Approximately 600,000 tons of green tea is consumed every year in the world. It is about 1/5 of total consumption on all kinds of tea. Countries that consume more green tea are Japan, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. The question over here is that are people consuming it in rite way? when you should have green tea either before your meal or after it. We know that green tea is an excellent anti-oxidant having lots of other benefits, many people around the world drink green tea for weight loss but should we drink it mindlessly without even thinking that at what time we should drink it, well in this article, we will talk about the best time to drink green tea either you should drink green tea after meal or before meal.
History of green tea
Green tea originated from China in 2737 BC. Emperor Shennong was the founder of this drink. Earlier it was an expensive drink, but in the 14th century, it becomes reachable to the public for drinking and medicinal uses.
In the last few decades, green tea is considered the healthiest drink due to the highest antioxidants’ presence than any other beverage. Green tea contains nearly 20-45 percent polyphenols (natural chemical); these polyphenols provide anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. However, people can find green tea at almost all coffee and tea shops, also its versatile flavors, ranging from a hot jasmine green tea to an iced matcha latte and many more.
Types of green tea and its processing
Farmers pick the fresh green leaves from plants. Then they dry it by giving them steam and then roast it to stop the process of fermentation; they do it to stop the oxidation process. Sencha, Gyokuro, Matcha, Konacha, and Bancha are some famous green teas from Japan. Every type of green tea has its own different tastes and benefits. Some have a sweet taste and provides energy, and some provide vitamin C.
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The variety of green tea depends on these factors
- The time and year when the tea is plucked.
- Either it is grown organically or chemically.
- How are the leaves shaped, rolled, and dried?
- The cultivation practices:
- What parts of the plant are plucked?
- Are the leaves left whole or cut into smaller pieces?
- Environmental factor in which tea is grown
How to Drink Green Tea
The first step is to choose the best time for green tea that we have discussed above to select a time that suits you the best either morning, night, or both. Prepare your green tea using green tea leaves. You can buy any flavored green tea available in the market or you can simply use natural green tea leaves. Add lemon and honey for better results. Try to avoid sugar in your cup of green tea.
Benefits of Green Tea after a meal
Improve sleep and reduce stress
A relaxed environment is a key to good sleep, and for that, green tea can help you out; it relaxes your brain. Theanine that is present in Green tea has relaxing properties; it promotes sleep. Theanine helps people having stress as stress is the main cause of sleeplessness.
Reduces Risks of Heart Problems & Cancer
The use of lemon and citrus in your green tea is good as it contains properties of polyphenols and catechins that protect your cardiac activities and maintain your body’s cholesterol. Moreover, research data in Japan show people who consume five or more cups of green tea every day have 15% less chance of death by lowering the risk of a cardiac attack.
Besides reducing heart problems, a recent study shows that consuming green tea mostly reduces the risk of cancer types, i.e., colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer, and helps the immune system boost its immunity for an individual.
Fasten your metabolism
 The faster your metabolism is, the faster your body converts your food and drinks into usable energy. Overweight, people can consume green tea for weight loss. New researches have proved that drinking green tea after a meal can increase metabolic activity and can keep your body in shape by burning calories; the reason is green tea contains caffeine (24–40 mg). This caffeine acts as a fat-burning stimulator to fasten your metabolism. Tencha green tea has the properties to fasten metabolism; it gives a boost in energy. Green tea makes you feel less hungry, which helps you to burn calories.
Keeps you younger
Research data in the 2018 journal of ethnopharmacology showed compound present in green tea, EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), exhibited a wide range of therapeutic and antioxidant properties to improve acne and oily skin treatment. Matcha green tea that is in powder form and has a bright green color keeps your skin healthy.
Also, applying your green tea to your skin can help your skin from UV damage or any other effect by reducing the aging process. Green tea bags are also used for reducing the puffiness of eyes in the beauty world.
Helps indigestion
After a meal, a single cup of green tea produces a digestive enzyme to maintain bile, saliva, and enzymes for a better breakdown of food and proteins. Green tea is considered a digestive stimulant by providing relief from intestinal gas and conditions of irregular gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders. Genmaicha and fukamushicha green teas have the property to help in stomach problems.
Relieve from Cramps
Green tea relieves cramps studies have shown that women who consume green tea during their menstruation feel less bloated. Green is abundant in catechins that give you a relief by reducing the production of prostaglandins that causes menstrual cramps. Next time you feel low in your days, have a cup of green tea to make you feel better.
Helps to relieve from cold and flu
Flu and cold are common problems of the autumn and winter season. People having dust and pollen allergies suffer the most during these seasons. Medicines are not always enough as it has its own effects, so it’s better to find a natural way to prevent yourself from these problems. A warm cup of green tea soothes your sore throat. It gives hydration that helps to fight bacteria and viruses. Funmatsucha green tea is best to cure illness. Green tea with honey is the best combination as they both are antioxidants that improve your immunity too.
Good oral health
Studies have proved that green tea, such as bancha, is good for oral health; it has a greater quantity of fluoride that is also present in your tubes of toothpaste. It is beneficial against the bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath. A cup of warm green tea can save your important day by giving your mouth freshness.
Benefits of green tea before a meal
There are some advantages to having green tea before a meal, which includes
Keeps you energetic and reduces fatigue
Many people in Asia use green tea to ease fatigue or to boost their morning by sipping a green tea, which contains substance like zinc, magnesium, and chromium, which improves blood flow and make you feel energetic by maintaining your blood pressure. Having green tea on an empty stomach or in the morning might help people with different aspects of their health or daily routines. Kukicha green tea has the properties to awaken you after asleep it helps you to get refreshed.
