Matcha tea has gained popularity over the years because of its similar effects to coffee but is packed with more health benefits. Many health-conscious people are trying to transition to this tea, as it has some beneficial effects on your immune system and can help you lose weight.
Matcha tea traces its origin back to China but has gained the most fame in Japan.
Like many teas, enthusiasts of this tea love to drink it whenever they get the chance and often relate its unique flavor to the freshness of vegetables.
But when to drink matcha tea to avail the most out of it?
The best time to drink matcha is in the morning to kickstart your day. But that’s not your only option. Based on your routine and daily activities; it can be drunk before your workout, post-meal, in the afternoon, or on an empty stomach.
Here, we will discuss the best times to enjoy matcha tea to avail of its full benefits based on your routine.
1. Drink Matcha To Kickstart Your Day
The first and foremost option is to have it with your breakfast as an alternative to your coffee. Also, unlike coffee which has a short-lived effect and raises more health concerns, it acts slowly and keeps you active for longer.
Performing the ritual of matcha is similar to meditation, and this tea has the benefit of soothing the nerves.
So, having it as your morning drink can help you start your day refreshed. But if you can not exchange it for your coffee, you can drink it at other times of the day.
To spice up your morning routine, check out different ways how to drink coffee.
2. Drink Matcha Before Exercising or Yoga
Matcha is your go-to option if you want a tasty drink, lose weight, enhance your stamina for a workout, and exercise or do yoga more effectively.
Many people will ask how such a miracle drink can exist. But we’re not joking, it is the best drink you can have half an hour before exercising.
Matcha tea contains both caffeine and a compound called L-Theanine. Many studies have shown the effects of caffeine on improved brain activity. However, the side effect of feeling lethargic soon after drinking coffee is offset by L-Theanine, which gives matcha the upper hand.
So, matcha is your best choice if you are doing yoga and want to meditate with a sense of peace and calmness. Check out why you should drink matcha before meditating here.
3. Drink Matcha Post-Meal
Another great time to consume this tea is half an hour to an hour after finishing your meal.
Matcha tea increases digestive activity by promoting the function of an enzyme called pepsin. This protein-breaking enzyme ensures you get all the necessary nutrients from your food.
Also, ingesting matcha between meals can keep you active throughout the day and keep the optimum functioning of your metabolism. It also eliminates the problems associated with drinking matcha on an empty stomach.
4. Drink Matcha on an Empty Stomach
There are many views on how you should avoid drinking matcha on an empty stomach, as it often leads to stomachaches or other stomach-related issues.
But drinking it on an empty stomach ensures you absorb all the nutrients in the tea and get the most out of its beneficial properties.
However, it does not mean you will feel okay, so it is best to get used to it before trying it on an empty stomach. If it still causes problems, try it with some light snacks, which will also provide a similar effect but will remove the side effect,
Check out how to make and whisk your matcha tea using a bamboo whisk.
Avoid adding milk to your matcha tea if you want to drink it on an empty stomach. So, matcha latte is not an option because any added additives in the milk, especially calcium, can hinder many of its benefits.
5. Drink Matcha in the Evening
If you are a person that likes to spend late nights on an outing or spend the evening enjoying sports activities, then do not look any further. Matcha tea can help you keep your energy levels up to cope with any of your preferred activities or outing.
However, be sure to avoid drinking it in the late evening and not to drink any after the early evening.
Matcha, like coffee, contains caffeine, albeit in a smaller dosage it can hinder your sleep and keep you awake throughout the night.
Avoid Matcha During or Immediately After a Meal
Consuming matcha tea after a meal can help, but not knowing the accurate timing can cause more harm than good.
Drinking matcha tea immediately after a meal or during a meal can disrupt the absorption of nutrients, especially vitamin B1. This deficiency can lead to a condition called Beriberi.
The Bottom Line
Lastly, these are the best times to enjoy your matcha tea to get the most out of it, but remember, rules are meant to be broken. So, try out this tea at various time frames and see what works the best for you.
If you are early to bed and early to rise type of person, it is best to avoid it well over five hours before sleeping, or you can keep on waiting to get your sweet dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, matcha is better than coffee. Matcha contains more protein and less fat and has several health benefits, such as it boosts immunity. Matcha also contains less caffeine giving it the upper hand.
Drinking two cups of matcha is the maximum amount per day if you can tolerate the caffeine. Exceeding that limit is not advised and is a practice best not done.
You can drink matcha both ways. Yes, cold matcha has a revitalizing and soothing taste, but hot matcha is more concentrated, giving it a creamy taste. Hot matcha may not be your cup of tea if you dislike bitter beverages.
