2026Journal articleFree to read
Emilia Skrzypek, Jakub Łącki, Małgorzata Czechowska, Alicja Rogozińska, Michał Kasznicki, Wiktor Beśka, Karol Jackowiak, Natalia Micek, Michał Kalisiak, Mikołaj Kamela
Quality in Sport
Background. Matcha green tea is a powdered form of Japanese green tea, rich in catechins, caffeine, theanine, and other polyphenols. These compounds may support cognitive function, reduce stress, influence gut microbiota, and improve exercise performance, making matcha a promising beverage for active individuals. Aim. This narrative review aimed to summarize and evaluate current evidence from human and animal studies on matcha’s effects on cognitive performance, stress, gut microbiota, metabolism, and exercise outcomes, particularly in athletes. Materials and Methods. A structured search of PubMed and Google Scholar up to 2026 identified 21 relevant studies. Keywords included “matcha”, “sport”, “exercise”, “metabolism”, “athletes”, “cognition”, “stress” and “gut microbiota”. Findings were summarized and analyzed narratively. Results. Matcha intake was linked to improvements in attention, executive function, emotional perception, and sleep quality. It also enhanced gut microbiota composition and increased fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise. These effects were seen across healthy adults and athletes, though study designs and matcha doses varied. Conclusions. Matcha green tea shows potential as a functional beverage supporting both mental and physical performance. Further standardized and longer-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits and determine optimal consumption strategies for athletic populations.
Abstract text comes from PubMed, OpenAlex or Europe PMC and belongs to the authors and publisher.
Study type
Review
A narrative or scoping review of the literature.
Assigned automatically from the title, abstract and subject terms.
Topics
Matcha is a main subject here (named in the title).
Emilia Skrzypek, Jakub Łącki, Małgorzata Czechowska, Alicja Rogozińska, Michał Kasznicki, Wiktor Beśka, … Mikołaj Kamela. (2026). Matcha Green Tea in Sport: Effects on Metabolism, Physical Performance, and Recovery - A Narrative Review of Human and Animal Studies. Quality in Sport. https://doi.org/10.12775/qs.2026.66.74051
DOI: 10.12775/qs.2026.66.74051
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,…
ReviewCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 321×Theanine, a major amino acid in green tea, exhibits a stress-reducing effect in mice and humans. Matcha, which is essentially theanine-rich powdered green tea, is abundant in caffeine. Caffeine has a strong antagonistic effect against…
Randomized controlled trialCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 84×Background: Green tea is traditionally known to induce mental clarity, cognitive function, physical activation and relaxation. Recently, a special green tea, matcha tea, is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world and is frequently…
ReviewCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 70×Matcha tea is gaining popularity throughout the world in recent years and is frequently referred to as a mood-and-brain food. Previous research has demonstrated that three constituents present in matcha tea, l-theanine, epigallocatechin…
Randomized controlled trialCognition, mood and stressAntioxidants and polyphenolsL-theanine and caffeineCited 66×