Can Matcha Make You Sick?

Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by Scott

Matcha has become a popular health trend across the globe, but can it make you sick? The short answer is no. Although consuming too much matcha could cause an upset stomach, there are numerous health benefits of drinking this antioxidant-filled tea.

In fact, the health benefits of matcha far outweigh any potential side effects that may occur from over-consumption. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why matcha typically won’t make you sick and explain how it can actually improve your overall health and wellbeing. And, while minimal, we’ll also highlight some of the potential risks of drinking too much matcha.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea made from stone-ground whole leaf green tea leaves called Tencha. This special type of powdered tea has been used in Japanese culture for centuries as part of traditional tea ceremonies and contains high levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds like polyphenols and caffeine.

The most popular way to enjoy matcha is by whisking it with hot water until frothy before drinking or using it as an ingredient in recipes or smoothies.

Matcha is unique from other types of tea because when you drink it, you consume the entire leaf and get 100% of its nutrients. Matcha has been used for centuries in traditional Japanese ceremonies and for various health benefits. In recent years, matcha’s popularity has exploded as people have begun to recognize its many potential health benefits.

First, let’s highlight some of the many benefits.

Health Benefits of Matcha

There are many health benefits associated with drinking matcha regularly, so let’s take a look at a few before we review any of the potential risks:

• Increased Energy & Focus: The combination of polyphenols and caffeine found naturally in matcha offer an extra boost in energy and mental focus without the crash associated with coffee or sugary drinks.
• Improved Immunity: Matcha has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body which can aid in preventing infection and illness.
• Reduced Stress & Anxiety: The calming effect of matcha on the body helps to promote relaxation which can help reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and lead to improved moods overall.
• Weight Loss: Some studies have suggested that drinking matcha may be helpful for weight loss due to its ability to increase thermogenesis (the process by which your body burns calories). Additionally, matcha gives you sustained energy throughout the day without causing spikes in blood sugar levels like some sugary drinks do; making it easier for you to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine more consistently over time.
• Improved Heart Health: The powerful antioxidants help protect against free radical damage which can contribute to heart disease as well as other chronic diseases such as diabetes or cancer. Additionally, studies have shown that regular consumption of matcha reduces bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels – both key factors in maintaining heart health.
• Increased Brain Function: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine found in matcha have been found to improve alertness, focus, memory recall and reaction times – all important aspects when it comes to cognitive function and brain performance!
• Reduced Risk Of Cancer: Studies have also indicated that consuming green tea (such as matcha!) regularly may reduce your risk for certain types of cancer due to its high levels of antioxidants which helps fight off oxidative damage caused by free radicals within cells.
• Detoxification Of Heavy Metals & Toxins: The unique combination of catechins found in green tea may also help draw out toxins from your body including heavy metals like mercury or lead – another great reason why drinking matcha regularly should be part of your daily routine!

Now that we’ve highlighted some of the many benefits, let’s review some of the risks.

The Potential Health Risks of Drinking Too Much Matcha

When consumed in moderation, matcha is considered to be extremely safe for most people. However, like any food or beverage, consuming large amounts of it can lead to adverse side effects and even make you feel sick.

Overconsumption of green tea in general can lead to stomach upset due to the caffeine content in both matcha and regular green tea leaves.

Additionally, if you are sensitive or allergic to caffeine or certain ingredients found in matcha powder (such as tannins), then you may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as headaches or nausea after drinking it.

It’s also important to note that high doses of caffeine can cause increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, tremors and restlessness; all conditions which can manifest themselves through feeling nauseous or dizzy after consuming too much matcha (or any caffeinated beverage).

If you find yourself feeling unwell after having a cup of matcha tea, it could very well be related to your caffeine sensitivity – so it’s best to reduce your intake accordingly until your body adjusts.

Moreover, since commercial-grade matchas are typically made with ground up whole leaves (stems and all), they sometimes contain dangerous contaminants such as mold toxins called mycotoxins – especially when stored improperly or if the harvesting process was not properly monitored for quality control purposes.

While rare, these contaminants can cause nausea and other gastrointestinal issues when ingested – so always double check that your supplier is reputable and that their production methods meet those set by international standards before purchasing any type of tea leaves (especially those intended for consuming).

Conclusion

If consumed moderately you shouldn’t experience anything unpleasant from matcha, aside from perhaps feeling overly energized or having difficulty sleeping if consumed late at night before bedtime. Generally speaking though; if you’re not sensitive to caffeine then enjoying a cup or two per day of matcha should not cause any negative unwanted side effects while still reaping all its incredible health benefits listed above!