Since 2013, I have been drinking green tea like clockwork. I tried to introduce a few people to this special drink, but they could not cope. My mother said the taste is awful and she could never ever get used to it, while my sisters, after tasting, said they just prefer the “normal” tea, and then they gave me the remainder of the green tea bags.

Loving Green Tea

I really can’t remember how my love affair with green tea really started, but I am quite sure there’s a story behind it, and it was love at first taste. My taste buds aside, this tea is considered medicinal in Asia and probably other parts of the world, and fans of the brew are advised to drink the stuff as it is; you know, just add hot water and after a couple of minutes drink up.

My green tea on the other hand has added lemon and honey, which makes it quite tasty. And since I’m about to share with you the benefits of green tea, I will try to remember if I have experienced what the tea connoisseurs say it does to your body and mind. Here we go…

Green tea helps weight loss efforts

Most of us are very aware that weight loss is a combination of what you eat and exercise. Sorry to disappoint, but adding green tea to your diet will not help you lose weight overnight like a wonder pill. On the other hand, research has shown that green tea increases your metabolism and helps in fat burning. The best way for green tea to work in your favor is for you to incorporate a healthier nutrition and exercise.

Anti-aging benefits: Apparently, green tea has lots of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that keep your skin looking young and supple. Basically, sipping on the stuff will keep wrinkles and other signs of aging at bay (I don’t have any wrinkles… so).
Plays a part in fighting depression: There is this amino acid known as theanine, which is found in tea leaves. This theanine is said to be responsible for the relaxing and calming effect that you get after drinking green tea. And the best part is that it doesn’t cause drowsiness.
Fights bad cholesterol: If you have some bad cholesterol in you, you better get started on drinking green tea because – according to some studies, this wonder drink reduces bad cholesterol while increasing the good cholesterol. Although one little cup might not be enough, it can be a start; but don’t forget to incorporate a healthy diet and exercise as usual.
Antibacterial properties: This special tea contains antioxidants known as catechins which hold back the growth of a number of bad bacterial inside your body. Although I am not saying that you should rush for a cup of green tea whenever the doc says you have an infection, starting your green tea routine will go a long way in upsetting future bacteria and preventing it from making you sick.
Lowers blood pressure: I have never had high blood pressure, but regular consumption of this is known to lower hypertension and reduce the risks of having it (maybe that’s why hmm).
Improves brain function: Now, I’m not saying that my brain is kind of slow that’s why I drink lots of green tea, but the drink itself has compounds that make you smarter by improving your brain functions. Its stimulant of choice aka active ingredient is caffeine and we all know what caffeine does to our brains (I think I feel smarter already!).

I would not want to bore you more, so I’ll stop there. Just remember what I always say; before picking up a new habit that can change the way your body is currently functioning, it is important to consult your doctor first.

Enjoy the cuppa; just remember it contains caffeine like the other teas.

xoxo