Green tea is trending. Are you onboard?
Green tea is an excellent base for your healthy herbal teas and is delicious on its own. Hot or cold, green tea will not disappoint. I get excited for my daily cup (or two) of green tea and I hope you will too.
Fun facts and tips
- Green tea is best when not consumed on an empty stomach. The tannins in green tea could leave you feeling nauseous if you haven’t eaten in a while. It’s best to drink during a meal or after meals.
- Tea is a diuretic and can cause dehydration if adequate amounts of water are not ingested. Suggestion: drink 1- 2 glasses of water for each cup of caffeine tea or coffee to keep hydration levels up.
- It is best to let boiling water, which is 212 degrees, sit for 5-10 minutes before pouring on delicate green tea leaves. Otherwise, you may destroy the important catechins that provide the benefits of green tea. So, turn off the kettle just before boiling or let boiling water sit to bring it down to 180 degrees.
“Free radicals are oxidants that are unstable molecules that damage cells, change DNA, and cause disease. Therefore, antioxidants like polyphenols are needed to fight cellular damage and repair cell damage. Because many diseases are the result of cellular damage, polyphenol activity through the consumption of tea can be a vital benefit in any healthful diet.” TeaClass
7 Fabulous Reasons to Drink Green Tea
- Green tea lowers the risk of strokes and heart disease
Studies show 1-3 cups each day is enough to lower the risk of strokes and heart disease. This is achieved specifically by lowering cholesterol levels. The study specifically compared those who drank one cup each day with those who drank up to 3 cups per day. There is caffeine in green tea and if you are sensitive to this, consider one cup of caffeinated and the rest decaf.
- Green tea has less caffeine
An 8-ounce cup of green tea contains about 28 mg of caffeine, roughly half of black tea. For me, this means I can have more than one cup a day without feeling the jittery effects of caffeine. The caffeine in tea leaves you morealert for more extended periods than other caffeinated beverages. Due to the high levels of tea antioxidants, you are less likely to crash a few hours after consumption.
- Green tea is helpful for weight loss
We all want to have a fast metabolism and drinking green tea can do just this! Drinking green tea regularly will contribute to fat burning. Specifically, studies showed inches were lost in the waist, and the weight dropped with regular tea drinking. When our metabolism is working correctly, that will ensure our heart is pumping well, and our digestion can do its job.
- Green tea could help beat cancer
Knowing that green tea may fight cancer is a pretty great reason to drink this tea. Studies show several types of cancers can benefit from regular green tea consumption, such as kidney, pancreas, stomach, mouth, and more.
- Green tea increases the operating power of the brain
The stimulant effects of caffeine wake up our minds, allowing us to be more productive and creative. Our focus becomes sharper with green tea. Moods improve as well while drinking green tea and for a few hours after. Suggestion: reach for a cup of tea instead of wine when you want a boost.
- Green tea lowers rates of type 2 diabetes
Specifically, blood sugar levels decrease with regular green tea usage. Also, Insulin sensitivity is reduced due to green tea consumption.
- Green tea reduces inflammation
You can thank the flavonoids for this benefit. The element epigallocatechin gallate in green tea contains anti-inflammatory effects and protection for cells. Green tea is antibacterial as well as antiviral, further working with the body to reduce inflammation.
Now that you know why you should drink green tea, experiment with recipes to find your favorites. Green tea blends well with fruity and floral teas, as well as all herbal teas. The steeping times may differ so brew green tea separately. Green tea is best steeped from 2-4 minutes to reduce a bitter taste. Many herbal teas are best when steeped for longer periods to extract more healing properties.
Recipe for Earl Green
I have tried several versions of this tea, and I find the citrus notes to be delightful. This is a healthier version of black tea Earl Grey. Combining green tea leaves (the bigger, the better) with bergamot and rose petals make a delicate and earthy tea with floral notes. Lavender, dried orange peel, jasmine, and pea flower are also beautiful additions to Green Earl Grey tea.
Turn Earl Green into a latte by making a more potent brew. Add two parts hot tea with one part steamed/frothed milk (or milk substitute) and sweetener of choice. Read Tea Lattes for more recipes.
Two delicious teas from You, Me, and Uni contain a multitude of health benefits. They can be combined with green tea for added advantages and added flavor.
Meditative State of Mind contains moringa and is delicious! Moringa leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and can decrease fat formation in the body and improve fat breakdown. This tea is delicious and refreshing, and it will also help to relax you before bed as it is infused with chamomile and lavender. Know Your Gut, Trust Your Gut will help with bloating and when you have overeaten. Drink this tea as a digestive aid after meals and before bed. It contains red clover blossom, comfrey, dandelion, and cornflower petal.
Anastacia Elizabeth Walden is a writer, editor, and owner of Walden Writes For Women.
