Moringa vs matcha: The ultimate superfood showdown
2:41 PM EDT, July 19, 2024
Moringa contains 15 times more potassium than bananas and 25 times more iron than spinach. In its powdered form, it resembles matcha, but despite the similarities, there are significant differences between these two products. Moringa is a tropical tree species known as the miracle tree or the tree of long life.
Moringa is classified as a superfood, one of the healthiest products in the world. You can benefit from moringa by using its fruits, leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, and roots (which taste similar to horseradish). Leaves, flowers, and bark are used to make medicines, while moringa seeds are used to produce oil for cooking and cosmetics. Additionally, the powder that looks like matcha is made from dried leaves.
What is moringa?
Moringa is rich in nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, bromine, and chromium. It is also a rich source of antioxidants and protein (it contains more than soy) and includes omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. It is sometimes called the most nutrient-dense plant ever discovered, though there isn't enough evidence to confirm this claim.
Moringa has ulcer-preventing, ulcer-preventing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. It also enhances the functioning of the digestive system, particularly the colon. It has been used for centuries worldwide to treat conditions such as anemia, skin infections, and bronchitis. Studies also indicate that moringa leaf powder can regulate blood sugar levels and reduce "bad" cholesterol.
Matcha and moringa – a comparison
Matcha is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make white, oolong, and black tea. Matcha is powdered green tea but comes from differently managed plantations. Compared to traditional green tea, matcha is richer in antioxidants. It contains larger amounts of caffeine and L-theanine.
Moringa powder is made from the plant's leaves. Matcha and moringa come from different plants, so their nutritional compositions and properties differ. Matcha is exceptionally rich in antioxidants, while moringa contains more fiber, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Unlike matcha, moringa does not contain caffeine. Nevertheless, consuming moringa can help combat feelings of constant fatigue due to its iron content.
If someone needs a more substantial boost in the morning, matcha may be more effective than coffee. Although it contains a similar amount of caffeine to coffee, matcha does not cause dizziness or anxiety and provides a gentler energy boost without a sudden drop.
In terms of taste, moringa is characterized by subtle, sweet-spicy notes, while matcha has a grassy, sweet-bitter taste with detectable nutty tones.