ZOE Science & Nutrition

Matcha, coffee and green tea: which is healthiest? with Prof. Tim Spector and Chef Andrew Kojima

Apr 10, 2025

In this enlightening conversation, Chef Andrew Kojima, a MasterChef finalist and expert in Japanese cuisine, joins Professor Tim Spector, a leading nutrition scientist. They dive into matcha’s rich history and its rising popularity as a wellness trend. Discover the health benefits of matcha compared to coffee, including its calming effects and nutritional advantages. Chef Koj shares traditional preparation techniques and a delicious beginner-friendly matcha latte recipe. The episode concludes with a sweet twist as they taste matcha custard, showcasing its versatile flavor.

54:01

Episode guests

Andrew Kojima

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Matcha is gaining popularity as a health beverage, offering unique benefits like higher fiber content compared to coffee for improved digestion.

The historical roots of matcha, used by Japanese monks for focus during meditation, highlight its cultural significance and calming effects.

Proper preparation of matcha, using high-quality ceremonial-grade powder, is essential to maximize its health benefits and flavor in various recipes.

Deep dives

The Rise of Matcha

Matcha is gaining popularity as a health beverage, often challenged by coffee's longstanding dominance. Both drinks provide benefits like enhanced cognition, metabolism support, and reduced inflammation, but matcha contains significantly more fiber, which promotes digestive health. The historical roots of matcha trace back 900 years to Japan, where monks utilized it for enhanced focus during meditation while enjoying calming effects. This unique preparation involves grinding young green tea leaves into a fine powder, which offers a more concentrated source of nutrients compared to traditional steeping methods.

Intro

4min

Unveiling the Secrets of Matcha Tea Production

4min

The Art and History of Matcha Green Tea

4min

Coffee vs. Matcha: A Health Perspective

13min

Exploring the Cultural Rituals of Matcha Consumption

2min

The Matcha Experience: Quality and Preparation

16min

Exploring the Versatility of Matcha in Cuisine

2min

Exploring the Richness of Matcha: Tasting and Tips

2min

The Journey into Quality Matcha: Experience and Health Benefits

6min

Is matcha the ultimate coffee alternative, or just another wellness fad? In this episode, Andrew Kojima - aka Chef Koj - an expert in Japanese cuisine, and Professor Tim Spector, a world-leading scientist in nutrition and gut health, explore whether matcha is truly a healthier choice than coffee.

Chef Koj explains the rich history behind matcha, its role in Japanese culture, and why it has become a global wellness trend. Tim breaks down the latest science on matcha’s impact on metabolism, brain function, and gut health, comparing its effects to those of coffee.

For listeners curious about incorporating matcha into their daily routine, this episode includes a practical guide on how to prepare matcha properly. Koj demonstrates the traditional method of whisking matcha and shares tips on avoiding common mistakes. For those new to matcha, he also explains how to make a simple and delicious matcha latte for beginners.

The episode concludes with a tasting of Koj’s matcha custard dessert, showing how matcha’s umami-rich flavor can be used in unexpected ways. Could matcha actually help curb sugar cravings and build a taste for more complex flavors?

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Timecodes

00:00 Healthier than coffee?

02:15 Listener questions

03:17 What is matcha?

05:59 The same as green tea?

09:33 History of matcha

10:20 Industry marketing tricks

11:55 Why the west loves coffee

12:55 Does matcha make you alert?