Coffee, matcha or cocoa: Which morning drink actually boosts your energy?
Coffee (Photo: Magnific)
Coffee has long been the go-to morning ritual for millions of people, but in recent years matcha and cocoa have become increasingly popular. Both are often promoted as coffee alternatives that help boost energy and improve focus.
Nutritionist and dietitian Halyna Senyk explains how these drinks differ and how to choose the right one based on your needs.
Coffee provides a quick energy boost
According to the expert, coffee doesn't actually create energy in the body. The body's true source of energy is ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is produced in the mitochondria. Caffeine creates the feeling of alertness by affecting the nervous system.
"Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors. Adenosine builds up throughout the day and signals the brain that you're tired. When those receptors are temporarily blocked, you feel less sleepy, and it seems like you suddenly have more energy," the nutritionist explains.
Caffeine also stimulates the nervous system by triggering the release of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol, which improves concentration, productivity, and physical endurance.
However, the effect is temporary. Once caffeine leaves the body, accumulated adenosine starts working again, often leading to a sudden feeling of fatigue. People who are sensitive to caffeine may also experience anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, or disrupted sleep, especially if they drink coffee later in the day.
Coffee does have benefits as well. It contains polyphenols, natural antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from oxidative stress.
For most healthy adults, up to three to four cups of coffee per day is considered safe, provided there are no individual medical contraindications.
Matcha offers a smoother effect
Matcha also contains caffeine, and in some cases it may even provide more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. However, it contains additional compounds that alter how it affects the body.
One of matcha's biggest advantages is its high concentration of antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and support overall health.
Matcha also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps balance caffeine's stimulating properties.
"L-theanine promotes the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps reduce feelings of anxiety. As a result, people who drink matcha are less likely to experience caffeine-related side effects such as jitters, a racing heart, or sudden blood vessel constriction," the dietitian explains.
Like coffee, however, caffeine in matcha only temporarily masks fatigue. Once its effects wear off, natural tiredness returns because caffeine doesn't produce energy; it simply changes how we perceive it.
Cocoa provides gentle stimulation
Cocoa has a much milder stimulating effect than coffee or matcha. It contains a small amount of caffeine along with flavonoids, magnesium, and natural compounds that support the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
According to Halyna Senyk, cocoa partially blocks adenosine receptors, although much less strongly than coffee. It also stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which helps widen blood vessels, improve circulation, and support concentration.
Cocoa also promotes the release of endorphins, improving mood while providing a gentle energy boost.
Which drink should you choose?
The best choice depends on your body's individual needs and how you respond to caffeine. However, it's important to remember that none of these drinks actually produces energy. Instead, they influence biochemical processes that create the feeling of alertness.
Good sleep, a balanced diet, and proper rest remain the foundation of lasting energy and overall well-being.
When choosing between these drinks, it's worth considering the condition of your cardiovascular system, your metabolism, and how your body reacts after consuming each beverage.
"Each of these drinks can be part of a healthy diet, but it's important not to consume excessive amounts of caffeine," the expert concludes.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
