Matcha and coffee linked to reduced stress and lower mental disorder risk

Research on matcha (a powdered green tea) indicates it may help lower stress and anxiety. The concentrated tea contains higher levels of L‑theanine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which together promote relaxation without heavy sedation. A study found that adults who consumed matcha for 15 days showed a significant reduction in anxiety scores, and experts suggest a daily dose of 2‑4 g of high‑quality matcha for the effect.

A separate large‑scale study of more than 460,000 adults aged 40‑69 examined coffee consumption over 13 years. Drinking two to three cups of coffee daily was associated with a lower risk of developing mental disorders, especially among men, while five or more cups a day was linked to an increased risk. The protective effect is attributed to coffee’s many bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and chlorogenic acid.