Differences between Matcha & Sencha

Sencha and Matcha are both Camellia Sinensis and green tea, non-farmented tea.  However, the nutrition in Sencha and Matcha is not the same.  Nutritional differences in Sencha and Matcha come from their growing environments.   Choose wisely to satisfy your needs. 

Edible Green® Sencha green tea powder:   grown in full sun	Matcha: grown in shade

 

1. Sencha contains more Catechin antioxidants, because sun exposure increases Catechin compound in green tea leaves.

A compound in green tea, a polyphenol called Catechins, or EGCG, is believed to be responsible for much of green tea health benefits.  Sun exposure increases Catechins in green tea leaves, changing Theanine to Catechins.  Good quality green tea with more Catechin antioxidants, or EGCG, needs to be grown in full sun.  Edible Green® is Sencha green tea powder and contains more Catechins, or EGCG, than any other type of green tea, including Matcha.  Even water method decaffeinated Edible Green® Sencha green tea powder contains more Catechins than Matcha. 

Choose Edible Green® Sencha green tea powder, regular or water method decaffeinated, when you would like to avoid Caffeine and would like to get the highest amount of Catechin antioxidants, or EGCG, naturally.

 

2. Matcha contains more Caffeine and more L-theanine.

When the sun exposure is less, tea leaves contain more Caffeine and L-theanine. L-theanine is a natural relaxant and is found almost exclusively in green tea.  L-theanine stimulates the production of alpha waves in brain, associated with relaxation and mental alertness, as well as influencing dopamine and serotonine.  Unlike other calming agents, L-theanine doesn't cause drowsiness. Grown in shade, Matcha contains more Caffeine and more L-theanine than any other type of green tea.  Good balance of Caffeine and L-theanine allows Matcha to generate steady energy without the jitters or crash associated with caffeine. 

Although Matcha contains less Catechin antioxidants compared to Sencha powder, Matcha provides much more Catechin than brewed tea and healthier choice, because you will consuming entire green tea leaf in fine powder form.  When you need a strong energy boost, and would like to gain steady, calm alertness in addition to green tea health benefits, you will love Matcha.

 

Disclaimer: The statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases.