What are the possible side effects of matcha tea?

You've probably already heard about all the benefits and positive effects that consuming matcha can bring .
What is less well known is that, as with any food, a excessive consumption of matcha tea may have undesirable side effects. But does the matcha tea is a health hazard?
I want to inform you of the potential risks and teach you how to avoid them.
1st possible side effect: is matcha tea a stimulant? Does it prevent sleep?
Like coffee, matcha tea contains theine, which are caffeine molecules associated with L-theanine , giving it a stimulating effect .
Thanks to this combination, the energy provided by matcha lasts longer than that provided by a cup of coffee (approximately 3-4 hours). It is therefore the ideal drink to start the day and maintain a good energy level throughout the morning.
However, if consumed in excessive quantities, the caffeine contained in matcha can cause certain unpleasant side effects, such as increased heart rate, agitation, and even headaches. It is therefore best not to overdo it! Despite some discomfort, this side effect does not pose a danger.
Also, if consumed late in the day or in excessive quantities, matcha tea promotes sleepiness and may even cause insomnia.
That's why I recommend Never drink matcha after 4 or 5 p.m. , to promote easy sleep onset and restful sleep.
To learn more about the differences between coffee and matcha tea, I recommend reading my item on this subject.
2nd possible side effect: can matcha tea cause constipation?
If you drink matcha in reasonable amounts, no.
In fact, drinking green tea has a diuretic and laxative effect, and facilitates intestinal transit . This is one of the many reasons why it is often recommended for weight loss.
However, consuming a large quantity of matcha can cause constipation. : the concentration of caffeine is dehydrating, which makes the texture of stools harder, causing constipation.
If you already suffer from heartburn, green tea can also worsen the pain.
Also, watch out for bloating: if you don't usually experience it, it's a sign that you should limit your consumption of matcha tea!
3rd possible side effect: does matcha tea prevent the proper absorption of iron?
Yes, matcha prevents the proper absorption of non-heme iron.
There are two types of iron: heme iron, which is found in animal products in large quantities, and non-heme iron, which is found in plants. While most of our iron intake comes from plant sources, non-heme iron is less easily absorbed by the body than heme iron.
However, the tannins in tea bind to non-heme iron, preventing the body from absorbing iron properly.
According to doctors, it is therefore recommended to wait 30 minutes before meals and 2 hours after meals before tasting tea, especially for people suffering from iron deficiency. If you suffer from anemia, your doctor may recommend that you stop tasting tea until your iron levels return to normal.
Interesting to know: black teas have the most tannins, so it is recommended to drink green tea or white tea instead to avoid the bad iron absorption .
Other possible side effects: what are the contraindications for consuming matcha?
There are no formal contraindications to consuming matcha.
However, I strongly recommend that you be vigilant in the next situations, which could be dangerous if you consume large amounts of matcha:
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding , be careful not to drink too many cups of matcha tea. An overdose of caffeine can cause significant side effects on fetal growth, an acceleration of the baby's heart rate, or even a weaker and thinner baby at birth. The recommended dose of beverages containing caffeine is two cups per day for a pregnant woman or breastfeeding.
- children As children are also more sensitive to caffeine than adults, it is best not to give them more than one matcha tea per day.
What are the possible side effects of excessive consumption of matcha green tea?

In summary, excessive consumption of matcha can cause the following symptoms:
- great agitation, headaches
- difficulty falling asleep, insomnia
- constipation
- stomach ache
- complications of pregnancy and fetal development
- poor iron absorption, anemia
In summary, is there any danger in consuming matcha tea?
Matcha tea does not present no real danger , provided it is consumed in moderation. However, a few precautions may be useful to avoid certain undesirable effects, especially in sensitive individuals.
Here are the points to watch out for:
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Caffeine : Excessive consumption may cause palpitations or anxiety. It is therefore advisable not to exceed 2 to 3 cups per day.
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Tannins : They can cause nausea or limit iron absorption, especially if matcha is drunk on an empty stomach.
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Liver : Very high consumption over the long term could put strain on the liver, but this is rare and only occurs with excessive intake.
In summary, Matcha tea is not dangerous. if we take advantage of it with moderation , while remaining mindful of its effects, especially for people who are sensitive to caffeine or tannins.
Why consume matcha tea despite everything? Its benefits
In addition to being delicious, matcha is a concentrate of health benefits:
- For the brain: Improves focus, reduces mental fatigue, promotes good mood, and supports cognitive functions.
- For the body: Protects cells from damage, strengthens the immune system, helps maintain a healthy weight, improves digestion, and promotes cardiovascular health.
- Other benefits: Hydrates, refreshes, tastes delicious, and can help maintain good oral health.
In summary, matcha is a versatile drink that offers a multitude of benefits for the body and mind.
The optimal preparation of matcha tea to avoid side effects
Some undesirable effects of matcha can be avoided by paying attention to how it is prepared. The right method makes the drink more digestible and pleasant to the taste. Here are some best practices to follow on how to properly prepare matcha tea :
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Use water at the right temperature : Do not exceed 75-80°C to avoid burning the powder or releasing too many tannins.
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Moderate dosage : 1 to 2 grams of powder (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) is sufficient for one serving.
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Sift the powder : This helps prevent lumps, which can make matcha less digestible.
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Whisk gently : With a bamboo whisk (chasen), realise a "W" motion to obtain a light froth and a smoother texture.
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Avoid overly sweet or milky additions : Certain additions mask the bitterness but can cause digestive discomfort if they are too rich.
What other best practices should be adopted to avoid side effects?
To enjoy the many health benefits of matcha without any harmful effects, here are some best practices to follow:
- drink up to 2 or 3 cups of matcha per day maximum, for a healthy adult;
- Do not drink matcha tea after 4 or 5 p.m.
- consume matcha tea 2 hours before or after meals.
I hope that the side effects of matcha tea are no longer a mystery to you, but above all, that you now know how to avoid them.
But when consumed in moderation, with awareness and serenity, a delicious, high-quality matcha tea is ideal for incorporating into your daily routine as part of a healthy lifestyle.
I invite you to discover one of my best matcha green teas, the ultra-premium organic premium matcha , as well as my community's favorite, the organic Saemidori matcha , to discover this rich in antioxidants green tea!
FAQ your questions about the side effects of matcha tea
Can matcha be consumed on an empty stomach?
It is not recommended to drink matcha on an empty stomach, as its caffeine and tannins can irritate the stomach. It is better to consume it after a light meal.
Is matcha not recommended during pregnancy?
Due to its caffeine content, matcha should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. It is best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
What quantity of matcha per day is safe?
For a healthy adult, 1 to 2 servings per day are sufficient. This corresponds to approximately 2 grams per serving, or the equivalent of 1 to 2 cups of coffee in terms of caffeine.
Is there a difference in effects depending on the quality of the matcha?
Yes. A matcha of superior quality ( ceremonial grade matcha for example) is often better tolerated than lower quality powders (with an attractive price), which are sometimes more bitter or less finely ground.
Does Matcha Slim have any dangerous side effects?
Matcha slim can cause side effects such as sleep disturbances or digestive discomfort, especially if consumed in excess. To learn more about its composition and effectiveness, see our full item: matcha slim reviews . Please note that Matcha Slim contains only a small quantity of matcha powder and is not sold by Kumiko Matcha.
Click here to discover now all of my organic and healthy matcha teas >>>

