If you’re a health-conscious tea (or coffee!) drinker, you may have heard about the magical powers of matcha. With its bright green hue and delicate flavour, this powdered green tea has taken the world of wellness and culinary arts by storm. But before you indulge — is matcha acidic?
It’s a fair question. With the majority of drinks and foods around us offering an acidity level that often falls on the higher side, it’s nice to hear a refreshing alternative. Believe it or not, the answer to “Is matcha acidic?” depends on its origin.
Matcha originates from Japan, where it’s been used to make tea beverages for centuries. But depending on where you source your matcha, the acidity levels can vary. For example, Japanese matcha tea usually has a pH level of 8.2 or above — relatively alkaline on the pH scale. On the other hand, Chinese matcha tea can be more acidic — with a pH level as low as 5.2.
The difference in acidity levels can be traced back to the production methods. In Japan, matcha tea leaves are shaded for the last few weeks before harvesting. This process increases the chlorophyll content and alters the pH levels, making the powder slightly less acidic.
But even with its low acidity levels, matcha tea still retains its distinct flavour. For the most part, matcha is a unique blend of sweet and savoury — a result of its high content of theanine and catechins, amino acids and antioxidants. Depending on the grade, matcha can taste bitter, grassy, vegetal and/or sweet, offering a flavorful drinking experience.
So is matcha acidic? Yes, but the exact level of acidity will depend on where it’s sourced and produced. However, many health conscious tea and coffee drinkers see matcha as a great alternative to acidic drinks like coffee and energy drinks, as it provides a refreshing, tasty beverage that’s chock-full of antioxidants. Enjoy your next cup of matcha guilt-free!
Is matcha acidic or alkaline?
Matcha has become the trendy superfood of choice for health-conscious consumers. But just how healthy is it? This has been a subject of debate, especially when it comes to its acidity or alkalinity. So let’s take a closer look at the pH level of matcha and its impact on your health.
First of all, what does pH mean? pH stands for “potential of hydrogen” and is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. On a pH scale from 0-14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline, pure water is at 7 and is neutral.
When it comes to matcha, it’s actually classified as having a slightly alkaline pH level. Matcha has a pH of 8.1 when it’s freshly harvested and ground into a powder. This is good news for health-conscious folks since acidic foods and drinks have been linked to a number of health problems such as tooth decay, acid reflux, and digestive issues.
By contrast, alkaline foods have been linked to better oral health, improved digestion, and even reduced inflammation. They also help to maintain the body’s pH balance, and this is important for overall health. So the fact that matcha is alkaline should come as no surprise.
Another benefit of matcha being alkaline is that it can help reduce the risk of acquiring certain diseases. Studies have shown that the more alkaline your body is, the more resistant it may be to disease. Taking matcha can help promote overall health and well-being, and it can even help reduce fatigue and stress.
When it comes to nutrition, matcha is also packed with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s also a great source of polyphenols, which promote good health and help fight off harmful free radicals in the body. This can boost the immune system and even help to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
While most people enjoy matcha in its hot or cold drink form, you can also incorporate this healthy powder in your cooking and baking. Matcha adds a unique flavor and plenty of nutritional benefits to dishes such as smoothies, salads, and even desserts.
So there you have it. Matcha is an alkaline food with plenty of nutritional benefits. It can help boost your immune system, reduce fatigue and stress, and even promote good oral health. From hot and cold drinks to culinary creations, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of this health-boosting powder.
Photo by Magic Mind on Unsplash
