The high concentration of tannins in matcha can decrease iron absorption in the body, which can cause more hair loss.
The internet’s favorite green drink is under fire over suspicions of causing hair loss. Several women on social media claim they noticed sudden hair loss after they began regularly consuming matcha, a finely ground green tea powder.
Matcha is made by blending powdered, shade-grown green tea leaves with hot water, resulting in a frothy, vibrant green drink that has long been enjoyed in Japan.
Yours popularity has grown in the Westbeing promoted by influencers as a healthier, caffeine-rich alternative to coffee. But now, experts are warning that excessive matcha consumption can have unwanted side effects.
“If you are losing hair after increasing your matcha intake, it may not be the tea itself, but rather the tannins present in it“, Stephanie Schiff, a nutritionist at Northwell Huntington Hospital, told . Tannins, plant compounds with antioxidant properties, can bind to iron and reduce the body’s ability to absorb it. Over time, this can lead to iron deficiency, a known cause of hair loss.
Caffeine may also play a role. A serving of matcha weighing up to two grams can contain up to 80 milligrams of caffeine, significantly more than most green teas.
“High caffeine intake can increase stress hormoneswhich, in some people, can trigger temporary hair loss,” he explained. Amy Shapirofounder of Real Nutrition.
Both nutritionists stressed that moderate consumption of one to two cups a day is unlikely to cause problems for most people. The highest risk groups include individuals with low iron levelsheavy menstrual bleeding, certain intestinal conditions or vegan diets.
To minimize risks, Schiff recommends avoiding consuming matcha around meals that contain plant-based sources of iron, such as spinach or tofu. Combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C can also improve absorption, Shapiro noted.
In addition to hair problems, excessive consumption of matcha can cause nausea, palpitations, anxiety and even liver problems when consumed in high doses or in the form of concentrated green tea extracts.
However, experts stress that moderate consumption of matcha still offers real health benefits, including improving concentration, a better blood sugar control and powerful antioxidant effects.
