What is the best time to drink green tea?

There must be something about green tea that the world can’t stop talking about. From Virat Kohli to Shraddha Kapoor, most of the biggest fitness icons of the country are fond of this drink. Green tea is a relatively new version of tea that is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the health and fitness circuit. The many health benefits of green tea and its specific role in aiding weight loss have made this drink a favorite drink for people who are conscious about their health and fitness. But before you start drinking this amazing drink, have you ever wondered what could be the best time to drink green tea so that you can make the most of its health benefits?

Also read: Do you drink green tea daily? Know whether it really helps in weight loss

^{Green tea’s many health benefits and its role in aiding weight loss have made it very popular.}

Why is green tea good for you?

Unlike many other popular types of tea, green tea does not undergo any oxidation process which makes it a healthier beverage to drink. There are many aromatic and herbal varieties of green tea available in the market to pick and choose from. Green tea has long been considered a healthy alternative to other beverages. It is known to reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol or LDL levels and triglycerides – a set of fats that form a coating of plaque in your blood vessels making it difficult for blood to flow. It is known to boost your metabolism and speed up the fat burning process. Green tea is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids which not only boost your immunity but also protect you from cough and flu. The antioxidants in green tea are also linked to healthy hair and clear skin, as shown by several scientific studies.

^{Green tea does not undergo any oxidation process}

So, is there an ideal time to drink green tea? Here’s what the experts say

According to Bangalore-based nutritionist Dr Anju Sood, “Although green tea is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols, it is still a type of tea that contains caffeine and hence I would not recommend more than 3 cups a day. More than this may leave you dehydrated. If consumed in excess it will also start depleting essential elements from your system. I always recommend this to my clients in the morning (around 10-11am). Or I recommend drinking a cup of green tea in the evening because your metabolism is highest, which can be increased by a nice hot cup of green tea. It is also good to drink green tea in the evening because your metabolism goes down at that time. , so this could be your last chance to boost your declining metabolism.”
(Also read: How to make a perfect and delicious cup of green tea)

Macrobiotic nutritionist and health practitioner Shilpa Arora says, “It is okay to drink green tea both in the morning and in the evening. People who have sleep problems should avoid drinking a cup of green tea after the evening, as caffeine intake can affect their sleep.” “Can cause problems with sleep.”

Consultant nutritionist Dr Rupali Dutta tells us, “The best time to drink green tea is in the morning for its role in kick-starting metabolism, but you can also have it after meals, as it is low in calories, and So, drinking a cup immediately after a meal won’t do that much harm. Make sure you don’t drink it immediately after a meal, keep a gap of at least an hour or two.”

So, remember to limit yourself to 2 to 3 cups a day. Additionally, drinking green tea too close to bedtime may interfere with your sleep, so it’s best to avoid it around that time.