While some people love a morning cup of coffee, others find that coffee makes them anxious or jittery. For those looking for a change, green tea can be a great swap for coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
While green tea does have caffeine, one cup contains about 30% less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee. When people drink coffee, many experience a spike of energy that is often followed by a crash. The caffeine in green tea allows for a more gradual and sustained rise in energy, providing a calm focus without a crash.
Some people also experience jitters or increased anxiety when drinking coffee. Green tea contains a compound called L-theanine, which may provide benefits such as improved mental focus and relaxation. Green tea can therefore provide the desired energy without the increased anxiety some may experience with coffee. Matcha, a ground powder of whole green tea leaves, contains more L-theanine than regular green tea. While it also contains more caffeine, the greater amount of L-theanine combats the effects of the caffeine, creating a calming effect rather than the wired sensation coffee can induce.
In addition to the above benefits, green tea contains many polyphenols, compounds that act as antioxidants and provide many health benefits. Specifically, green tea is rich in a polyphenol called EGCG. EGCG may protect against free radical damage, reduce inflammation, and may reduce risk of conditions such as heart disease and some cancers.
If you like green tea, you can enjoy from 3 to 5 cups per day to reap these benefits.
Studies:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25761837/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24494192/
