Green tea has been on the superfood throne for decades. We drink it when we want to lose weight, when we want to detox after a weekend of overindulgence, or simply because we've read that it's the secret to longevity for the Japanese.
Green tea has become almost a status symbol – if you're not sipping coffee in the office, you're probably holding one in your hands a cup of green tea.
Chances are you're making and drinking it. completely wrongAnd by that we don't just mean the taste, which may be too bitter, but the fact that by preparing it incorrectly, you are literally destroying those precious antioxidants that make you drink it in the first place.
Ironic, right? You strive for health, but in reality you are just drinking hot, colored water that tastes like grass.
Boiling water is death to catechins
We are used to the idea that water must be boiling for tea. This is true for black or herbal tea, in green well that's a crime.
Green tea is unfermented, which means its leaves are extremely delicate. When you pour water over them that is 100 degrees Celsius, you literally steam them. The result? Instant destruction of catechins, those famous antioxidants responsible for most of the health benefits.
In addition, boiling water removes excess tannins, which causes that astringent, bitter taste that makes many people dislike green tea at all.
The ideal temperature is between 60 and 80 degreesIf you don't have a smart kettle, simply wait a few minutes after boiling before pouring the leaves. Your taste buds and your cells will thank you.
Soaking time is not a matter of improvisation
Another big mistake is timing. People fall into two groups, those who steep the bag for three seconds, barely changing the color of the water, and those who forget about the tea and leave the bag in the cup for half an hour. Both are wrong.
If you steep the tea for too short a time, the beneficial substances will not be released. If you steep it for too long, substances will be released that inhibit the absorption of beneficial ingredients and cause bitterness.
The golden rule for most green teas is between two and three minutes. This is that sweet window where you get maximum antioxidants and caffeine, but still maintain a gentle, sweet taste. Set a timer on your phone. Seriously. Difference in taste and the effect between “by feeling” and “by the hour” is drastic.
Adding milk is prohibited.
The British may roll their eyes, but the science is clear – milk and green tea don’t mix. While matcha lattes are a hugely popular drink on Instagram, casein (a protein in milk) binds to the tea’s polyphenols, making them less available to our bodies. This means that adding that creamy topping actually neutralizes the drink’s health benefits.
If you really can't do without the creamy texture or want to soften the taste, reach for herbal drinks, such as almond or oat milk, which do not have the same negative effect on antioxidant absorption.
But the best green tea is still the one that you drink pure, perhaps with just a few drops of lemon, which – unlike milk – actually increases the absorption of catechins.
You're drinking green tea at the wrong time
Green tea on an empty stomach? Bad idea. While it sounds like a great detox to start the day, the tannins in the tea can be irritating to sensitive people. cause nausea, heartburn or stomach pain, as they increase acidity.
On the other hand, drinking tea immediately after a meal It's also not ideal, as it can interfere with the absorption of iron from food. This is an especially important warning if you're anemic.
Best time for a cup of green tea is approximately an hour after a meal or as a standalone drink between meals. This way you will get an energy boost without digestive upset and without the risk of robbing your body of minerals from lunch.
Artificial flavors are a scam
Store shelves are full of green teas flavored with lemon, jasmine, vanilla, or even exotic fruits. But be careful. Many of these “flavored” teas contain artificial additives and sugars, which reduce the natural benefits of the tea itself. If you see a long list of ingredients on the packaging that you can't pronounce, it's better to leave it on the shelf.
Real green tea must smell like tea, not candy. Choose a high-quality, natural or pure green tea. If you want flavor, add it yourself – a slice of lemon, a piece of ginger or a mint leaf will do wonders without sacrificing your health.
Dangerous combination with medications
This is a point that is not talked about enough. Green tea is not just innocent flavored water; it is a chemically complex beverage that can affects the absorption of drugsTannins and caffeine can change the way your body metabolizes certain medications, which can lead to reduced effectiveness of medications or, conversely, dangerously increased acidity and side effects.
If you are taking any medicines prescription, never rinse them with green tea. Always use plain water and wait at least an hour or two before enjoying your cup of tea. Health comes first, and sometimes natural remedies conflict with pharmaceutical ones.
