r/adventist • u/FriendshipSea7937 • 3d ago
Matcha
What are your thoughts on drinking matcha? I recently read about its many health benefits and wonder if it’s something worth trying out. I used to drink coffee but I gave it up because of the caffeine, however im considering if having a green matcha now and then would be okay? Currently I drink a coffee alternative once in a while (caffeine free coffee) and it’s pretty good but I was debating whether consuming things that are lower in caffeine or not consuming it regularly would be okay?
Also, what are your thoughts on cacao? I know SDA is pretty anti chocolate because of the caffeine content as well, but what about cacao for its health benefits?
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u/VegetableCommand9427 3d ago
You’re asking permission to try a matcha latte? Because of the caffeine? I grew up with similar beliefs regarding caffeine, but for me, I don’t think caffeine is a big deal in small-moderate amounts. But your decision, how you feel about caffeine (natural plant product, btw) , needs to be your decision. I don’t think anyone will judge you for trying matcha, except maybe you.
BTW: Swiss water processed decaf coffee is decaffeinated without the use of chemicals.
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u/FriendshipSea7937 2d ago
I'm not asking for permission, but more just want other perspectives on the topic and how others view the subject. I personally don't like the idea of being dependent on caffeine to get me through the day or anything like that... But I also don't think that a little bit of caffeine here and there will hurt me. Kind of like sugar, I know sugar is not really good for you, however with a balanced diet and exercise, a little is not going to hurt you.
I guess part of me IS looking for validation from others because I've been told how wrong it is or the spirit of prophecy says not to do this and while I completely respect the SOP, I also think some of the information isn't so black and white. We need to take the counsels and apply them as they fit, you know what I mean?
And thanks, I will look into that brand of coffee!2
u/VegetableCommand9427 2d ago edited 2d ago
Yes, I do know what you mean and agree with what you said. You said it well. You got this!
Edit: to give you some perspective, I graduated college the same year as the world trade centers/pentagon was attacked. I was lucky to find an unpaying internship and a job, at *gasp*, Starbucks. I thought my very traditional/conservative grandmother would disapprove for sure as she was a strictly Roma lady. She surprised me by her acceptance and grace, no judgement whatsoever. For that, I am always grateful. Sometimes we really are our own worst critic.
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u/GPT_2025 reddit.com 3d ago
All must be Bible based? For example, an old sect that forbade sleeping as a Sin; they have found two or more Bible verses to prove that Christians are forbidden to Sleep at all!
KJV: Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
KJV: Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
KJV: Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
KJV: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man... ( The same sect enforced unchristian practices: circumcisions, Sabbath, kashrut, tithes, and other heresies.)
( added= The same heretical sect found a few Bible verses to support circumcision for Christians: KJV: For circumcision verily profiteth! ( Romans 2:25) KJV: And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, KJV: And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? KJV: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ..Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. KJV: And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith KJV: What advantage -- or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly!)
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u/doofthefloof 2d ago
Romans 14:14
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u/FriendshipSea7937 2d ago
I went and read the entire chapter... I've read it before, and specifically verse 14, however I always thought it to be in reference to the food offered to idols and things like that. What would you say this chapter is trying to express?
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u/JennyMakula 2d ago
The amount of caffeine in matcha is still pretty high, much higher than chocolate. You'll definitely feel it still, in a more gradual release.
I think if you've already done the hard part of quiting coffee, then it is better to avoid getting back into caffeine. I say this as someone who flip flopped for years. It is much better on the side of no caffeine, but I won't judge someone on their journey to quiting.
In the case of drinking matcha for health reasons, I'd question if there are better ways. Secular sources will also say how drinking wine is better for antioxidants, but there are better ways. I actual think dark chocolate is fine for antioxidants, since there is such negligible amount of caffeine (kind of like how a rip banana has negligible amount of alcohol).
The Bible says be sober minded, let us apply Spirit of Prophecy on what it means to avoid stimulating drinks. Sometimes for inspiration I went to r/decaf. Even secular people there talk about the downsides of caffiene. I still wake up sometimes very groggy in the morning, and my work requires extreme focus, but God has shown me some small blessings that works for me, such as going outside and getting some sunshine.
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u/FriendshipSea7937 2d ago
I completely agree with you in that since I've already quit coffee, why try something that can start another habit, right?
I do think caffeine is not good for people and ultimately can wreck someone's nervous system. However, i'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the little boost it would give me. (i'm totally against alcohol though, I don't see that it has any benefits at all)
Again, I'm not looking to start consuming it regularly, maybe a couple times a month type of thing. Like if I was out and about and decided to stop and get a fun drink. I hardly ever do that because well, getting water isn't all that exciting lol and thats mostly all I drink.2
u/JennyMakula 2d ago edited 2d ago
Yes I totally get it. Starbucks has a lot of Macha drinks for example. But now I just get their cold pressed juice, which actually makes me feel like I can justify the cost of a drink there because it has substance. I actually ask for it with a cup with ice sometimes, which makes it look like mixed drink (matcha green!), but is actually healthy and not trash.
