If you love tea, the feeling of sipping a warm cup of tea in the morning or late afternoon, you are on the same team as 158 million other Americans. In the past year alone, Americans drank more than 80 billion servings of tea, equivalent to 3.6 billion gallons. A huge number for a seemingly simple habit.
Among the countless choices, black tea is still the most consumed, accounting for 84% of consumption. But green tea is increasingly gaining attention, not only for its mild flavor, but also for its ability to support natural weight loss.
If you are curious about how to drink green tea properly and get the most benefits from this little leaf, this article will help you get started.
What are the benefits of drinking green tea?
1. Green tea is an effective weight loss drink
There is no “miracle drink” that will help you lose weight overnight, but green tea may be one of the most effective options to help.
Studies have shown that the flavonoids (natural plant compounds) and caffeine in green tea can help speed up metabolism, stimulate fat burning, and improve the way the body uses insulin.
One study found that people who drank green tea combined with caffeine lost an average of 1.3 kg in just 12 weeks, while maintaining their normal diet. Another study found that drinking green tea alone helped the body burn about 100 extra calories per day. It’s like taking an extra short walk without even realizing it.
2. How much is enough?
You don’t have to drink too much to see the effects. According to experts, just 2 to 3 cups of green tea a day is enough to bring positive changes to the body.
Of course, the results also depend on your overall diet and lifestyle, but think of it simply: each cup of green tea is like a small step that helps you get closer to your goal.
3. Which green tea is best for weight loss?
Not all green teas are the same. If your goal is to lose weight and improve your health, choose Matcha tea. This is a form of green tea that is finely ground from whole tea leaves, retaining all the nutrients and antioxidants.
When you drink Matcha, you are actually consuming the whole tea leaf, not just the water that has been steeped in the leaves like regular green tea. Therefore, the amount of antioxidants you get is significantly higher.
Matcha has a strong taste, is naturally slightly sweet, and brings a special feeling of relaxation. This tea is worth a try if you want to turn tea drinking into a little ritual of self-care.
4. How to brew green tea properly without losing precious nutrients
A common mistake when brewing green tea is using boiling water directly. Too high a temperature can destroy catechins, which are the valuable compounds that provide most of the health benefits of tea.
Instead, boil the water and let it cool for about 10 minutes, then pour it over the tea leaves.
Steep for 1 minute for a mild taste, or longer if you want a stronger flavor.
The moment you wait for the tea to absorb the aroma, spreading a gentle aroma into the air, is also the time when you allow yourself to slow down, and that is the best part of drinking tea.
5. Other benefits of drinking green tea besides weight loss
Even if you are not aiming to lose weight, green tea is still one of the best choices for overall health.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help protect brain cells, reduce the risk of cancer, and support the cardiovascular system.
Drinking green tea regularly will help you feel lighter, more alert, and healthier over time.
Make this small habit a part of your healthy lifestyle – and remember one simple thing: don’t add sugar or honey, so the pure flavor and weight loss benefits remain intact.
Ways to drink green tea to help lose weight more effectively
If you want to make green tea a pleasant part of your weight loss journey, try the following ways:
1. Drink a cup of green tea early in the morning
Starting the day with a warm cup of green tea helps the body wake up and activate the metabolism. At this time, the stomach is empty, the body can easily absorb antioxidants and promote energy burning more effectively.
2. Drink 30–60 minutes after a meal
Green tea can help digest fat and sugar, but it should not be drunk immediately after eating because it can hinder the absorption of iron and zinc. Wait about half an hour, when the stomach has “settled”, you will feel a sense of relief and less craving for snacks.
3. Enjoy green tea before exercise
Some studies show that the caffeine in green tea can increase exercise performance and help burn more fat during exercise. A small cup before a walk or yoga session can help you feel full of energy.
4. Drink it cold on summer days
Green tea is not only delicious when drunk hot. You can brew it in advance, let it cool, add a few slices of lemon or some mint leaves and put it in the fridge. Cold green tea helps purify the body, reduce cravings for sweets and keep you alert all day.
5. Combine green tea with a balanced lifestyle
Green tea cannot replace a healthy diet or exercise, but it is the “perfect piece” to support the weight loss process. When combined with enough sleep, moderate eating and regular walking, you will see much more obvious results.
So, sipping a cup of green tea can be a gentle but powerful start, whether it is drunk in the morning, after lunch or before a workout. Let each sip of green tea be a reminder that you are taking care of your body in the most natural way. Weight loss is not a journey of haste, but a journey of good habits repeated every day.
