Green Tea: Facts, Health Benefits, Myths, And Side Effects

Green Tea: Facts, Health Benefits, Myths, And Side Effects

Myths and facts of Green Tea include a reduction in heart ailments, produces a calming effect and lowers blood sugar levels. Green tea myths include burning body fat, fighting metabolism and keeping people young. All these facts of Green Tea are based on scientific evidence.

Although It is a native to China & India, Americans are slowly adopting it as its own. It has been hailed and consumed in equal measure, due to the enormous health benefits of Green Tea. It is now a leading contender for the title of the ‘most popular morning beverage’.

Coffee lovers will raise their eyebrows and deliver a sermon on the benefits of coffee, especially the presence of Caffeine. Falsified green tea myths are confusing. Through this write-up, we wish to cover some essential green tea myths and facts.

How is it different from regular Tea?

All varieties of tea are brewed from dried leaves of Camellia Sinesis, and the white tea comes from un-oxidized buds. Oolong tea comes from oxidized leaves.

Black Tea comes from boiling those oxidizing leaves. And lastly, It comes from the un-oxidized leaves. Add milk to black tea, and your hot cup of regular Tea is ready.

Is it good for health And What are some common benefits?

Yes, drinking it regularly is right for your health. It comes loaded with antioxidants that are beneficial to our health. Some benefits of Green Tea include,

  1. Improved brain function
  2. Protection against the growth of cancer cells
  3. Lowered the risk of having heart disease
  4. Increased fat burning
  5. Prevention of cardiovascular disease
  6. Protection against ageing
  7. Reduction in bad breath
  8. Prevention against type 2 diabetes
Green Tea: Facts, Health Benefits, Myths, And Side Effects

How To Prepare It At home?

Preparing this tea is simple if you follow the steps correctly. You must, however, remember that you need to boiled its leaves for over 90°c will leave a bitter taste. Let’s look at three ways to prepare it at home.

Method 1 – Preparation With Leaves

You will need – 1 teaspoon of the tea leaves; tea strainer; steel pot; a little more than a cup of water; 1 teaspoon of honey.

Step 1 – Use the steel pot/pan to boil the water. Maintain temperatures between 80°C to 85°C

Step 2 – Once brought to a boil, turn off the gas/hear. Let it cool down for around 30 seconds.

Step 3 – Place the leaves in a strainer and pour the hot water through it onto a cup.

Step 4 – Add honey if needed. Let it cool a bit and enjoy

For more details watch this Youtube Video.

Method 2 – Preparation With Lipton Green Tea Bags

You will need – Lipton bags; a steel pot; a little more than a cup of water.

Step 1 – Use the steel pot/pan to boil the water. Maintain temperatures between 80°C to 85°C

Step 2 – Place the Lipton bag into the drinking cup.

Step 3 – Pour the boiled water into the cup. Let the Lipton bag steep for around 3 minutes.

Step 4 – Remove the Lipton bag, stir with a spoon and enjoy

For more details about this method, watch this Youtube Video.

Method 3 – It Brewing With Powder

You will need – 1 and ½ powder of it; a little more than a cup of water; 1 teaspoon of honey.

Step 1 – Use the steel pot/pan to boil the water. Maintain temperatures between 80°C to 85°C

Step 2 – Turn off the gas/heat and let it cool. Now, add the the tea powder.

Step 3 – Let it brew for around 3 minutes. Wait for the colour to turn light brown.

Step 4 – Pour it onto a cup through a strainer and add honey. Stir and enjoy

For more details watch this Youtube Video.

Benefits for Weight Loss?

It contains a compound called Caffeine. Each cup of it contains between 24-40 mg of Caffeine. It is a well-known fat burning stimulant. Caffeine is also known to improve performance when exercising.

While drinking it, antioxidants are slowly getting to work inside your body. They get to work in your bloodstream itself. One such potent antioxidant is Catechin. (Reference: Catechin, Wikipedia, Retrieved on 30th May 2020)

Then there is Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that can boost metabolism in the body. It mobilizes the fat within your body cells.

Drinking the tea breaks down fat within the ‘fat cells’ itself. This broken-down fat cell travels into your bloodstream. It enhance the boosting effects of fat-burning hormones such as Norepinephrine in the body leads to faster fat breakdown.

Green Tea: Facts, Health Benefits, Myths, And Side Effects
Image Credit: Pixabay

How Much Green Tea Can I Drink Per Day?

It is a popular health drink. Although there is no concrete proof as to how much green tea consumption is good between 1 to 5 cups a day is fine.