Green tea for diabetic type 2
Steinbaum says benefits are in many beverages. But green tea is the clear winner because it’s prepared from unfermented leaves and contains higher polyphenol levels; this compound sipping green tea every day can improve blood glucose and prevent diabetes type 2. Participants of the research study consumed at least six cups of green tea per day had a 33 percent lower risk of type-2 diabetes than participants who drank one cup per day (published in the Annals of Internal Medicine).
Not always a good idea to drink green tea after a meal
Some study shows that drinking green tea after meals can influence bad effect on body nutrient absorption, and this is because of the presence of caffeine and tannin’s in tea act as dilute gastric juice during digestion resulting in improper digestion. So, it is believed to have green tea 30-45 minutes before your meals.
Bad impact of green tea before a meal or empty stomach
Can cause acidity or stomach issues
Some compounds in green tea can increase acidity and can lead to symptoms like
- constipation,
- nausea,
- abdominal pain
- vomiting (in some cases)
- Diarrhea
Tannins in green tea can be the reason for acidity in your stomach. Stomach acidity causes various other problems that are mentioned above. People should stop drinking green tea on an empty stomach if they experience these symptoms for a longer period. The best way to minimize these effects is to prepare your green tea in boiling hot water.
Quantity matters
Excessive use of green tea can cause irregular blood sugar and blood pressure. It is always better to consult a doctor who can suggest a diet chart according to your body. However, “prevention is better than cure.”
Causes Headaches
Green tea can cause headaches; people having migraines can suffer from the excess use of green tea as it contains caffeine, although in not large amounts, but still, if you are consuming green tea in a greater amount, then it may cause headaches.
Not good for bones
Green tea can become that cause of osteoporosis, a disease of bone that is increasing day by day, mostly in females, as green tea makes it difficult for the bones to absorb calcium that makes your bones weaker. Females having bone issues should limit their green tea consumption.
Risks in Pregnancy
Tannins, caffeine, and tea catechins have all been linked to increased risks in pregnancy. Green is not totally prohibited during pregnancy; you can have it but not more than 1-2 cups. A study suggests that keeping your caffeine intake below 200 milligrams per day can save you from miscarriage because drinking green tea more than 2 cups per day can lead to miscarriage and congenital disabilities in children. Greater intake of green tea prevents the absorption of folic acid that is important to conceive. Reduction in folic acid amounts can cause diseases in babies.
Can cause Iron deficiency
Studies have shown that green tea can limit the absorption of iron; a decrease in the amount of iron can be lethal for anemic patients. To reduce this effect, you should add drops of lemon in your cup of green tea as lemon helps to absorb iron making it safer to drink your green tea. Other than that, try to avoid green tea.
Final Words
The use of green tea has now increased these days as people have become more health-conscious. Like other tea, green tea has its own positive and negative impacts on the human body related to person to person, and some time consumption quantity or time. In many adults, all these problems can be minimized by just keeping the amount of consumption of green tea moderate. Caffeine and tannins in green tea are the main ingredients that make it harmful for people having blood pressure issues, pregnant ladies, osteoporosis patients, and people having sleeping issues.
Aside from all the negative impacts, there are more health benefits of this drink. People should consult a dietitian or educate themselves first what is the best time to drink green tea either green tea after meal or before meal and be aware of what they are drinking and how they are drinking green tea or any other beverages. Excessive use of anything is not good for health so keep it moderate. Choose green tea that suits you and your taste, either green tea bags or leaves.
Medical Disclaimer: All the content available on the website is just for informational purposes. It’s not a substitute for any Professional advice. Don’t take it personally. As a medical student, I’m just trying to use my information through my content, and please keep in mind it’s not written by a professional doctor. Use the data just for educational purposes.
FAQ’S
Q1. Can you drink green tea in pregnancy?
Ans. No, as it contains caffeine and reduces the absorption rate of folic acid that can be harmful to you and your child.
Q2. Green tea helps in weight loss?
Ans. Yes, it helps in weight loss; it fastens your metabolism because of that, you feel more energetic.
Q3. How many cups of green tea can you drink per day?
Ans. 2 to 3 cups, or only 1-2 cups, but if it causes any other problem, then limit your green tea use. Track yourself after consuming green tea; if you feel anything problematic, stop taking it.
Q4. Heart and the diabetic patient can drink green tea?
Ans. Yes, as it is best for these patients, it reduces cholesterol levels in the body.
Q5. What if someone doesn’t like the flavor of green tea?
Ans. Nowadays, there are various flavors available in the market, so one can drink whatever flavor they like.
Q6. Green tea is good for people having sleeping disorders?
Ans. Yes, as L-theanine in green tea makes you feel relax and releases your stress. You sleep faster because of this.
Dr. Kelly Han is a seasoned medical professional with a passion for holistic wellness and integrative health. Based in San Francisco, her expertise spans across various domains of health, from fitness and skincare to oral health and weight management.
Understanding the intricate connections between different aspects of health, Dr. Han believes in a comprehensive approach. Whether it’s the latest skincare regimen, effective weight loss strategies, or understanding hormonal imbalances, she’s dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based advice and actionable insights on a wide array of health topics.
Through her articles, Dr. Han aims to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being, offering them the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthier, more vibrant lives. Join her in exploring the multifaceted world of health, beauty, and wellness.
