Why Matcha Makes Your Nervous System Happy

Matcha is a nutrient-rich, nervous-system-soothing superfood that has been cherished for centuries in Japanese tea ceremonies.

Let’s dive into why matcha makes your nervous system happy, how it compares to coffee and black tea, and why the quality of your matcha truly matters.

The Nervous System Love Story: Matcha + L-Theanine

One of the reasons why matcha makes your nervous system feel so good is thanks to a little something called L-Theanine, a naturally occuring amino acid found in green tea leaves.

L-Theanine has been shown to:

• Multiple clinical studies show that L-theanine increases alpha brain wave activity, which promotes a state of relaxed alertness — calm, but not sleepy.

• It modulates neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, reducing stress and anxiety without causing sedation.

• EEG studies confirm that L-theanine increases alpha wave activity, particularly in the occipital and parietal regions of the brain. (Alpha waves are associated with mental relaxation, creativity, and focused attention — the same state seen in meditation and flow.)

• When combined with caffeine, L-theanine improves attention, reaction time, and accuracy more effectively than caffeine alone.

This is why matcha is so unique: it contains both caffeine (for alertness) and L-Theanine (for calm focus). Think of it as energy without anxiety.

The Caffeine Comparison

One of the biggest reasons people switch from coffee to matcha is how different the energy feels.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Coffee: ~100–150 mg caffeine per cup

• Matcha: ~60–80 mg caffeine per serving

• Black Tea: ~40–70 mg caffeine per cup

Matcha, black tea, and coffee may all perk you up, but they do so in very different ways. Matcha gives you calm, focused energy — its L-theanine slows caffeine absorption, creating a smooth, steady lift without jitters or crashes.

Black tea offers a gentler buzz, keeping you alert yet grounded with heart-healthy antioxidants and gut-loving polyphenols.

Coffee, hits fast and hard — it’s your quick jolt of energy that spikes adrenaline and focus but can also leave you anxious, wired, or crashing later on.

Quality Matters

What you need to know is that not all matchas are created equal — the quality impacts both the taste and how you feel.

Here’s what to look for:

• Bright, vibrant green colour → this indicates high quality, shade-grown, nutrient-rich leaves

• Smooth, slightly sweet, umami flavour → no bitterness or fishy taste

• Stone-ground ceremonial grade matcha → best for drinking (culinary grade is better for baking)

Low-quality matcha can taste bitter, earthy, or dull — and often comes from older leaves that contain fewer nutrients. Your nervous system deserves the good stuff, and so does your palate.

If you still not a big fan of the taste even after trying high-quality matcha, but you're still looking to experience its benefits - you can try adding a little bit of vanilla plant-based milk with just a touch of sweetener (monk fruit is a great option that won't cause you to experience a sugar crash).

I also like to add a bit of Ceylon Cinnamon to my Matcha to benefit from its anti-inflammatory and well as blood sugar reducing properties.

Supplements That Create a Similar Effect

If sipping matcha doesn't turn out to be your cup of tea (pun intended), you can still tap into its brain-boosting and body-loving benefits through supplements.

Two of matcha’s magic makers — L-theanine and EGCG — are available in capsule form and can deliver similar results.

L-theanine helps you find that “zen focus” state by smoothing out caffeine’s jitters and encouraging calm alertness, while EGCG, the potent antioxidant found in green tea leaves, supports metabolism, cellular repair, and a healthy inflammatory response.

When paired with a gentle source of caffeine, these supplements can recreate matcha’s signature balance of energy and ease — no whisk required.

Key Takeaways

Matcha is more than just a trendy drink — it’s a nervous system superstar! Thanks to its unique combination of caffeine and L-Theanine, it delivers calm focus, sustained energy levels, and fewer adrenaline spikes than coffee.

So if you’ve been looking for a morning ritual that leaves you feeling centred, nourished, and ready to take on the day — a warm, frothy cup of matcha might just be the upgrade your nervous system has been craving.

If you have any questions about Matcha or any of the information in this blog please feel free to reach out to me at nervousystemrebel@gmail.com or you can also send me a direct message at @nervousystemrebel on Instagram.

Sending you the biggest hugs and wishing you so Matcha Joy! haha :P

Lau <3

This information is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content in this blog should not be considered medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medication.