Surely, you have heard of all the health benefits of green tea and how it’s the healthiest and most beneficial of all the tea types out there. Although you might prefer stronger black or oolong tea or slimmer white tea, it would come as a surprise that those come from the same tea plant, but have undergone different withering and oxidation processes.
Why is green tea recognized for its well-being benefits, while others we cherish for their aroma and flavor? For all the green tea lovers, let’s see what experience and science say happens if you drink tea all day every day… as you already do!
Brand Difference, Bland Difference?
It is true that if you’re having a habit of doing something every day, it becomes a part of your lifestyle, and drinking one blend of tea is no different. You get used to that taste, price, and seeing the packaging on the shelves, so distinctive among the others.
But, what happens if the distributor has run out of your favorite brand? What happens if you like this potion so much, that you want to find the best green tea brand possible? Do try to be open with options, as adding something simple such as lemon or orange juice, can enhance, diversify, and replenish your palate. You don’t need to modify your everyday routine but spicing it up a little bit, try another blend or include flavors.
Metabolic Benefits
… aka weight loss benefits – is the most popular and believed benefit linked to green tea consumption. If you ask nutritionists, they might advise you that the best time to have your tea might be before, or 30 – 60 minutes after the meal and, to get the most benefits, drinking 3-5 cups a day. And if you’re considering exercising, then the best time to dive yourself in green tea is 90 minutes before starting to sweat.
This whole effect owes its thanks to catechin, called EGCg which is in large quantities available only in green tea.
Have in mind that even though many studies show that people do lose weight, there are also some studies proving no effect. For people who drink this beverage every day, some effects can be confirmed, but it may be due to combining physical activity, a healthier diet, and drinking green tea. And this conjunction may be the key to most effective in losing weight, especially belly fat.
Energy Boost
If you’re not considering yourself among those who drink green tea to lose some excess pounds, maybe you’ve noticed the way it affects your energy levels, how it makes you more aware or gives you a refreshment boost? This is heavily due to its caffeine content, which, rest assured, all other teas have as well.
Then why do many people swear more on the beneficial effects of green tea than the other types?
It might have something to do with the process of preparation since the temperature and steeping time slightly different from others, from 61 °C (142 °F) to 87 °C (189 °F), from 30 seconds to three minutes maximum. The short brewing period doesn’t allow the release of tannins as they give a bitter, pungent taste while antioxidants, caffeine, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals remain unattached.
Sure, you can increase the water temperature and steeping time to extract more caffeine and EGCg, especially if you need that stimulative effect, and for, again, weight loss, but brace yourself as both are quite bitter.
Other (Health) Benefits
Although green tea may enhance your mental alertness due to its caffeine content, other prosperities await too – it is believed that consumption for a longer time leads to cholesterol-lowering effects, and most importantly, it works as a prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Green tea’s inflammatory effects provide the hydration crucial for glowing skin, like dark circles around the eyes, sebum, and acne have no odds in their favor as well thus so many cosmetic products containing green tea as a solution to oily or problematic skin. Yes, it works from the inside too so you can replace the face care routine with a couple of teacups.
Despite the fact it is used to treat diarrhea, have in mind that it can easily cause one if you overstep the recommended dosage advised by a specialist. You don’t want to end up with insomnia too, as people with caffeine sensitivity or other problems related to caffeine intake, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, people should avoid or limit its intake.
Its anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antioxidative, and neuroprotective power only tightens the almighty status in many cultures. Make sure to thrive on these benefits only if you drink 3-5 cups a day, every day. And if this is your favorite tea and you’ve found a favorite blend – you’re in for a treat!