As long as you steep it long enough to release the antioxidants, you can drink it hot or cold and get the same potential health benefits. Research has shown small loose leaves (or your tea bag) that are steeped between 2-5 minutes optimally boost the polyphenols (antioxidants) in the green tea.
To avail the full antioxidant powers of green tea, it must be consumed in-between-meals. This means, you should consume it at least two hours before and two hours after your meal.
Possible benefits include reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, although more research is needed for confirmation. Some studies also suggest that green tea may help prevent colds and flus and that it may help protect the skin from sun exposure, reports Langone.
Hot vs Cold Green Tea
Hot or cold, the temperature of the beverage you choose has little to no effect on your ability to burn extra calories. The bigger question is if one type of tea brewing method produces and preserves more health-promoting antioxidants than others, which may affect how much weight you can lose.
Many people drink tea for the antioxidants, which are believed to have health benefits. These antioxidants are found in both hot brewed and cold-brewed tea, so you'll still get the same benefits regardless of which brewing method you choose.
The Bottom Line. Green tea is packed full of health-promoting compounds. Regularly drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Drinking three to five cups of green tea per day seems to be optimal to reap the most health benefits.
Best for Overall Health: Green Tea
When it comes to tea, green tea gets the gold. “Green tea is the champ when it comes to offering health benefits,” says Czerwony. “It's the Swiss Army knife of teas.
Green tea has been shown to reduce belly fat (yay!) because green tea helps you lose visceral fat around your abdomen. This is excellent because this is the fat shown to be linked to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and breast cancer.
In terms of weight loss, research suggests that caffeine and green tea catechins can stimulate thermogenesis. Ongoing studies have suggested that green tea consumption can help to reduce waist circumference and abdominal fat.
First, put some tea leaves into a glass. Then add 80 to 90 degrees Celsius water and fill the quarter of the glass. Then using your hand, slowly rotate the glass in a circulate motion and enjoy the aroma of tea. After 30 seconds, add more hot water and fill the glass.
It is important NOT to use boiling water for Oolong, Green and White Teas. Water at this temperature (212 Degrees F) will "cook" the leaves and destroy the tea and its flavor, creating a bitter tasting tea.
Although a study from Journal of Food Science suggests that the two best methods for getting the biggest nutritional benefits from green tea were either prolonged cold steeping of at least two hours (perfect for iced tea), or serving it boiling hot, Johnston says it's important to consider the kind of tea you're ...
People with peptic ulcers or acid reflux should not consume green tea excessively. A 1984 study concluded that tea is a potent stimulant of gastric acid, which can be reduced by adding milk and sugar. 2.
The best time to drink green tea for brain health is in the morning or early afternoon 1 to 2 hours after meals. As lack of sleep can cause increase anxiety and restlessness, it is best to drink this tea in the morning or early afternoon so that you do not interrupt your sleep routine.
For weight loss, you can have green tea right after your meals. But you should do it if you do not have a sensitive stomach because green tea is alkaline in nature and stimulates the secretion of extra-gastric juices. Experts also suggest to have green tea right in the morning and later in the evening.
Excessive drinking of green tea can cause stomach problems, diarrhoea and can even cause iron deficiency. You may also experience insomnia. Hence, drink it in limit as excess of green tea can prove detrimental to your health.
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the most well-known types of tea, and is linked with many health benefits. It's also one of the most effective teas for weight loss. There is substantial evidence linking green tea to decreases in both weight and body fat.
Some studies suggest 2-3 cups help you get a flatter tummy."Studies also suggest that depending on the brand, 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day for a total of 240 to 320 mg polyphenols or 100 to 750 mg per day of standardized green tea extract is recommended for weight loss.
Green tea has garnered attention as a superfood because of its antioxidants rich quality.
Although green and black tea have high levels of antioxidants, according to the ORAC, the tea with the most antioxidants is flor de Jamaica, which is a Spanish name for hibiscus tea and is the best antioxidant tea. When brewed this tea has 400% more antioxidants than black tea and green tea.
Determining which is better ultimately comes down to your specific needs. Green tea and coffee are both healthy and safe. Green tea may be a better choice for people with anxiety or insomnia. In contrast, coffee may suit you better if you're looking for increased alertness or improved physical performance.
Many people in Japan where matcha has traditionally been consumed the most have upwards of three, four, even five cups of matcha per day.
Catechins also seem to play a role in weight management: One study found that people who drank green tea lowered their body fat percentage and body mass index in just 12 weeks.
Green tea can cause side effects due to caffeine. These can include anxiety, tremors, irritability, and sleeping problems. This is more likely if you're sensitive to caffeine or take large doses. Side effects are less common with green tea than with other drinks that have caffeine.