I feel like we went through this period where green tea was all the rage, and then it just fell off? š¤·š½āāļø I donāt know why, but Iām not typically someone that follows the crowd.
In my effort to better hydrate, Iāve turned to tea to help my cause. Folks that can down 8 glasses of water a day and keep it moving, bless you. I bow at your disciplineā¦. but that aināt me. Thankfully, after working with a Dietitian a few moons ago, she de-stigmatized the notion that all must ādrink 8ā to properly hydrate. That incorporating other natural liquids is just fine as well.
I began to get more curious about the types of tea. I love a warm beverage. Itās comforting and satisfying all at once. What I donāt enjoy is the constant caffeineā¦ yikes! So on a routine grocery run I grabbed a simple box of green tea to see if I could minimize my caffeine intake a bit.
Hereās what I discovered after a couple weeks of routine use!
- I felt less jittery
- I increased my liquid intake
- I didnāt need sugar, just a bit of honey
- I loved the warm cup with a good book š
So my curiosity continued, and I started looking more into this green little packetā¦. I learned:
Green tea is one of the most studied beverages for health, and its benefits are wide-ranging:
- Rich in antioxidants ā catechins like EGCG, protect cells from damage.
- Supports heart health ā may help lower LDL cholesterol and improve blood vessel function.
- Boosts brain function ā caffeine and L-theanine together can improve focus, calmness, and alertness.
- Aids metabolism ā linked to supporting weight management by slightly boosting calorie burn.
- Supports blood sugar balance ā some studies suggest green tea may improve insulin sensitivity.
- Promotes longevity ā regular consumption has been tied to reduced risk of chronic diseases.
- Hydration with benefits ā itās a great alternative to sugary drinks
Ok so my curiosity didnt stop thereā¦.. I began to look into what is the difference between green tea and black tea. See the chart below for some clear difference: šš¾
| Feature | Green Tea | Black Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Steamed/lightly heated (minimal oxidation) | Fully oxidized |
| Antioxidants | Higher in catechins (esp. EGCG) | Higher in theaflavins & thearubigins |
| Caffeine | Moderate (less than coffee & black tea) | Higher (closer to coffee, but still less) |
| Unique Compounds | L-theanine (calm focus) | Theaflavins (heart & gut health) |
| Health Benefits | May boost metabolism, aid weight management, reduce inflammation, support heart & brain health | May improve gut microbiome diversity, support heart health, and reduce blood pressure |
| Taste | Lighter, grassy, fresh | Bold, robust, malty |
Well folks, Iāll be keeping green tea in the lineup. Hope this quick tidbit helps you on your journey! Until the next one. š«”
J
References:
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Green Tea
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