For coffee obsessives, gulping down at least four cups a day can be an important ritual. But swapping it for a similar amount of green tea can have major health benefits
During a typical eight-hour workday, I’d knock back at least four cups of coffee, each loaded with two teaspoons of instant granules and milk – a hefty amount for the average person, but for a coffee aficionado like myself, it was no big deal.
I decided to switch my beloved coffee for green tea in an effort to combat health issues, writes the Liverpool Echo’s Christopher Megrath. Plagued by bloating and persistent headaches, which I blamed on my excessive caffeine and dairy consumption, I was desperate for a change, especially with summer on the horizon and my desire for a radiant, natural glow intensifying.
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Never much of a tea drinker, I was in for quite the jolt to my routine. “Where has the coffee gone?” my body seemed to shout throughout the day. For my experiment, I opted for standard supermarket green tea, consuming about five to six large mugs during the weekdays while cutting down to just a couple during weekends.
I strictly kept to my green tea regimen from 9am until 5pm and only occasionally indulged in a cup before hitting the sack, which was a rarity. After just over four weeks of this new pattern, I’m feeling fresh as a daisy!
What exactly is green tea?
Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea; however, unlike its black counterpart, which undergoes oxidation, green tea leaves are left unoxidised.
The leaves of green tea undergo either steaming or pan-frying to halt the oxidation process. The methods of anti-oxidisation differ between Japan and China, which can subtly alter the taste.
Green tea naturally contains caffeine, but decaffeinated versions are also available. Despite popular belief, caffeinated beverages like green tea can be just as hydrating as their non-caffeinated counterparts.
What makes green tea so healthy?
Green tea is rich in a type of polyphenol known as a catechin. These antioxidants help prevent cell damage and offer other health benefits.
The most abundant and well-known catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which studies suggest may improve various health conditions or disease markers.
Putting the scientific lingo aside, research from the National Library of Medicine indicates it could help lower the risk of diabetes, enhance attention, boost metabolism and improve gut health.
Some potential benefits of green tea include:
- High in protective plant compounds called polyphenols
- May support focus and attention
- May promote calm
- May protect the brain from dementia
- May boost metabolism
- May support blood sugar control
- May reduce diabetes risk
- May reduce the risk of heart disease
- May support bone health
- May improve gut health
Fast forward one month
The first day was tough, not helped by the completely unfamiliar taste. However, the next day felt like waking up in a brand new body.
On rare occasions, I found myself reaching for coffee to kick-start my morning. But with green tea being my constant companion, the coffee hit my stomach like a freight train.
I immediately felt sluggish, bloated and generally a bit gross. If I did choose to have a coffee, it would be one at the most, and even then, I didn’t really fancy it.
I was committed to the green tea journey for the long haul. After a month of drinking green tea, I feel more vibrant and happier. The occasional headaches have ceased and my face looks fresher.
My eyes are brighter – as is my overall complexion. The daily bloating has lessened and I believe I also appear slimmer, possibly shedding a few pounds over the month. I didn’t monitor my weight so I can’t confirm, but I like how I look, which matters more to me.
Green tea is here to stay and I can’t envision replacing it with any other hot beverage. I’ve experimented with a few new flavours, so I’ll update you in May about hibiscus tea.
