We’ve all heard that it’s supposedly good for you, but what is it that makes green tea so special? Today we’re cutting the fact from fiction, ready to find out whether you should be switching your usual brew for a cup of green tea goodness.
But first, some background on tea…
Builders, breakfast, Earl Grey, oolong, green and black tea all come from the same place, a plant called Camellia Sinesis (1). This flowering shrub is the source of all our favourite tea-based beverages, its flowers are processed to different degrees to create a whole variety of tea (2).
Green tea, however, is produced from predominantly unprocessed tea leaves which, as you might have guessed, explains its name ‘green’ tea (1). But there’s a lot more to green tea than its colour. Praised by East Asia for centuries for its healing qualities, green tea has been enjoyed for the last 5000 years and has been known to hold a whole host of wonderful health benefits (1).
Is green tea good for you?
Okay, so we’ve told you about the rumoured magical medicinal elements of green tea, but where’s the evidence? We’ve done all the research just so you don’t have to; let’s check out why a green tea a day might just keep the doctor away…
Green tea is high in antioxidants
Unlike your regular cuppa, green tea isn’t overly processed which means that it’s high in protective polyphenols. The main polyphenols in green tea are flavonoids which are known to be one of the most powerful antioxidants, making green tea significantly healthier than black tea (1).
Antioxidants are an important component of a healthy diet because they’re known to protect your body against disease (1). You can find antioxidants in a range of fruits, vegetables and, of course, a hot mug of green tea!
Green tea can boost brain function
Did you know that green tea contains more caffeine than coffee per gram? The reason there is less caffeine in a cup of tea than a hot cup of coffee is because we steep (soak) tea leaves, meaning not all of the caffeine is consumed. But with coffee, all the granules dissolve in the water, making it much stronger.
Nevertheless, your average cup of green tea still has about 35-80mg of caffeine, making it a stimulant (1). Stimulants are known to boost brain function, but green tea is even more special than that because it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine (1). L-theanine works by increasing the neurotransmitter GABA which helps with dopamine (the happy hormone) production, creating a relaxing and soothing effect on the body (1).
Green tea can potentially support weight loss
Some research has shown that green tea can support weight loss because it has been shown to boost your metabolism rate which, in turn, can increase fat burning (1). But it’s important to remember that not all studies have shown an increase in metabolism, so the same effect might not work for you!
I don’t like the taste of green tea, but I want the benefits, what can I do?
So, you want all of these amazing benefits, but you hate the taste of green tea? We totally get it! That’s why we’ve got some yummy exante products, perfect for anyone craving that green tea goodness, minus the taste!
Everyone’s favourite low calorie drink, BURST is the tastiest way to get your green tea fix. This energy drink is bursting with benefits- literally! BURST’s unique blend of vitamins and minerals help keep you focused and energised, maintain your hair, skin, and nails, and, thanks to the green tea, can even support your metabolism!*
