Enjoyed by billions of people worldwide in a variety of cultures, tea is one of the most extensively consumed beverages in the world. Its original discovery and steady rise to popularity can be traced back thousands of years to ancient China. In the 1840s, the British East India Company started growing and manufacturing tea in the Assam region, which is how tea was originally brought to North East India.
Though the use of green tea has outlasted all other varieties of the Camellia sinensis plant, the methods used in its processing have remained mostly same. Green teas are still gathered and moulded by hand in many tea-producing nations, often with the use of basic, antiquated gear that has been passed down through the generations. But the ways in which it is consumed has changed over time.
Green tea is one of the world’s healthiest drinks and is said to offer numerous possible health benefits. Studies have indicated that green tea can help in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, improving cognition, and easing tension and anxiety. Green tea comes in a variety of forms, such as drinks, topical ointments, and dietary supplements. Continue reading to learn about the potential advantages and best practices for using green tea in your diet.
Relieves stress and anxiety
L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, helps you relax by reducing tension and anxiety. When it comes to L-theanine content, green tea surpasses black, oolong, and white tea. According to research, taking 200–400 mg of L-theanine per day can help lower tension and anxiety. According to a 2019 study, participants who took 200 mg of L-theanine daily for four weeks experienced higher improvements in their sleep, anxiety, and depression than those who took a placebo.
Protects from cognitive decline
Green tea is rich in antioxidants which in turn may protect against cell damage that increases the risk of chronic disorders. One of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other associated dementias is cognitive decline. Confusion and memory loss are common and get worse with cognitive impairment.
Helps support bone health
Osteoporosis, a bone disease that raises the risk of hip, spine, and wrist fractures, may be less common in people who drink green tea. Postmenopausal people have the highest risk of osteoporosis.
Improves longevity
Green tea is a source of polyphenols, or antioxidants that can help in –
• Reducing inflammation
• Reducing oxidative stress, or the harm that toxic compounds do to cells that could raise the chance of disease
• Reduces signs of ageing
May prevent Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes may be prevented and managed with green tea. Green tea’s antioxidants may help lower insulin resistance. Your cells become less sensitive to insulin than normal when you have insulin resistance. Your cells need the hormone insulin to help them turn sugar into energy. One of the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance.
A few simple tips for enjoying your green tea to the fullest:
• Avoid adding green tea straight to boiling water as this will destroy its healthy catechins.
• Avoid decaffeination as it will affect the nutrients present in the tea.
• Add lemon to your tea to help in the absorption nutrients.
• Don’t skimp on quality! Choose good quality products as more nutrients are present in it.
Optimal time for drinking green tea
There are certain times of the day that are better than others for consuming green tea.
Sip green tea between meals: A cup of green tea will help you pass the time between meals. Drinking two hours or so before or after a meal can help you get the most out of your meals in terms of nutrients and iron absorption.
Drink green tea before a workout: Sipping on some tea before working out may help speed up your metabolism. It contains caffeine and may also provide you with an energy boost. When combined, these make a fantastic beverage to test right before working out.
Furthermore, green tea that has been left out overnight should never be consumed. It may be extremely harmful to your health as it may contain mould and germs and also start to lose its flavour due to leaving it out overnight.
Fun facts on green tea
Did you know that a terrible hangover is the catalyst for green tea’s rise to fame? Indeed, it is true that centuries ago, a monk by the name of Myoan Eisai rescued the life of a Japanese shogun named Sanetamo (1192–1219 CE) who was so overindulged in a hangover that everyone around him believed he was about to pass away. Following that, Sanetamo developed a passion for tea and began spreading green tea to Japan.
After reading this, you may find yourself making a cup of green tea for yourself!
FAQs
What happens if I drink green tea every day?
In general, most people can include green tea in their regular diet as long as it's consumed in moderation. Three to five cups (24 to 40 ounces) per day appear to have health benefits (despite conflicting research).
What is the main benefit of drinking green tea?
Drinking green tea has numerous advantages. It is rich in antioxidants, which can improve your general health and prevent or treat cellular damage. This involves lowering specific inflammatory indicators, which may lower the chance of cognitive deterioration. It might even possess some qualities that aid in preventing heart disease and cancer.
How much green tea can one drink in a day?
It is safe to consume up to eight cups of unsweetened green tea per day. But people should be aware amount of caffeine is present in the brand they choose. Green tea in excessive amounts has the potential to harm the liver or interfere with certain medications.