So you’re a tea drinker that cannot imagine this world without tea and for a good reason. Is delicious, keeps us warm and comes with all those tempting cakes and cones especially baked to turn you into a sinner. We use it to keeps us hydrated, feet and slim. Tea will always have a special place in our hearts and there is no way in denying that. But, as the cold season is here and the consumption of tea increases, let’s have a look and see what you need to keep in mind when drinking black or green tea.
Tea as a beverage is natural and good for you but do not forget that all teas contain caffeine. The boost of energy is more than welcomed but if you are also a coffee addict than you’d better watch out not to overdose and become hyperactive. Black tea has the higher level (72 mg in 12 ounces) and can scare your sleep away if served in late afternoons. If you are drinking green tea powder or matcha instead beware: not only it is easy to overdose but the products could also contain a higher concentration of caffeine than usual.
On the good side, a cup of green tea contains much less caffeine (24-40 mg) than a cup of coffee (100-200 mg), is loaded with antioxidants and various substances that are beneficial for health. The substances in green tea increase levels of hormones that tell fat cells to break down fat. This releases fat into the bloodstream and makes it available as energy. For an efficient slimming diet though use green tea extract as a supplement. Bottom line: keep drinking tea, just be careful how much.
Keep in mind the Side Effects
It is easy and effective to use tea as you begin a tea diet. Definitely more pleasant. Do not be surprised if on the way you will get to experience side effects, such as stomach upset, caffeine sensitivity and teeth staining. Restlessness, irritability, sleeping problems, tremor and heart palpitations are also on the list. If you are Starbucks fan, watch out for sugary tea drinks, a 16-ounce Starbuck’s chai latte with 2% milk has 240 calories and a whopping 42 grams of sugar!
Too much tea may not be so great for health either. The World Health Organization has classified “very hot beverages” (158 F or higher) as possible carcinogens. Researchers found that men who drank more than seven or more cups of tea a day have a 50% higher risk of prostate cancer while drinking very hot tea (70C or more)will increase the likelihood of oesophageal cancer.
On the other hand, if the consumption of tea is within limits, green tea can help you lose fat, especially the harmful abdominal fat, mildly increase metabolism and reduce appetite so you automatically take in fewer calories.
