We’ve all heard of the multiple benefits of consuming green tea. But can it be consumed at any time and have the same benefits?
What is green tea?
Green tea is very common among health enthusiasts because when partnered with exercise, it is known to help boost metabolism and cause weight loss.
Green tea is made from the dried leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant and is rich in antioxidants. The main difference between green tea and black tea is the way the same tea leaves are processed. For green tea, the tea leaves are harvested and then heated on a pan or steamer and then dried to prevent too much oxidation that makes the leaves turn brow. When brewed and if brewed right, then green tea should typically have a yellowish green or yellowish-brown colour.
Black tea leaves are harvested and allowed to fully oxidize before they are heat treated and dried, giving it the dark brown or blackish color. Black teas if brewed right is typically dark red or dark brown in color. Green tea does contain caffeine, but lower caffeine content than black tea and coffee. READ MORE – ADD THIS TO YOUR WATER FOR CLEAR GLOWING SKIN
When is the best time to consume green tea?
Do’s:
- Have it in before or after your meal:
Green tea contains loads of antioxidants (catechins) and it is important that it should be consumed in between two meals to be able to get the best benefits of the antioxidant properties of green tea. So having it around 2 hours before or 2 hours after your meal is ideal. The reason for drinking green tea in between two meals is because the catechins in green tea should not minimize and inhibit the nutrient and mineral intake from the food you are consuming.
- Partner green tea consumption with exercise for weight loss:
Just like every other diet which also involves exercise, same with consumption of green tea for weight loss. Many people try consuming green tea for weight loss and do not get its maximum benefits because they do not couple it with sufficient exercise. Green tea does contribute to the weight loss process, as it boosts the body metabolism because it contains antioxidants, also known as catechins that can help the body break down fat, while both catechins and caffeine can help increase the amount of energy the body uses, in turn speeding up the weight loss process.
Don’ts:
- Do not consume green tea before bed time:
Green tea contains caffeine, even though not as much caffeine content as in black tea and coffee, but its caffeine content is enough to hinder sleep. In addition to this, green tea is diuretic in nature. Diuretics are usually designed to increase the amount of water and salts expelled from the body, as urine. Green tea is mildly diuretic in nature and can disturb your sleep by making you want to urinate more than often once consumed. Those who are used to consuming green tea often, may not have this problem as the body adjusts and adapts and soon builds a tolerance towards it and may not have much of an effect. But it is still advisable that green tea consumption should be minimum 2 hours before bed.
- Do not over consume:
Just like every other food or drink, over consumption can have its very own side effects. Excessive consumption of green tea is not good for the body and can lead to a nauseous sensation and even cause vomiting in some. It can also make one constipated. The reason behind this is, green tea contains tannins, which are phenolic compounds found in plants. These tannins can cause these side effects. So, limiting your intake of green tea is advisable and ideally, 2 to 4 cups a day is preferable. READ MORE – GREEN TEA SHAMPOO for healthy hair growth
Caution: For first time drinkers, it is advisable to start off with limited quantities and work your way up on your green tea consumption. These quantities are based on general statistics of green tea drinkers. If you have any person-specific side effects, then further limit your consumption of green tea.