2026Journal articleFree to read
Małgorzata Cherek, Natalia Marzec, Natalia Krupa, Natalia Domańska, Dominika Galińska, A Bondía Román, Aleksandra Marzec, Stanislaw Maria Wardecki, Joanna Zajączkowska, Weronika Praska
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science
This review compares the effects and benefits of consuming two of the most popular hot beverages: matcha tea and coffee. Both of them have been consumed for centuries and are embedded in cultural, societal, and dietary practices worldwide. They contain various bioactives, including caffeine, L-theanine, and polyphenols, which confer neuroprotective, antioxidant, and stimulating effects. The presence of these compounds has led to increased scientific interest in their potential role in disease prevention and cognitive enhancement. Matcha is a finely ground powder obtained from green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) and is traditionally utilized in Japanese tea ceremonies [5]. Its preparation method, which involves consuming the entire leaf, distinguishes it from other tea infusions. It’s rich in catechins, L-theanine, and caffeine, which collectively influence concentration and cognitive performance. Coffee, produced from roasted seeds of the Coffea plant (C. arabica or C. canephora), is high in caffeine and enhances alertness and cognitive function. Due to its widespread consumption, coffee has been extensively studied in both clinical and epidemiological settings Purpose: This review examines the beneficial effects of hot beverages as reported in studies and by beverage companies. In addition, it aims to provide a comparative perspective that highlights both similarities and differences in their bioactive profiles. While there is abundant research on coffee, studies on matcha tea are limited, underscoring its potential for further investigation. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Search strategies included a combination of keywords related to caffeine, catechins, and cognitive or metabolic…
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Systematic review / meta-analysis
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Małgorzata Cherek, Natalia Marzec, Natalia Krupa, Natalia Domańska, Dominika Galińska, A Bondía Román, … Weronika Praska. (2026). FROM CAFFEINE TO CATECHINS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THE COMPARATIVE AND SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF COFFEE AND MATCHA ON HUMAN HEALTH. International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science. https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5805
DOI: 10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5805
Japanese matcha is a type of powdered green tea, grown in a traditional way. Shading of the plants during the growth period enhances the processes of synthesis and accumulation of biologically active compounds, including theanine,…
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