11 Reasons Why You Should Be Drinking Green Tea Every Day
Green tea has been part of traditional cultures for centuries, with its health and wellness benefits known since ancient times. Today, more and more people are becoming aware of the many advantages that green tea provides – from aiding in weight loss to protecting against disease. But why drink green tea on a regular basis? Here are 11 significant reasons why you should make it part of your daily morning routine.
What is Green Tea Made of?
Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, a shrub native to Asia and India. The leaves and buds of this plant are used to make green tea. The leaves are picked, heated, rolled, and dried to create the beverage known as green tea. This beverage contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which have the power to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains catechins, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea Every Day
- Helps with Weight Loss – Studies have shown that consuming green tea can boost your metabolism and help you burn fat. The catechins in green tea are responsible for this, as they help to lower body fat levels.
- Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease – Green tea helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. It is also full of antioxidants that protect against damage from free radicals and inflammation in the body.
- Brain Function Improvements –The caffeine found in green tea can help improve concentration, alertness, and reaction times, but without the crash associated with coffee or other caffeinated beverages. This makes it a great choice for students or anyone looking for a mental boost throughout the day.
- Prevents Cancer – Green tea contains a phytochemical called epigallocatechin gallate, which has been linked to reduced cancer risk. It works by reducing inflammation and preventing cell damage in the body.
- Detoxifies the Body – The antioxidants in green tea can help detoxify your body, as well as help reduce bloating and water retention. This makes it particularly beneficial for those looking to lose weight or cleanse their bodies of toxins.
- Enhances Immune System Function – Studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly can increase immunity, helping to ward off illnesses such as colds and flu more effectively than those who don’t drink green tea regularly.
- Benefits Skin and Hair Health – The antioxidants found in green tea can help keep your skin looking younger and prevent premature aging. It also helps to reduce inflammation on the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth.
- Strengthens Bones – Drinking green tea can help strengthen bones and lower the risk of osteoporosis due to its high levels of calcium and fluoride content.
- Reduces Stress Levels – Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine which has been linked to improved moods, decreased stress levels, and even better sleep quality.
- Improves Digestion – Green tea is useful for improving digestion as it helps stimulate your digestive enzymes, allowing you to absorb more nutrients from the food that you eat.
- Enhances Oral Health – Green tea helps fight bacteria in the mouth, thus reducing plaque buildup and improving oral health. It also helps to reduce bad breath due to its high levels of antioxidants which help to combat odor-causing bacteria.
Also, Read: The Surprising Benefits of Drinking Matcha Green Tea
Does Green Tea Contain Caffeine?
Yes, green tea does contain caffeine. However, it is much less than what is found in coffee. On average, an 8-ounce cup of green tea contains around 25 to 45 mg of caffeine, whereas a cup of coffee will contain between 100 to 200 mg.
Caffeinated vs Decaf Green Tea: What’s the Difference
The main difference between caffeinated and decaf green tea lies in the amount of caffeine. Caffeinated green tea contains 25-45mg per cup, while decaf green tea typically contains only 2-5mg per cup. Other than that, there is no significant difference between regular and decaf green teas — they both contain beneficial compounds like antioxidants and polyphenols. Ultimately, your choice comes down to personal preference and whether you would prefer to have more or less caffeine in your beverage.
Best Time to Consume Green Tea
Green tea is best consumed in the morning and late afternoon. This is because the caffeine content in green tea will help to boost your energy levels, while the antioxidants and polyphenols work to strengthen your immune system. Additionally, avoiding drinking green tea too close to bedtime can help improve sleep quality as large amounts of caffeine may interfere with natural sleeping patterns.
What is a Green Tea Shot?
Have you ever heard of a Green Tea Shot? It’s a popular whiskey-based cocktail, but does it actually contain green tea? The answer is no. Despite its name, the Green Tea Shot does not contain any actual green tea.
The drink gets its name from its greenish color, which is reminiscent of green tea. The similarities end there though. The classic Green Tea Shot (also known as a “Jameson Green Tea”) is made up of equal parts Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix that’s finished off with a splash of citrus soda. This combination creates a sweet-tart flavor that many people enjoy.
The Jameson Irish Whiskey gives it a unique flavor and the sweet-and-sour mix adds a tartness that balances out the sweetness of the peach schnapps. The Green Tea Shot is easy to make and can be served as either a shot or a shooter.
To make a Green Tea Shot, combine 1/2 ounce of Irish whiskey, 1/2 ounce of peach schnapps, and 1/2 ounce of the sweet-and-sour mix, and top with lemon-lime soda in a shaker glass filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a shot glass. You can also add some extra garnishes such as mint leaves or lime wedges for added flavor.
Also, Read: How to Make Ginger Tea at Home: Refreshing and Healing
The Green Tea Shot is perfect for any occasion – from happy hour to parties – and is sure to be enjoyed by all!
Conclusion
Green tea has a plethora of health benefits from boosting energy levels to improving digestion and skin health. It is also relatively low in caffeine compared to coffee, making it a great alternative for those who want the benefits without the crash associated with coffee or other caffeinated beverages. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a healthier beverage option, then consider giving green tea a try.
