Drinking green tea every day brings a wealth of benefits. This timeless brew has a positive impact on many aspects of your wellbeing, provided you enjoy it at the right time. To make the most of everything it has to offer, here are the ideal moments to brew yourself a perfect cup of green tea.
Can you drink green tea in the evening?
The question of evening tea is one that often sparks debate. It is worth remembering that tea contains theine, a powerful stimulant equivalent to caffeine. Sensitive individuals should therefore avoid drinking it after 4 p.m., as it may interfere with sleep. That said, green tea contains less theine than black tea, making it a better choice if you would like a cup later in the day. It is also a genuine aid to digestion. If you want to drink green tea before bed while minimising the risk of sleeplessness, you can reduce its theine content. Most of the theine is released during the first thirty seconds of steeping. Simply steep the leaves once, discard that first water, then steep again — and enjoy a cup with significantly less theine.
Is it a good idea to drink green tea on an empty stomach?
For many people, tea is the essential morning ritual. Plenty of tea lovers enjoy drinking green tea first thing in the morning, before eating. But is this actually beneficial? Drinking tea on an empty stomach helps to rehydrate your body and flush out waste and toxins — essentially giving you a clean slate for the day ahead. Starting your morning with a cup of tea also helps to delay hunger and curb cravings for something sweet.
Drinking green tea with meals: good idea or not?
Drinking green tea daily brings many positive effects, but moderation is key. Ideally, keep it to no more than 5 cups a day, and reduce that amount if you also drink coffee. It may be tempting to sip tea throughout the day to stay hydrated, but try to avoid drinking it during meals. Tea reduces your body's absorption of iron, an essential nutrient. It is best enjoyed before or after eating instead. Drunk before a meal (thirty minutes to an hour ahead), it helps fill the stomach and reduces the feeling of hunger, acting as a natural appetite suppressant — making it a valuable ally if you are watching your weight. Drunk after a meal (thirty minutes to an hour later), green tea supports digestion and helps the body process fats.
Should you drink green tea when it is hot outside?
We are used to warming up with a hot cup of tea in the depths of winter. But have you ever wondered why the Tuareg people drink it piping hot in the middle of the desert, under a blazing sun? The reason is purely scientific. Drinking hot tea triggers perspiration and causes your body temperature to rise — prompting your body to self-regulate and cool back down. Green tea with mint is an excellent option here, as mint has natural cooling properties. So when you want to refresh yourself, reach for something hot rather than cold — ideally at a temperature of 40 to 45°C.