A Woman’s Hospital Visit Reveals the Hidden Risk of the Trendy Green Drink

Matcha has become one of the most talked-about drinks in recent years. The powdered green tea, made from finely ground leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, has transitioned from a niche product in specialty cafés to a staple on mainstream coffee shop menus.

With its vibrant color, earthy flavor, and reputation for being packed with health benefits, it’s easy to see why younger generations have embraced it so enthusiastically. Sales figures illustrate how dramatic the rise has been.

In the UK alone, matcha drinks surged by more than 200 percent in 2023, and TikTok is flooded with videos tagged “MatchaTok,” where creators experiment with new recipes and showcase pastel-green lattes. For many, it’s not just a beverage but a lifestyle trend—a healthier-sounding alternative to coffee with an aesthetic edge that plays well on social media.

Part of its appeal is linked to studies that highlight its benefits. Research has found that matcha can support cognitive performance, reduce stress, and even improve heart health.

People who drink it regularly often view it as a way to boost focus and energy without the jittery side effects of coffee. On paper, it sounds like a drink with nothing but advantages.

However, there’s another side to the story—one that doesn’t often get mentioned in TikTok tutorials or café menus. Behind its reputation as a “super drink,” there’s a lesser-known risk tied to its chemical makeup, which can cause real health problems for some individuals.

Matcha may lower iron absorption if consumed too often without a balanced diet.

The issue lies in tannins, plant compounds naturally found in foods like tea, wine, and some fruits. Tannins can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron.

This means that people who already struggle with low iron, or who don’t get enough of it in their diets, could unknowingly worsen their situation by drinking matcha too frequently.

Health experts generally stress moderation. A matcha latte every so often isn’t likely to put most people at risk.

But if it becomes a frequent habit and isn’t balanced with an iron-rich diet, the consequences can creep up in ways that are easy to overlook at first—until the symptoms become too strong to ignore.

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One woman, Lynn Shazeen from South Carolina, found herself in exactly that situation. She had always been interested in health and wellness trends and decided to start drinking matcha about six months ago.

Initially, it was a once-a-week treat, but over time, she noticed changes that didn’t make sense.

“I started feeling more tired than usual,” she explained. “I was cold all the time, and every now and then, I’d get these weird heart palpitations.”

Concerned, she went to the hospital for tests. What doctors found shocked her: her iron levels had dropped almost in half.

Lynn shared her experience on social media, even posting a video of herself receiving an IV drip in the hospital with the caption: ‘RIP to my matcha obsession era. Lesson learned.’

The rising popularity of matcha has sparked discussions about its nutritional profile. Nutritionist Dr. Michael Greger suggests that while matcha is rich in antioxidants, it’s crucial to balance it with a diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.

He advocates for diversifying one’s beverage choices to avoid over-reliance on a single item. Incorporating different herbal teas can complement matcha, providing a broader spectrum of nutrients while minimizing potential risks.

Matcha habit leaves woman anaemic after sharp drop in iron levels.

She told reporters that she and her doctor explored every possible explanation but kept returning to the same conclusion.

“It was the only change I had made to my diet and daily routine,” she said. “As soon as I saw that my iron levels had dropped from 23 to 13, I knew immediately that it was the matcha that had caused it.”

Doctors prescribed her iron supplements and recommended cutting back. Lynn admits she hadn’t expected something perceived as so healthy to cause that much damage.

“I thought I was doing something good for my body,” she said. “It honestly never crossed my mind that it could make me anaemic.”Unsplash

Matcha can affect iron absorption, but moderation keeps it safe.

Cases like Lynn’s aren’t common, but they highlight why balance matters. Dietitian Sarah Martel pointed out that matcha contains more tannins than many other teas, but not every cup is the same.

How the drink is prepared can reduce the tannin content—adding milk, syrups, or diluting it with water makes a difference. Martel also noted that one cup isn’t enough to throw your health off balance:

“A reduction in iron absorption at one meal or around one drink doesn’t necessarily mean an iron deficiency will develop.”

According to her, the key is moderation. Unless someone is drinking large amounts daily without getting enough iron elsewhere in their diet, it’s unlikely to cause serious problems.

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Health Considerations of Matcha Consumption

Dr. John McDougall, a renowned physician, emphasizes that while matcha may provide certain health benefits, consuming large amounts can lead to potential risks, especially for those with caffeine sensitivities.

He notes that excessive caffeine intake can impact sleep quality, increase heart rate, and lead to anxiety. Therefore, moderation is key.

To enjoy matcha's benefits without adverse effects, it's recommended to limit intake to one or two servings a day and to pay attention to how your body responds.

Matcha isn’t suddenly a villain, but it isn’t a magic health drink either. Like most trendy wellness products, it comes with pros and cons. Its antioxidants and calming effects are real, but so is its ability to interfere with iron absorption in some individuals.

For fans of the green latte, the lesson isn’t to give it up entirely but to remain aware of how it fits into a balanced diet. Pairing it with iron-rich foods or drinking it in moderation can help avoid issues.

Lynn’s experience shows that even something marketed as healthy can have downsides if consumed without considering the bigger picture.

As matcha continues to trend, it’s vital to approach its consumption with informed caution. Experts like Dr. Susan David highlight the importance of emotional awareness when integrating new health trends into daily routines.

She advises listeners to tune into their body's responses and to question whether the trend genuinely aligns with their health needs. The key takeaway is to enjoy matcha mindfully, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from overall well-being.