What are the Benefits and Side Effects of Green Tea; How Much to Drink Per Day

Green tea is said to be one of the healthiest beverages on the earth. It has lots of antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on our body. These include good brain function, lower risk of cancer, weight loss and many other impressive benefits.

The reason that green tea is healthier than black tea is because of its processing method. Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation while green tea’s processing avoids the fermentation method. Therefore, green tea retains a polyphenolsmaximum amount of antioxidants & poly-phenols, the substances that provide green tea its many benefits.

In this article, we have mentioned some important health benefits of green tea that are supported by various studies.

Green Tea Benefits

Weight Loss - Green tea increases metabolism. It contains polyphenol that helps in intensifying levels of fat oxidation & the rate at which our body turns food into calories.

Heart Disease - Scientists say that green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, which keeps them stay relaxed & better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. Green tea could also protect against the formation of clots that are the primary cause of heart attacks.

Diabetes - Green tea also helps in regulating glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after consuming food. This can prevent high insulin spikes & resulting fat storage.

Cholesterol - Green tea decreases the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and also improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.

Blood Pressure - Daily consumption of green tea is said to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. So those having high blood pressure problems must drink it regularly.

Tooth Decay - Research suggests that the chemical antioxidant known as “catechin” in tea can wipe out bacteria & viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries, and other dental conditions

Skincare - Green tea is really good for the skin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in green tea reduce wrinkles and signs of aging. Animal & human studies have shown that green tea applied topically can reduce sunburn or damage.

Green tea side effects

We cannot ignore the fact that green tea can be bad for our health if it is not consumed properly or with proper guidance.

• Green tea has tannins, which can decrease the absorption of iron & folic acid. Hence if you are pregnant or trying to conceive then it is better to avoid green tea.

• There is caffeine in green tea. People with severe caffeine sensitivities may experience anxiety, insomnia, irritability, nausea, or upset stomach due to green tea.

• People who take blood thinners (anticoagulant drugs) like Coumadin or warfarin must drink green tea with caution because of its vitamin K content. They also advised avoiding green tea & aspirin as it reduces the clotting effectiveness of platelets.

• If green tea is taken with stimulant drugs then it could increase blood pressure as well as heart rate.

Green Tea: How to Make

Green tea can be made in many ways – you can prepare it with tea leaves and also with tea bags. You can choose whichever way you want as both are easy.

Ingredients needed to make green tea

• Green tea leaves – 1/2 teaspoon for 1 cup of tea. OR tea bag

• 1 cup of water

• Honey or sugar

• Tea strainer

Method to make green tea

• Take a pan and boil 1 cup of water in it.

• After 5 minutes add 1/2 teaspoon of green tea leaves and boil it for 2 minutes.

• You can add either sugar or honey in it for sweetness.

• Now, take sieve/ strainer and put it over the cup or mug.

• If you prefer honey then it should be added at the last. Stir the honey and enjoy your cup of green tea.