Unlocking the health benefits of green tea: common mistakes to avoid

Green tea is celebrated not just for its pleasant taste but also for its substantial health benefits. Picture: Pexels/Anna Pou

Green tea is celebrated not just for its pleasant taste but also for its substantial health benefits. Picture: Pexels/Anna Pou

Published Dec 5, 2024

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Green tea, revered for its remarkable health benefits and deeply rooted in Asian culture, has become a staple in the diets of health-conscious individuals worldwide.

Known for its subtle flavour and refreshing qualities, this ancient beverage offers something unique — vitality and tranquillity.

Yet, many people adopt green tea into their daily routine without fully understanding how to harness its true power. To fully reap the benefits of this elixir, it's crucial to acknowledge and avoid some common mistakes.

The power of green tea

Before exploring what not to do, let’s delve into the incredible advantages of green tea. Renowned for its antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, green tea is celebrated not just for its pleasant taste but also for its substantial health benefits.

Regular consumption can assist with weight loss, enhance digestion, boost the immune system, improve heart health and help manage diabetes.

Furthermore, the polyphenols found in green tea can contribute to radiant skin — an allure that drives many to drink it daily.

Common mistakes to avoid

While the list of benefits is impressive, missteps in consumption can hinder efficacy. Here are the top mistakes that should be avoided.

Green tea is celebrated not just for its pleasant taste but also for its substantial health benefits. Picture: Pexels/Chuck

Drinking in excessive amounts

Even though green tea offers myriad health benefits, moderation is key. Consuming more than 2-3 cups a day can lead to insomnia, anxiety and digestive issues. Moderation is essential for maintaining overall health.

Mixing medicines with green tea

It might be tempting to take pills alongside your morning cup, but this can be harmful. The chemical composition of some medications can react unfavourably with constituents in green tea, leading to acidity.

Instead, take medicines with plain water.

Green tea is celebrated not just for its pleasant taste but also for its substantial health benefits. Picture: Pexels/Anna Pou

Opting for overly flavoured varieties

The current market offers an array of green tea options with enticing artificial flavours. However, to maximise the health benefits, it’s advisable to stick to naturally flavoured teas or traditional blends that retain the drink's inherent value.

Using tea bags incorrectly

Convenience should not compromise quality. Many tea bags contain lower-quality tea dust rather than whole leaves.

For the best experience, heat your water to the right temperature before placing the tea bag in the cup. Allow it to steep for the appropriate time to unlock its full flavour.