Does Matcha Tea Interact with any Medications?
Green tea has many health benefits and comes in various forms. Matcha is a fine powder from the tea plant and needs no straining after steeping. Unlike other types of green tea, matcha tea powder comes from the whole tea leaf. Research shows that it has more health benefits than various green tea options.
Health benefits of matcha tea
- Higher antioxidant powers
- Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Enhances cognitive functions and impacts on the mood
- Promotes weight loss
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Enhances energy
But one should know how to make match tea and when to take it because interactions with medications may impact its effectiveness. Matcha tea may be consumed on its own or added to smoothies or matcha lattes.
Matcha tea possible interactions with medications
There is evidence that matcha tea and most green teas interact with various medications. It is advisable to avoid taking matcha tea when one is under certain medications. Here are some of the health conditions that result from taking matcha tea while on medication.
- Positive matcha interactions with medications
Lab tests show that there is a positive effect in using chemotherapy drugs with match tea. Tamoxifen and Doxorubicin are the specific drugs that work well with matcha tea during chemotherapy. On the downside, people undergoing chemotherapy due to prostate cancer should avoid matcha tea due to the effects of chemotherapy treatment for prostate cancer.
Matcha tea has positive medication interaction with antibiotics that contain beta-lactam. Taking green tea while taking such medication can help reduce bacteria resistance and enhance the drug’s effectiveness.
- Negative matcha tea interactions with medication
Medications for heart health contain adenosine. Matcha tea may inhibit the actions of adenosine. People taking any form of heart health medications should avoid taking matcha tea.
Medications for treating anxiety contain benzodiazepines and lithium that bring about sedative effects. But matcha tea has high caffeine content that reduces the sedative effects of such anxiety medication. People who are under anxiety or depression treatment should avoid teas that have high caffeine content.
Caffeine in matcha tea may increase blood pressure, and people under blood pressure medication should avoid taking it. Some prescription drugs for the treatment of colds and coughs contain phenylpropanolamine. Some weight-loss products have this element too. Taking match tea while under any of the above medications or weight loss products can increase blood pressure.
Taking vitamin supplements and herbal products may also cause interactions with green tea. Before you start using green tea, you should seek guidance from a health practitioner. Reading labels and instructions on products before use is also advisable.
One should get advice from a doctor if one suffers from any health complications before taking matcha tea. Though matcha tea is safe when used in small quantities, higher quantity consumption may lead to undesirable side effects. The high caffeine content in matcha may lead to insomnia, diarrhea, and stomach upset. Irritability and heartburn are some of the side effects in the case of excess consumption of matcha tea. But consumption in moderation has many health benefits.
