{
  "id": 17714097,
  "title": "When matcha makes its way into nasi lemak, is it still healthy?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/when-matcha-makes-its-way-into-nasi-lemak-is-it-still-healthy-17714097",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/11/02/when-matcha-makes-its-way-into-nasi-lemak-is-it-still-healthy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Matcha, a finely powdered Japanese green tea, has gained unexpected popularity in various savory dishes, even appearing in sweet treats like vanilla ice cream. However, adding matcha to a dish does not automatically make it healthier. Matcha contains beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), L-theanine, and caffeine. These compounds have antioxidant properties and potential roles in supporting metabolism, cardiovascular health, and inflammation control. Nevertheless, the overall nutritional value of a dish depends on the entire combination of ingredients, portion size, cooking method, sugar, fat, salt, and frequency of consumption.\n\nNutrition experts caution that matcha's health benefits are not automatically transferred to the entire dish. For instance, adding matcha to nasi lemak, a traditional Malaysian dish, may contribute some polyphenols but does not negate the dish's high calorie, sugar, saturated fat, or sodium content from coconut milk, sambal, fried accompaniments, and sodium. A healthier approach would be to moderate the amount of coconut milk, oil, and salt while incorporating more vegetables and selecting less oily accompaniments.\n\nThe same principle applies to matcha-marinated catfish. While the tea powder adds flavor and color and contains phenolic compounds, a deep-fried fish coated with matcha remains unhealthy due to the frying process. The nutritional impact of a dish is more significantly influenced by the cooking method than by the inclusion of matcha alone. Grilling, baking, or roasting with controlled amounts of oil and salt generally have a more substantial impact on the dish's nutritional profile than merely adding matcha.\n\nConsumers must also be cautious about consuming too much matcha. While traditional matcha is rich in catechins, cooking can reduce some of these beneficial compounds. The health effects of matcha are influenced by preparation and consumption methods. Excessive consumption of sugary matcha drinks or matcha snacks and sweets can lead to an increased intake of caffeine, which may cause headaches, palpitations, restlessness, or sleep problems. High doses of concentrated green tea extracts also raise concerns about potential liver enzyme level increases, according to the European Food Safety Authority. Ultimately, the key to enjoying matcha healthfully is not to rely solely on its color but to evaluate the overall nutritional profile of the dish.",
  "summary": "From lattes to fried catfish, matcha is finding its way into ever more unlikely dishes - but its green glow does not automatically make a meal better for you.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}