While many love coffee, others prefer tea or green tea, which is a delightful and unique option for hot beverages. Its flavor provides soothing and comforting properties and gives a necessary caffeine boost to help increase energy in the morning. According to an article published on Aol, here are four benefits of drinking green tea twice a day for a month:
1. **Less Anxiety and Stress**
It is known that having a cup of coffee in the morning boosts alertness and attention, but it can also lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. In contrast, drinking a cup of green tea in the morning can make the morning less stressful and more soothing. The combination of aroma, flavor, and the amount of caffeine in a cup of green tea may be what leads to this refreshing change. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an 8-ounce cup of green tea contains about 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 80 to 100 milligrams in an 8-ounce cup of coffee. The caffeine in green tea can certainly be enough to help individuals maintain energy throughout the day, depending on how many cups the body needs to feel its best. Amy Goodson, a sports nutritionist, explains that "green tea contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that can temporarily boost metabolism," noting that "caffeine enhances central nervous system activity and increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to increased alertness and a heightened metabolism, meaning the body burns more calories.”
2. **Better Thinking**
Green tea helps improve thinking and enhances focus on daily tasks, presenting another exciting improvement compared to drinking coffee, which can sometimes lead to "brain fog" shortly after consumption. Goodson states, "The combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, may have positive effects on cognitive function," adding that "it can enhance alertness and improve mood without the anxiety often associated with consuming large amounts of caffeine. Some research also suggests a potential protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's."
3. **Reduced Stomach Issues**
Many foods and beverages can disrupt gut health, leading to various problems. Green tea has proven to be a soothing drink for the stomach and gut issues in general. According to Goodson, green tea is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins, which are "powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation." Goodson adds that drinking green tea reduces gut inflammation, preventing many health issues, including nausea and constipation.
4. **Weight Loss**
It is noteworthy that green tea can assist in fat loss, as studies have shown that green tea has a potential role in weight loss and management. Its caffeine and antioxidants content can help boost metabolism and increase fat burning. Goodson mentions that research findings "indicate that green tea may help reduce belly fat. The antioxidants in green tea, particularly EGCG, have been shown to enhance fat oxidation, meaning the body may use fat as an energy source more efficiently, contributing to weight loss or control over time."
