Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong teas and black teas.
Due to its herbal nature and lack of oxidation, the green tea leaves retain a powerful combination of minerals, vitamins and other anti-inflammatory substances that can prevent cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
It’s brilliant medicine and remedy to sustain your long-term immunity.
There is ample evidence to support its countless benefits during the day and night, some of which will be talked about in this article.
Does Green tea help you sleep or stay awake?
Green tea has so many benefits when it comes to promoting a restful sleep. Green tea at bed time can be a great relaxant and best energy stimulator during the day.
The tea that keeps you awake is mostly the caffeinated version which you should avoid taking right before going to bed. Green Tea’s caffeine content is significantly lower than other black teas and Oolong teas.
However, taking it ten-minutes before going to sleep can leave you awake for some time. So make sure that you drink your cup of green tea at-least an hour before going to bed.
Having a cup of green tea with a hint of honey before going to bed is also great for metabolism and digestion after a heavy meal.
A popular combination of green tea mixed with peppermint also doubles the relaxation effect on your brain and promotes a restful sleep.
Drinking Green tea has multiple benefits not just for your sleep but also your organs and other bodily functions.
1. Reduce stress
One of the most important ingredients in green tea is L-theanine, an amino acid which reduces anxiety and calms your brain. This is because L-theanine has the ability to relax muscle tension and reduce blood pressure which brings that tranquil effect.
2. Boost metabolism
Drinking green tea before bed helps with weight loss as your digestion becomes more efficient. One of the most important catechin present in green tea is the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which boosts metabolism. It encourages high levels of hormones that direct the fat cells to burn fat quickly and leave it in your bloodstream to make energy.
3. Combat flu and remove toxins
Drinking green tea before bed can be great for your immunity. According to research, green tea can fight against viruses. This is due to catechins’ ability to suppress the growth of a virus by binding to its cells. It is particularly tough on influenza and other flu-like diseases.
4. Better, longer sleep
Drinking a cup of green tea at night, at least two hours before going to bed will help you sleep faster. Since green tea contains a very less amount of caffeine compared to black teas, you are less likely to have difficulty sleeping.