boosts metabolism: In accordance with a examine revealed in Present Analysis in Meals Science, matcha could help in weight reduction by enhancing metabolism and selling fats burning. Moreover, matcha is thought for its potential advantages on digestive well being, which may additional help total wellness.
- Enhanced focus: “The presence of L-theanine, an amino acid, promotes rest with out inducing drowsiness, offering a peaceful but alert mind-set. Moreover, matcha has been linked to improved digestive well being, which can improve total well-being,” says dietician Dr Archana Batra.
- Detoxing: Matcha is believed to help in detoxing, due to its excessive chlorophyll content material, and it might additionally help digestive well being.

Can matcha trigger diarrhea?
Now, let’s deal with the first concern: Can matcha result in diarrhea? The reply isn’t a simple sure or no. It is determined by a number of elements, which embrace:
- Caffeine content material: Matcha accommodates caffeine, albeit in decrease quantities than another caffeinated drinks, reminiscent of espresso. “A mean serving of matcha accommodates about 70 milligrams of caffeine. For some people, particularly those that are delicate to caffeine, this could result in digestive disturbances, together with diarrhoea,” says Dr Archana. Caffeine stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, and extreme consumption could result in unfastened stools.
- Sensitivity to compounds: Some people could expertise gastrointestinal points resulting from sensitivity to catechins or different compounds present in matcha. This isn’t widespread, but it surely does occur with sure meals and drinks. At all times take heed to your physique and make changes as obligatory.
- Dietary fibre: “Matcha powder does comprise some dietary fibre, which is often helpful for digestion. Nonetheless, an abrupt improve in fibre consumption can result in gastrointestinal points, together with gasoline, bloating, and diarrhoea. Step by step introducing matcha into your weight-reduction plan can assist minimise this impact,” says Dr Batra.
- High quality of matcha: The standard of the matcha may play a job. Decrease-quality matcha could comprise contaminants or components that may irritate the digestive system. Choosing high-quality, natural matcha from respected sources can scale back the probability of hostile results.
- Components and sweeteners: Many individuals take pleasure in matcha in lattes with milk or various milks, in addition to syrups or sweeteners. If you happen to’re including sugary syrups or high-fat lotions, these elements might contribute to digestive upset moderately than the matcha itself, as per the World Well being Organisation’s Jap Mediterranean Area (WHO EMRO).
What’s one of the best ways to take pleasure in matcha?
Having an excessive amount of matcha, even for those who take pleasure in it, could be detrimental to your digestive system and total well being. There are some tricks to devour matcha safely, as recommended by consultants:
- Begin small: If you happen to’re new to matcha, start with a smaller quantity and steadily improve it as your physique adjusts. Matcha and digestive well being could be positively linked, so taking note of how your physique responds is essential.
- Keep hydrated: “If you happen to’re new to matcha, start with a smaller quantity and steadily improve it as your physique adjusts. Incorporating matcha and digestive well being could be helpful, as matcha could help digestion and total wellness. “One of the crucial fashionable flavours is matcha boba tea, which has a barely bitter style resulting from matcha,” says licensed diabetes educator Dr Archana Batra.
- Take heed to your physique: If you happen to discover any hostile reactions whereas exploring the advantages of matcha and digestive well being, it might be clever to cut back your consumption or seek the advice of a healthcare skilled.
- Thoughts your mix-ins: Be cautious about what you add to your matcha, particularly when contemplating the influence of matcha on digestive well being. Keep away from high-sugar or high-fat components initially, as per the WHO EMRO.
Who ought to keep away from matcha?
Whereas most individuals can take pleasure in matcha with none points, sure teams could have to be extra cautious, particularly concerning matcha and digestive well being.
- Pregnant or nursing ladies: “On account of caffeine content material, pregnant ladies ought to restrict their caffeine consumption, together with from matcha”, says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi.
- People with gastrointestinal issues: When you have situations reminiscent of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel illness (IBD), seek the advice of a healthcare skilled earlier than consuming matcha, as beneficial by the Nationwide Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Illnesses.
- Individuals taking sure medicines: At all times seek the advice of a doctor, particularly if you’re taking medicines that will work together with caffeine or different compounds.
Disclaimer: At Well being Pictures, we’re dedicated to offering correct, dependable, and genuine info to help your well being and well-being. Nonetheless, the content material on this web site is meant solely for informational functions and shouldn’t be thought-about an alternative choice to skilled medical recommendation, prognosis, or therapy. At all times seek the advice of a certified healthcare supplier for personalised recommendation concerning your particular medical situation or considerations.