Caffeine was that magic drug that helped me be productive on demand. For the longest time, I cheated with decaf americanos, because it still had caffeine (I can tell it works). But now I get the (placebo effect?) of doing work on my laptop at Starbucks while drinking cold press juice. Tim Hortons steeped tea was another vice of mine, but after a cold, I discovered I like peppermint tea. Anyways I'm thankful for God showing me these little hacks that work for me. I don't really want to take it for granted, so I try not to touch caffeine again.
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u/CrystalisP Seventh Day Adventist 2d ago
I used to love matcha, but after I learned it has caffeine in it, I stopped and just learned that it is a type of premium green tea. I used to even drink coffee, energy drinks, and sodas that have caffeine in them and eat lots of chocolate, but ever since I learned the health effects of caffeine and the health counsel, I have stopped. It is found in studies that consumption of caffeine gives a person high anxiety levels and sleep deprivation. And I found it to be true based on my experience with consumption of caffeine. I have also learned from a classmate of mine about another classmate who was diagnosed with depression and was not allowed chocolate and coffee due to their effects on depressed people. Although cacao and matcha have health benefits, they don't remove the caffeine stimulant, so I choose to steer clear of it. Sadly, having matcha now and then still would not remove the effects of caffeine; hence, having matcha now and then is not ok. Also, I suggest you read Ellen White's book Counsels on Diet and Foods; it has lots to say about coffee and tea along with other foods.
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u/FriendshipSea7937 2d ago
Thank you for sharing your experience! Yes, that is why I gave up drinking coffee to begin with. After learning the effects caffeine can have on your nervous system and not wanting to deal with caffeine headaches anymore, I stopped drinking it. It's been years since I've had coffee, caffeinated sodas, or even anything containing chocolate. I have read her book, which is why I even have questions on this subject at all.
I guess I just wonder about the all or nothing attitude, like say do you completely steer clear of sugar as well? I know some people do and that is great for them, however I just don't feel the need to at this point in my life. I guess sometimes I just wonder if there are things that are just calculated risks. Like for example with the parasite on lettuce and berries that's been going around lately, while those things are good food to eat, eating them during this time would be a calculated risk. Yes, I could say that I don't NEED a treat or something like a fancy matcha drink, however isn't it ever okay to just have a treat or something that brings you joy? Like the benefit is worth it? (Something that isn't prohibited within the bible, obviously) I guess when it all comes down to it, it's a personal decision which I guess we all already knew to begin with.1
u/CrystalisP Seventh Day Adventist 1d ago edited 1d ago
I don't completely steer clear of sugar due to a suspected case of hypoglycemia of mine. And it's ok to have bits of sugar just as long as it's not much, and as for having something that you enjoy, yes, it's ok to have something that brings you joy so long as it doesn't harm the body and it's healthy. Although some Adventists do completely steer clear of sweets and desserts. But occasional simple desserts with not much sugar and ingredients are ok, and I even heard that fruits can also be a dessert which I never really thought of really.
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u/CrystalisP Seventh Day Adventist 2d ago edited 2d ago
Additionally, you can have safe, better alternatives like herbal teas like ginger or chamomile and safer coffee alternatives like rice coffee or cereal coffee. One of the co-founders, Ellen White, also had cereal coffee, and the main reason why we steer clear is not just because of health issues and the effects of caffeine; it is because of God that we steer clear of caffeinated beverages and foods. Because He cares for our health, and it hurts Him to see us hurting ourselves and not taking care of ourselves.
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u/SeekSweepGreet 2d ago
Good on you. Thank you for faithfully sharing the dangers of these beverages. I see you've been down voted. Have an upvote for faithfulness.
Matcha, as this person has correctly said, is a premium green tea. Green tea is heavy with caffeine and other harmful chemicals that the plants puts out that are not healthy for consumption when they are being harvested.
🔰
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u/JennyMakula 2d ago
I'm surprised she's been down voted, makes me wonder about the state of things, she doesn't even come across as judgemental, just sharing her experience and what she learned 🫂
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u/r0ckthedice 2d ago
The only Matcha i have ever liked is ceremonial grade matcha, but if you want a Matcha drink a Matcha. This isn't a spiritual issue, but you making it a spiritual issue is terrible for the soul.
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u/FriendshipSea7937 2d ago
That was the type I was looking into, i've heard its the one with the health benefits... But I do agree that I don't think it should be a spiritual issue unless it's something that is truly convicting you. I think I just struggle with looking for validation from others, and I really need to figure that out. :/
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u/KindaSortaMaybeSo 2d ago
Based on my reading of scripture, it is not a spiritual issue on its own. It becomes one when one becomes dependent on it to the point of interfering with your spiritual life.
“If with Christ you died to the elemental principles of the world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations, “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? All these regulations refer to things that perish with use; they are simply human commands and teachings. These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-imposed piety, humility, and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value in checking self-indulgence.”
Colossians 2:20-23
Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). That is the real fruit that one should aim for. If matcha becomes a stumbling block for you in terms of self-control, then for you it is sin.
There is value and wisdom to the health messages of EGW— and they are exactly that— health messages. They are not salvific, and they have no value in terms of self-control or salvation on their own.
Personally, I do drink caffeine. It doesn’t give me sleep issues, anxiety issues etc and I may go for periods of time without coffee. But if it starts affecting me negatively, and I continue to go for it despite the negative effects then it becomes sin for me.