A beverage that has given new dimensions to diet and wellness among the urban masses is Green Tea. A drink that was earlier seen to be served at fancy luncheons and luxury spas and fitness centers has not traversed leaps and bounds and has made entry into commoners’ kitchen as well. Though times have witnessed increasing popularity of green tea in all these years, it is important understand the science behind the beverage in order to relate it better to one’s diet and health goals.

Prepared from Camellia sinensis leaves, minus excessive withering and oxidation as done to old-school black or oolong tea; green tea is not only one’s favorite due to the benefits but also owing to a pleasant, calming taste. However, brewing more than prescribed duration can render a bitter and unpleasant taste to it, owing to excessive release of tannins.

Let’s take a brief look at why green tea should be your favorite beverage:

• Green tea has been found to have a positive effect on reducing cholesterol and controlling blood sugar levels. Thanks to the antioxidants present in it.
• Theanine, a natural chemical found in green tea has a calming effect on one’s mind. Also, sipping a hot cup of fresh brewed green tea shall help you slow down on an otherwise chaotic day.
• When blended with lemon, green tea eases the absorption of catechins, an antioxidant that is otherwise hard to absorb when tea is brewed with dairy.
• One can bid farewell to frequently used antacid syrups and tablets because green tea also regulates pH by bringing down acidic levels.
• Those afflicted with frequent rise in Low Density Lipids (LDL) also have a reason to switch to green tea as catechins found in green tea are helpful in lowering bad cholesterol.
• One with weight loss goals also prefers green tea to regular milk tea because green tea helps increase metabolism, burns calories and prevents weight gain due to its blood sugar regulating properties.

• People with caffeine sensitivity and addiction can experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, mood swings, and alike when making the first switch to green tea.
• It can show interference with class of drugs such as anti-coagulants, owing to presence of certain chemicals.
• Those with medical and physiological conditions including anemia, pregnancy and lactation should consume green tea in moderation and in consultation with diet experts as green tea has shown interference with non-heme iron.
• Being a diuretic, excessive consumption can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Take note that no food or supplement can ever replace or substitute overall nutritious and planned diet. Hence, while green tea is a great beverage with myriad advantages; mere dependence on it for weight and wellness goals is not suggested. Active lifestyle, abstinence from alcohol and smoking and intake of a balanced diet remains the key to a healthy life. Yes! We mean healthy and happy life…