Years ago, a tea, herbal infusions and coffee shop opened near my home, quite before the boom these kinds of establishments would later experience. And I hurried there to investigate, and, thanks to the owner’s explanations, I learned of the enormous variety of teas that existed: black, blue (or oolong), white, red or pu-erh, and green…
But the lesson didn’t end there, and she also told me that not all teas should be infused at the same temperature nor accept the same accompaniments: some are best with lemon, others on their own, and a few with milk (but not green tea, as it can reduce the absorption of its nutrients).
I remember taking away a sencha green tea blend with apple, almond, cinnamon and orange zest, which accompanied me for a long time. And we ended up talking about the importance of the time of day you drink it to maximise its benefits, just as with coffee, which is often said not to be ideal to drink first thing in the morning.
And I’m talking about times of day rather than precise hours, since what you should watch are the activities you undertake throughout the day and how green tea can lend a hand in them depending on what you’re hoping to boost.
Many antioxidants and a curious woodland flavour
As the well-known Australian nutritionist Susie Burrell stated in an interview with Taste.com: “If you’re looking for a boost to burn fat, add a few cups of green tea to your day. Green tea is a rich source of powerful antioxidants that help prevent cellular damage; there is also evidence that it can increase fat metabolism.”
Like everything, green tea also has its contraindications, so if you are taking any medication, have any medical condition, iron deficiency, or are pregnant, it’s best to consult your doctor before taking it.
As you may know, there are several types of green tea: the sencha I mentioned earlier, gyokuro, a shade-grown variety of sencha, and the popular matcha. “Any variety of green tea is a good option, but matcha is even better,” says Susie. If you haven’t yet discovered this tea, or you’re not keen on its flavour but want to reap its benefits, I encourage you to learn how to prepare it and discover several recipes ideal for disguising its taste. Each variety of green tea has its own peculiarities, but they share that distinctive woodland flavour.
For each benefit, its best time of day
- Maximise the antioxidants. As the aim is to make the most of all its antioxidants, the ideal is to drink it when food won’t interfere and the body can focus on its mission. One to two hours before or after meals is perfect for this.
- Burn fat. In addition to burning more fat and protecting your body from free radicals after training, the caffeine and antioxidants it contains can boost your endurance and concentration during exercise. Drink green tea 30 to 60 minutes before you exercise.
- Mood enhancement. The tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming effects. Combined with caffeine it can boost alertness and concentration, as well as improving mood. In this case, enjoy it first thing in the morning.
- Provide an energy boost. With less caffeine than coffee, it’s ideal for a lift in energy and concentration once you’ve been working for a good part of the day. It’s handy in the morning or early afternoon.
- Satisfy cravings. Do you crave a sweet treat after a meal? The dietitian says drinking green tea after meals helps to neutralise those sugar cravings. Give it a try.
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