What happens to your body when you drink green tea everyday

But why green tea?

A strong immunity goes a long way in keeping you healthy and active. Since the beginning of time, humans have been trying to boost their ability to keep away diseases by consuming several substances, both natural and man-made. Green tea is one such substance that has been popular for its health benefits for centuries. It is a light-colored beverage, almost emerald green, prepared from tea leaves that have not been oxidized before drying. It originated in China and has been in use for several centuries for pleasure and medicinal purposes. It is made from leaves of Camellia sinensis, the same plant from which black tea and oolong tea are obtained through different processes. 

Transitioning from the simpler lives of ancient times to the overworked lives of bustling cities, morning drinks have changed. Now, mornings are often fueled by caffeine, a quiet revolution, being brewed in cups of green tea. From street-side tea stalls to wellness cafes, green tea has found its way into the daily routines of millions, not just as a beverage, but as a ritual of health and mindfulness. But is this even true? I mean, what truly happens to your body when you drink green tea every day?

The journey begins with the rich, leafy brew that carries a subtle, earthy aroma, a far cry from the bold punch of caffeine filled in coffee. Green tea, with its gentle brewing process that preserves the leaves' natural compounds, is loaded with antioxidants known as catechins. These catechins play a pivotal role in green tea’s reputation as a health powerhouse. 

Is green tea good for you?

Green tea may be the healthiest tea you can drink. Green tea comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, as black tea. But tea makers prepare the leaves differently. Green tea leaves go through a process of steaming, pan frying, or heat drying. This step happens soon after harvesting before the leaves can fully oxidize and turn brown (which is what happens with black tea). This quick-drying process helps bring out some of the green tea’s healthiest and tastiest properties. 

Health benefits of drinking green tea every day.

Well, if you’re reading this, either you’re planning on drinking green tea daily, or are already drinking it but want to know if it’s beneficial for you or not. Well, let me assure you that it is good for your body, mind, and even taste buds, however, to clear all your doubts, I’ll talk in detail about the benefits of drinking green tea. 

1. Boosts your Metabolism

One of the first noticeable effects of drinking green tea daily is its impact on metabolism. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, regular consumption of green tea can slightly elevate metabolic rates, helping your body burn calories more efficiently. Green tea is full of a compound known as Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or catechins, which has been known to boost your metabolism. Even studies show that consuming green tea can help you burn an additional 75-100 calories per day. Although this may seem like a small amount, it can contribute to significant weight loss over the long term. For those living in a fast-paced urban environment, where time is precious and convenience often comes before health, this makes green tea a convenient ally in the battle against weight gain.

2. Improves Brain Activity

Green tea does not just stop at the metabolism, I did say, it’s not only good for your body but also your mind. The Polyphenols present in green tea may help protect the brain from the damaging effects of free radicals. To make it more clear, green tea may protect the brain from aging, a 2020 study showed that green tea was linked with lower levels of certain markers related to Alzheimer’s disease in people without current, known cognitive issues. Compounds such as EGCG and L-theanine may be responsible. Another study showed that L-theanine combined with caffeine in green tea, works synergistically to enhance cognitive performance. For city dwellers who juggle endless to-do lists and meetings, this subtle boost in brain activity can mean the difference between a sluggish start and a productive day.

3. Stress Reduction & Mental Clarity

Stress is a common challenge in urban life, and green tea may offer a calming antidote. Its rich L-theanine content not only improves focus but also promotes a state of relaxation without inducing drowsiness. A review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlighted how green tea helps to reduce cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. This makes it an ideal choice for those long days spent navigating crowded streets or dealing with work pressure. Several smaller studies support this. A 2018 study, suggests acute green tea extract supplementation improved working memory capacity in 10 women aged 50-69 in Japan. The authors suggest daily green tea supplementation may benefit working memory. According to a 2021 review, certain amino acids in green tea have an anti-stress element that helps to slow brain aging. 

4. Heart Health & Antioxidants

Green tea is also packed with antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress. A study in Circulation Journal found that green tea consumption is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. The polyphenols in green tea, like catechins, have been shown to improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL). In cities where pollution and unhealthy eating habits can take a toll a cardiovascular health, sipping on green tea offers a simple, preventative measure. A recent review of studies suggests that regularly drinking green tea could lower many risk factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure or lipids. Also, research shows that those who drank five cups or more per day had a lower chance of death from all causes than those drinking one cup or less.

5. Improved Digestion & Gut Health

Beyond its metabolic and cognitive benefits, green tea also aids digestion. The catechins found in green tea have shown antimicrobial properties, which can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Research in Nutrients suggests that the polyphenols in green tea may promote beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestion and reducing inflammation. In cities where processed food and hurried meals dominate, this can be a welcome addition to maintaining digestive health. Additionally, research spearheaded by Tasuku Ogita, who also happens to be a tea expert, the team discovered that Flavonifractor plautii, which is found in the gut, is a strain of the Clostridia family of bacteria. These bacteria are known to have positive effects on the immune system and can relieve inflammation. F. plautii is found to be triggered by the catechin antioxidant in green tea and can strongly suppress a group of immune cells called Th2, the very same cells responsible for the body’s reaction to food allergies.

6. Immune Support in a City Life

City life exposes you to a constant influx of germs and pollutants, making a strong immune system a necessity. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which help strengthen the body’s immune defenses. A review published in Frontiers in Immunology pointed out that the polyphenols in green tea may help reduce the risk of infections and boost immunity. For those navigating the crowded streets, green tea can serve as a shield against common illnesses. 

Conclusion

Green tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle choice. For city dwellers seeking not just to survive but to thrive in a world filled with hustle and noise, incorporating green tea into your daily routines can be a simple yet powerful step toward better health. Whether you’re commuting on crowded subways, rushing from meetings, or grabbing lunch at your favorite café, green tea offers more than a moment of refreshment, it’s a daily dose of vitality.

Drinking green tea every day is a healthy habit that may benefit your health in various ways. Not only is it a low-calorie drink, but black, green, oolong, and white teas contain unique compounds like flavan-3-ols that support heart health. Getting in the habit of drinking tea every day is a simple way to support your health in an extremely low-effort way.