Green tea: benefits, weight loss and the best time to enjoy it

Among the different types of tea, there is one that stands out for its beneficial effects and strong antioxidant action.

This is green tea, one of the oldest beverages of Asian origin, appreciated all over the world and currently enjoying significant popularity compared to classic black tea, thanks to its delicate, light and very fragrant flavour.

Well-being and taste: these are the distinctive features of green tea, which we will discuss in more detail today, comparing it with other types of tea, including black tea, oolong tea and yellow tea.

The properties of green tea

Green tea stands out for its many interesting properties. Here is an overview of the most noteworthy ones:

● Green tea shares with yellow tea a very low degree of oxidation, but is nevertheless less expensive. It has a high concentration of catechins, which help combat cellular ageing and various chronic diseases, thanks to their effective action on free radicals. It has a beneficial effect on the skin and internal organs, helping to prevent cardiovascular, cancerous and neurodegenerative diseases.

● It is useful for reducing the percentage of bad cholesterol (LDL), improving the quality of the fatty component and having a positive effect on cardiovascular health.

● It contains L-theanine and caffeine: a combination that has an effective action on the mind, stimulating attention, concentration and memory. L-theanine is also effective on caffeine in terms of reducing excitement. This makes green tea better than oolong tea and classic black tea, which, due to their higher caffeine concentration, can cause insomnia and nervousness; they should preferably be consumed at the beginning of the day;

● It has a significant anti-inflammatory effect and is therefore a useful aid during the autumn-winter change of season, when it helps to prevent chronic inflammation.

● It has a positive effect on bones, improving their density and increasing mineralisation. It is therefore useful for reducing the risk of conditions such as arthritis.

● It is a natural antibacterial agent and is effective in combating bad breath. Compared to other types of tea, it leaves a less pungent and more delicate taste in the mouth.

Finally, green tea has an effective action on the liver, which it protects and helps to purify. Its properties are therefore truly all-round, for both the mind and the body.

Does green tea help you lose weight?

Among all our teas, and therefore also compared to classic tea, green tea-based products, both pure and flavoured, have significant slimming properties.

This is due to the composition of green tea itself, which contains various substances that promote lipolysis and therefore the breakdown of fats found in adipose tissue.

This has a beneficial effect, first and foremost, on reducing bad cholesterol, as we have already mentioned, promoting the use of fats for energy purposes, thus accelerating the metabolism.

To put it more simply, green tea contributes to weight loss because it converts calories from food into energy rather than adipose tissue, reducing the accumulation of fat mass, especially in areas where this usually occurs, such as the buttocks and abdomen.

But that's not all. Green tea stands out for its draining action, which promotes the elimination of fluids, thus counteracting the formation of orange peel skin and cellulite.

Of course, these properties must be implemented as part of a balanced diet and regular physical activity, aspects for which it is advisable to consult specialists, not least because DIY approaches can be quite dangerous to health.

Green tea is not miraculous in itself, nor is it a slimming elixir: it must be consumed correctly and as part of a lifestyle, dietary and otherwise, that is carefully planned and tailored to the individual, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

When to drink green tea

What could be better than a delicious flavoured tea to accompany your day? That's what tea lovers think, including several stars such as American actress Meryl Streep. However, it is true that there are better times than others to consume this tasty and healthy drink.

Green tea should not be drunk during main meals, especially lunch and dinner, as one of its contraindications is that it interferes with several essential minerals, such as iron. It is best not to exceed three cups a day, as this could have negative effects on the liver.

It is excellent in the morning, especially at breakfast, as it provides a boost of energy. For those who work in an office or study, it is good practice to have a cup at your computer to improve concentration.

Finally, it is excellent after physical activity (not before, as it has a diuretic effect), especially for those who want to lose weight, as it optimises the beneficial effects of sport, toning muscles and bones.

Green tea during pregnancy: yes or no?

The answer to this question is ‘more no than yes’, and therefore in smaller quantities than usual, as with all foods containing caffeine, which is not beneficial for pregnant women as it has a negative effect on the foetus.

Not only that. According to some research, the composition of green tea can have a negative effect on the absorption of folic acid, which is essential for the health of the foetus as it helps to prevent various malformations.

So is it better to avoid it altogether? There is no need to be drastic, just be cautious: a little common sense is enough.

The recommended dose for pregnant women is one cup per day, preferably in the morning. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult your doctor for greater peace of mind and safety, so that you can have a more targeted analysis of your specific case.