Energy drinks have become extremely popular in today’s society. A great many people turn to them, at least on occasion, to serve as a pick-me-up.

But are they really all they’re cracked up to be?

If you take a good look at the ingredient listing on that energy drink, you’ll see one clear thing: sugar…and lots of it. You should be trying to reduce your intake of sugar, not increasing it by consuming heavily sweetened drinks.

Perhaps you opt for a sugar-free variety, figuring this is a smarter choice. Not so fast. The problem with the sugar-free energy drinks is that the artificial sweeteners in them are also bad for your health.

So what’s the better solution? How can you get a boost of energy without sugar or questionable additives?

Why not try matcha tea?

Caffeine Content

First, consider the caffeine content. While you may think you want a powerful dose of caffeine to pick you up, you need to remember, once that caffeine wears off, you are going to crash. 

If you take in a mild dose of caffeine such as that found in matcha tea, however, you’ll still get a boost to your energy and mental focus, but you won’t get that crash a short while later. Furthermore, the effect of caffeine in matcha tea is modified by the calming effect of L-theanine. Matcha tea is especially rich in that amino acid.

Matcha tea will give you a slow and steady increase of energy that doesn’t quit in an hour or two. Plus, you’ll avoid the addictive properties of energy drinks.

Mind-Body Boost

L-theanine also improves focus and concentration, so matcha tea gives you a mental boost not just a physical jolt.

Fat-Loss Helper

Did we mention that unlike most energy drinks, Matcha is calorie free? Matcha tea offers a calorie-free way to energize your day.

And you aren’t getting any unwanted artificial sweeteners in the process.

What’s more is that matcha also contains compounds that may assist with fat burning. Studies show that a few cups of green tea each day can have beneficial effects on weight loss as it boosts the metabolic rate.

So next time you’re tempted to reach for an energy drink, consider reaching for matcha tea instead. It really is the superior choice.

Reference:
Maki, Kevin C., et al. "Green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced abdominal fat loss in overweight and obese adults." The Journal of nutrition 139.2 (2009): 264-270.