I’ve been drinking green tea instead of coffee for a month now—here’s what happened
My morning routine is sacred for me. Raise yourself, shower, do my skin care, brushing my teeth, take my supplements, put my makeup, get dressed and run to the desk. But the routine does not stop there, on the contrary – my favorite part is at my office: the first hot drink. And yes, I say a hot drink because I went to this category a month ago. I went directly to the coffee machine and drank my coffee with soy milk or black, as long as it was pleasant and hot. But now, the kettle is my new destination, because I have been drinking green tea instead of coffee for a month now.
7 reasons why green tea is healthier than coffee
I have never been a typical “coffee addict”, but two to three cups of coffee were already part of my day. The first in the morning, the second after lunch and another in the afternoon if necessary. Not an exceptionally high consumption, but I have always found that it made me alert, but also agitated and a little trembling. I had read several times on social networks and online that green tea was a healthier alternative to coffee, and my research in fact revealed a whole list of advantages that encouraged me to start my experience.
L-theanine for relaxation and concentration
Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has a calming effect and can increase concentration at the same time. In combination with caffeine, L-Theanine promotes a relaxed but alert for targeted work.
Light caffeine contents
A cup of green tea generally contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee. Depending on the variety, green tea contains 20 to 50 mg of caffeine, while coffee contains 80 to 120 mg per cup. In addition, caffeine in green tea is released much more slowly than in coffee, because it is linked to L-Theanine. It therefore takes a little more time so that the stimulating effect comes into play, but it also lasts longer. The result is a soft and durable boost – without the typical “crash” of coffee.
Less acid – easier in the stomach
As coffee is more acidic, it can cause stomach or stomach burns. Green tea is generally softer on the stomach and less likely to cause digestive problems.
More antioxidants – Good for your health
Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented and therefore contains natural antioxidants, in particular catechins, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, support cellular health and strengthen the immune system. Green tea also exceeds the antioxidant content of coffee, which is generally roasted.
Good for the heart
Some studies show that green tea has a positive effect on the heart. The evidence suggests that regular consumption could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because antioxidants reduce inflammation, which can in turn lead to many chronic diseases and certain cancers.
Stimulates metabolism
Green tea stimulates metabolism and can increase energy expenditure. Studies suggest that the combination of caffeine and catechins in green tea can have a reducing effect on digestion and absorption of fats in the stomach and intestines.
Less trembling or nervousness
Some people react to coffee with nervousness, tremor or racing heart. As caffeine in green tea is released more slowly, these side effects are less common.
Auto-test: I drank green tea instead of coffee for a month
What helped me start my experience was that I generally like green tea – no everyone. Especially in the first days, I have always missed the more intense taste of coffee, which always made me think “you are about to wake up”. But after a week, I got used to my new hot drink and I drank my three cups a day.
The first thing I noticed is that my energy levels seemed to somehow more “balanced”. Although I don’t get a sudden boost in the morning – Hello, hello – The afternoon crisis is also much less pronounced. I also have no problem falling asleep in the evening (I usually have my last cup of tea around 4 p.m.). When I had a coffee late at night, I sometimes had trouble.
What I also noticed is that I better tolerate green tea. As I like a drink before eating, my morning coffee gave me stomach burns several times – with green tea that it does not happen. The list of positive effects lights up, I am less trembling and I can focus better throughout the day. In fact, I also have the feeling that my voracious appetite, which appeared in the afternoon at the latest, decreased and I do not constantly think about the next snack.
My conclusion after a month of green tea
After a month, I can say that I am a fan of green tea. Taken together, all these factors make me feel more balanced, relaxed and yet alert. I can no longer imagine my routine without green tea. During the week, I just stick to green tea in a bag, but when I have a little more time, I like to have a matcha latte with soy milk. Even if I gave up coffee completely during the first month, I will always have coffee from time to time in the future if I want. After all, the important thing is to have fun – and for me, a cup of coffee is still part of the Sunday cake.
This story appeared for the first time on Vogue.de
