What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Green Tea Every Day

Green tea has been a favourite drink for thousands of years, cherished for its calming effects and health benefits. Many people love sipping on this warm, soothing beverage, but have you ever wondered what happens to your body when you drink green tea every day? From boosting brain function to helping with fat burning, there are many green tea’s benefits. 

However, you might also be curious about how much green tea is too much and if there are any downsides to drinking it daily. In this blog, we will dig deep into how much green tea is too much, and dive into the science behind green tea's health benefits.

Benefits of Green Tea

Contains Plant-Based Antioxidant Compounds

Green tea is packed with powerful antioxidants which are known as polyphenols. These compounds can help fight free radicals in the body which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. 

One specific type of polyphenol found in green tea is catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which can potentially protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

May Improve Cognitive Function

Green tea can also potentially support your brain health. It contains both caffeine and L-theanine, which can work together to enhance your brain function. While caffeine boosts alertness, L-theanine promotes relaxation without causing much drowsiness. 

This combination may improve your mood, reaction time, and memory. Research even suggests that green tea may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, however, more research is required on the same.

Could Help with Fat Burning

If you're looking to shed some pounds, green tea might be a helpful addition to your diet. The caffeine and catechins in green tea can boost your metabolism and increase your fat-burning rate. Some studies suggest that drinking green tea can help you burn an additional 75-100 calories per day.

Over time, this can contribute to significant weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Might Lower the Risk of Some Cancers

Green tea's antioxidant properties may also play a role in cancer prevention however more research is required on this. 

The polyphenols in green tea can help protect cells from DNA damage and potentially might prevent the growth of cancer cells. Certain studies have shown that regular green tea drinkers may have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.

Could Help with Oral Health

Your daily green tea habit might even benefit your teeth and gums! The catechins in green tea have antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth. 

This can lead to improved dental health by reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Plus, green tea can help freshen your breath naturally.

How Much Green Tea Is Too Much?

While green tea offers many benefits, it's always important to know how much green tea per day is too much. Generally, drinking three to five cups of green tea per day is considered safe and beneficial for most people. However, consuming more than this can lead to potential side effects due to the caffeine and tannins in green tea. 

Although green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, it can still cause issues for those sensitive to caffeine, leading to symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, headaches, and trouble sleeping. The FDA recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is roughly 10 cups of green tea. Individual tolerance levels differ, so it's important to listen to your body. Additionally, the tannins in green tea can interfere with the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, which is particularly relevant for individuals with iron deficiency anaemia. 

To minimise this effect, try to drink green tea between meals rather than with meals, especially if you're eating iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, or lentils. Furthermore, there have been rare cases of liver damage associated with excessive green tea consumption, particularly from concentrated green tea extracts, however, more research is needed on this topic. While drinking moderate amounts of green tea is generally safe, it's best to avoid overdoing it with supplements or excessive intake.

Conclusion

Drinking green tea every day can offer a wide range of health benefits, from boosting brain function and supporting weight loss to reducing the risk of certain cancers and improving oral health. However, it's important to enjoy green tea in moderation to avoid potential side effects related to caffeine and tannin content. For most people, three to five cups a day is a healthy amount that allows you to reap the benefits without entering the danger zone. By finding the right balance, you can make green tea a delicious and beneficial part of your daily routine.

So, next time you reach for that comforting cup of green tea, remember that you're not just enjoying a tasty beverage – you're also doing something great for your health.

Also Read: Does Green Tea Before Bed Affect Sleep?