Is Drinking Green Tea Daily Actually Healthy? Here’s The Truth

Green tea has long been known as one of the healthiest drinks worldwide. From weight management to better brain function and glowing skin, it’s often promoted as a miracle drink. But is drinking green tea every day actually healthy, or can too much of it backfire? 

The editorial team of Onlymyhealth reached out to our expert, Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director and Chief Health Officer (Indian Subcontinent), International SOS, and he shared with us his expert insights, what research says and where to draw the line. Here is what he shared with us.

Why Green Tea is So Popular

Green tea is processed from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, and is minimally oxidised to retain its high content of antioxidants. It is packed with polyphenols, especially catechins such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and metabolism-enhancing properties.

Researchers note that these substances can assist in neutralising free radicals in the body, thus decreasing oxidative stress, a primary cause of ageing and chronic diseases. Daily green tea consumers tend to experience enhanced concentration, smoother digestion, and heightened energy levels.

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Health Benefits of Green Tea Supported by Research

According to Dr Vora, consuming green tea has the following benefits:

1. Aids Heart Health

Research has indicated that daily consumption of green tea can decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides and enhance HDL (good) cholesterol, thus decreasing the risk of heart disease in the long run.

2. May Help with Weight Control

The catechins and caffeine in green tea can potentially complement each other to mildly boost metabolic rate, such that the body burns fat better. “It is not a magic weight loss elixir, but combining green tea with diet and exercise increases the effectiveness,” Dr Vora noted.

3. Enhances Brain Function

Green tea has L-theanine, an amino acid that induces relaxation without sleepiness. When paired with caffeine, it can enhance alertness, attention, and cognitive function, without the jittery sensation commonly associated with coffee.

4. May Lower Risk of Certain Cancers

Certain studies indicate that green tea antioxidants could shield cells from DNA damage that can cause cancer. Dr Vora advised that green tea must be one aspect of an overall healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for medical treatment or prevention.

When Green Tea Might Not Be So Good

“Though moderate consumption of green tea (two to three cups a day) is mostly safe, consuming large quantities has some disadvantages,” Dr Vora added. The caffeine content in green tea may lead to restlessness, insomnia, or palpitations in susceptible individuals.

“Excessive consumption of green tea will also disrupt iron intake from vegetable foods, and this may ultimately cause anaemia. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid excessive consumption because of the caffeine content and the potential impact of excessive catechin intake on folate metabolism,” Dr Vora recommended.

In addition, certain concentrated green tea preparations in supplements have been associated with liver toxicity when consumed in extremely high amounts. Dr Vora suggested sticking to brewed tea and not high-dose powders or pills unless one is on specific advice from a healthcare professional.

The Proper Way to Consume Green Tea

Here is an expert-approved way to consume green tea:

• Timing is everything: Consume green tea in between meals so that nutrient absorption is not affected.
• Don't overbrew: Steep for two to three minutes to avoid bitterness and too much extraction of caffeine.
• Choose quality: Select organic or high-quality loose-leaf teas to reduce pesticide residues and get a better flavour.
• Stay hydrated: Green tea should not replace water, it should supplement your daily fluid allowance.

Bottomline

Daily consumption of green tea can be a healthy practice, if consumed in moderation. Two to three cups a day can provide a subtle energy kick, antioxidant protection, and general wellness benefits. However, overconsumption or using only green tea for health purposes can result in more damage than benefit.