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Dietician Sheela Seharawat

Green Tea A Super Drink but are you having it at the right time?

Green tea we all know is a great antioxidant, that

Helps burn fat,
Prevents bad breath,
Protects against heart disease,
and even has anti-aging properties.

But does that mean we can mindlessly gulp down cups of green tea every day, believing they are doing all the Above?

NO, WE SHOULD NOT BECAUSE

Green tea is high in antioxidants and natural plant-based compounds such as tannins and flavonoids. Excess can result in toxicity or can cause damage to the liver. So do not have more than two-to-three cups a day.

WHEN TO HAVE GREEN TEA?

1) Never have green tea on an empty stomach:

Beginning the day with a dose of caffeine may kick-start your day with the much-required impetus, it can also adversely affect the stomach balance. Instead, drink a glass of warm water with lime and honey or simply opt for a fruit.

STARTING YOUR DAY WITH A FRUIT IS THE BEST THING YOU DO TO YOUR BODY.

2) Not immediately after meals either:

A lot of people drink green tea after their meals, without realizing that drinking green tea immediately after meals can inhibit nutrient absorption. This means, whatever you eat is not absorbed properly as the caffeine and tannins act as an obstruction. This can also dilute the gastric juices resulting in improper digestion. So it's best to have green tea 30-45 minutes before or after your meals.

SAME APPLIES WITH NORMAL TEA & COFFEE.

3) No late night sipping:

Avoid green tea late in the evenings as it can interfere with your sleep pattern and can increase the stress levels.

HAVE GREEN TEA IN BETWEEN THE MEALS AS A SEPARATE SNACK. DON'T MIX IT WITH MEALS.