If you're looking to reduce your reliance on coffee in 2024 but still need a morning brain boost to start your day, you may want to think about swapping out your lattes for green tea.
Green tea is a not only a healthy alternative to coffee, it can have many of the same effects on brain function without some of the other side effects that coffee often has.
The benefits of green tea for cognition and concentration
Numerous studies have shown that green tea improves cognitive function, memory recall, attention span and can also help reduce anxiety. Green tea has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, which can often affect neurons in the brain, thereby improving cognitive function. Researchers have concluded that the combined influence of both caffeine and l-theanine work together to reduce anxiety, improve cognition and brain function, and also aid in memory recall.
Green tea also works to suppress brain aging, meaning that your brain will stay healthier for longer, reducing the risk long-term age related diseases such as dementia. One study shows that theanine and arginine found in green tea is absorbed by the brain, suppressing the aging of the brain due to their anti-stress effect. They even recommend having a few cups of green tea throughout the day, as the more people drank the better their memory and brain function!
Overall, most studies showed that the more green tea the better within reasonable limits. More than 10 cups a day may be too many, but if you to stay topped up throughout the day then 3-4 cups of green tea may be better for you than you think!
Why you should swap out coffee for green tea
Bad taste in your mouth?
You won't have to worry about stale coffee breath if you're making the swap to green tea. Most green teas have a very light taste and leave very little residue, meaning no smell. If anything, sipping on green tea can make your breath smell a little fresher, especially if you're adding in other ingredients like ginger, lemon, or honey.
An anxious mind.
Not only has it been shown that the high caffeine levels in coffee have been linked to higher levels of anxiety, one 2022 study showed that caffeine doses equivalent to five cups of coffee could induce panic attacks! While you'll still be ingesting caffeine with green tea, the amounts are a lot small than a regular cup of coffee, and there are other compounds in there too. You'll be taking in a lot of antioxidants, which help to reduce the risk of cancer, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds that will help with heart health.
A weight off!
If you're used to adding a lot of extra things to your coffee like milk, cream, or sugar, then chances are you're messing with your metabolism, making it hard to maintain or loose weight. Green tea has been shown to actively help with weight loss and weight management, due to its fat burning compounds. Especially when paired with aerobic or resistance exercise, green tea has a positive influence on your metabolism, and is the perfect partner for your weight loss journey.
Glow up✨
Green tea is a popular skincare ingredient for those looking to reduce oiliness and acne, but did you know that drinking green tea can also have excellent benefits for your skin? Green tea contains polyphenols and caffeine that can soothe irritation, reduce redness, and minimise puffiness. The antioxidants contained in green tea can also help protect the skin from free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer.
It may take a while to say goodbye to your favourite cup of morning joe just yet, but over time you may want to think about replacing (or maybe complementing) your usual coffee for a regular green tea.
If you're looking for the perfect green tea to start your mornings, we have both loose leaf green tea with a mango and ginger blend, and Huangshan Maofeng green tea in 20 teabags. Pick some up today and transform your mornings!