All systems, cells and organs in the body require water to function properly. However, not everyone is a fan of plain water and prefers something like tea or coffee.
Drinking tea is almost a pure form of water but does it count as your daily water intake? Yes, green tea does count as your daily water intake but only in certain situations.
1. It’s a natural diuretic
Many people worry that drinking tea and coffee dehydrates them, but the truth is that these beverages can be a great way to get your daily water intake. As long as you avoid sugary sodas and limit caffeine consumption, tea and coffee are healthy and can help you reach your hydration goals.
In fact, a study published in the journal “Drinking Water” found that tea was just as hydrating as regular tap water. The same is true of herbal teas, which can also be a delicious and flavorful way to meet your fluid requirements.
Green tea is high in antioxidants, including EGCG and theaflavins. Several studies suggest that these phytochemicals have cancer-prevention, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. Additionally, a large Japanese study that followed more than 40,000 adults over 11 years found that those who drank the most green tea had a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
While the diuretic properties of tea aren’t as pronounced as that of caffeine, it’s important to remember that any beverage can cause your body to lose fluid, so it’s always a good idea to hydrate with water whenever possible. That being said, most experts agree that the hydrating effects of tea outweigh any potential diuretic effect. So go ahead and enjoy your iced cup of green tea! Just don’t forget to make sure you get plenty of other fluids throughout the day.
Related Post – Coffee, Green Tea & Black Tea Comparison
2. It’s a source of antioxidants
All of the cells and systems in your body require water to function, but consuming beverages with added ingredients can dehydrate you. Green tea is a beverage that’s naturally hydrating and contains antioxidants that are good for your health, although it does contain caffeine. Green tea is free of the sugar and fat found in many other drinks, so it can be a healthier alternative to sodas and fruit juices.
The EGCG in green tea is an antioxidant that test-tube and animal studies have shown to offer anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and even cancer-protecting properties. Other polyphenols in green tea, such as theaflavins, may help lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease. Theanine is another polyphenol in green tea that offers calming effects and may interact with receptors in your brain to reduce stress and depression.
Green tea also appears to be beneficial for your heart, according to several large-scale population-based studies. One such study followed participants over 11 years and found that those who drank green tea regularly had a 20 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease than those who didn’t drink the tea.
In addition, some tests suggest that green tea can help prevent neuropsychiatric conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, thanks to its ability to ease inflammation and inhibit the build-up of specific proteins in your brain. However, more research is needed in this area to verify these claims.
3. It’s a source of caffeine
As with any beverage, it’s important to know your tolerance. Drinking too much caffeine may cause upset stomach, muscle jitters and nervousness. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, containing about 30 to 50 milligrams in an 8-ounce cup.
Tea also offers healthy phytochemicals called flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These include quercetin, kaempferol and myricitin. The FDA has even approved a topical ointment that uses extracted components of green tea leaves to treat genital warts.
Green tea’s reputation as a health beverage stems from its catechin content. The chemicals in these compounds, specifically EGCG and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, are thought to have antioxidant properties, which could protect against cancer and boost metabolism. Other studies suggest that consuming high doses of catechins can help treat viral hepatitis, although further human clinical trials are needed.
Although calorie-free and naturally occurring, green tea should be consumed in moderation. If you suffer from gastrointestinal issues, talk to your doctor before drinking this beverage. Also, because it’s a source of caffeine, pregnant women and children should be careful not to consume too much. To get the most out of your daily cup of tea, drink it at ambient temperature and steep for between 2-3 minutes. This will maximize the levels of beneficial compounds and reduce the caffeine content.
4. It’s a source of chromium
Some people use chromium supplements to help control their blood sugar levels. This mineral is important for insulin activity, and it helps the body break down carbohydrates. Some studies have shown that chromium may also reduce fat mass and help build muscle. However, other studies have not found that chromium helps with weight loss or improves body composition.
Most foods contain chromium, but the best source is lean meats like ham, beef and turkey. A half-cup serving of these protein sources contains 1.1 mcg and 3% of the daily value (DV) of chromium. Other sources include brewer’s yeast, string beans and whole wheat bread. Eggs are another great source, as they are a complete protein that is easy to digest and contain many nutrients.
Other foods rich in chromium include sweet potatoes, garlic and English muffins. Some studies have found that a diet high in simple sugars can reduce the absorption of chromium. Adding foods that are rich in magnesium, iron and vitamin B6 to the diet can help increase chromium absorption.
Another good food source of chromium is green tea, which provides 2.1 mcg per cup. Including this nutrient-rich drink in the diet can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease. Green tea also contains soluble fiber, which helps the digestive system move food through quickly.
Related Post – Which is Healthier – Green Tea or Black Tea?