Drinking green tea daily helps lower the risk of numerous diseases. E.g. it is observed that women who drink three to four cups of it daily are least likely to develop oral cancer.

One thing is sure. Someone who drinks Tea will be in better health than those who don’t drink it at all.

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Common Facts About Drinking Green Tea You Need To Know?

The following green tea facts can ascertain its popularity and health benefits.

Fact #1 – Green Tea reduces heart ailment risks

As per studies, those who drink unsweetened green tea are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases. As per the review, the benefits of green Tea to heart diseases differ in genetics and region. They are considered an alternative to any sugary beverage.

Fact #2 – It has a calming effect

It is a huge source of amino acid. The compound L-theanine works as a mood-enhancement and makes you more alert. As per research (Reference: Theanine, WebMD, Retrieved on 30th May 2020), L-theanine also reduces anxiety and improves focus. So calm your nerves by sipping on green tea every day.

Fact #3 – It reduces cancer risks

The antioxidants found in green tea have been touted to fight cancer. A 2002 study (Reference: Cancer Research UK, Retrieved on 30th May 2020) found the antioxidant polyphenols to suppress tumor cells. To become an avid drinker of it to fight off the growth of cancerous cells in your body.

Fact #4 – It helps lower blood sugar levels

Unsweetened green tea lowers blood sugar levels. Those gulping down energy drinks, soda or juices can look away. Switch to green Tea to get long-term results in sugar levels. As per a study (Reference: Health Benefits Linked to Green Tea, Harvard, Retrieved on 30th May 2020), the number-one source of sugar in the United States is sweetened beverages.

Fact #5 – It is not Matcha Tea

It undergoes a slightly different farming process as compared to Matcha tea. Matcha tea is consumed in its powdered form, which also makes it a concentrated version of it. It also contains more Caffeine than the Tea itself.

Green Tea: Facts, Health Benefits, Myths, And Side Effects
Image Credit: Pixabay

Myths About Green Tea You Need To Know?

The following green tea myths have confused many in considering it to be a ‘healing potion’. Although drinking the tea is beneficial to your health in numerous ways, some green tea myths do need debunking.

Green Tea Myth #1 – It’s consumption burns belly fat fast

No one single food or drink can burn fat immediately. It is hard to come by even when changing a diet plan, wherein you burn more energy than you consume.

The fat mass (stored around the tummy) needs tightening up. Drinking the tea can do that but gradually. Working out or doing exercise can amplify the impact of green tea.

Green Tea Myth # 2 – It will surely boost metabolism

Metabolism rate does increase, but not entirely due to it. Metabolism-boosting depends on Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) of an individual. Only through building muscle or a leaner frame can metabolism be significantly improved. Again, green is the facilitator.

Green Tea Myth #3 – It keeps you young

Anti-aging scavenges for free-radicals within human cells. It protects tissue and prevents their damage; no food or beverage can keep your young forever. It is a combination of a regular diet, exercise, reduced stress and positivity that can make others perceive you as looking younger.

Facts, Health Benefits, Myths
Image Credit: Pixabay

Green Tea Side Effects?

Despite numerous benefits of green Tea; one must consume it moderately. Overconsumption can lead to the following green tea side effects –

Too much of it can lead to a caffeine overdose, thereby leading to green tea side effects such as headaches, irritability, anxiety & heartburn.

Drinking it on an empty stomach can cause green tea side effects such as stomachache, burning sensation, constipation or deliver a feeling of nausea.

The iron content in your body is reduced, which is terrible for people already suffering from an iron deficiency.

It is a diuretic. It causes green tea side effects such as, excess urination, which could lead to electrolyte misbalancing, further leading to lethargy and fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What does Lipton green tea do to you?

Ans. The antioxidants present in Lipton tea rejuvenate and revitalize your body. It also keeps you alert, focused, and energized.

Q. Why is it terrible for you?

Ans. Over-consumption of it can cause an upset stomach and in some cases, lead to kidney problems. High doses of the tea can lead to liver problems.

Q. What is the best time to drink it’s Lipton tea?

Ans. The best time to drink it is early in the morning between 10:00, and 11:00 am. You can also drink a cup of Lipton between meals.

Q.  Is it’s Lipton tea a laxative?

Ans. Lipton green tea seems to exhibit positive effects on your digestive health. It also helps treat constipation, diarrhoea, and nausea. There are no long-term health risks in consuming it every day.

Final Thoughts

The popularity of it makes it an ideal choice as an organic health beverage. Even more, satisfying its price. It’s affordable nature, and health benefits have made it a favourite health drink among fitness enthusiasts.

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