As a dietitian, my daily ritual almost always involves a steaming mug of tea. It’s my non-negotiable moment of calm whenever I need it. While I consider myself a serious tea lover, I’m usually pretty promiscuous with my choices, flitting between Earl Grey, peppermint, chamomile, and oolong depending on my mood or the weather. I rarely stick to just one kind. So, I decided to try drinking only green tea for seven straight days to see if the superfood had an impact on my body.
Could I really give up my variety pack for a week of monochrome sipping? I decided to dive in, but I knew I needed a high-quality blend to keep me motivated. I reached for Tea Pigs Mao Feng green tea for a few reasons: Beyond the fact that it’s pure mao feng green tea, I love that they use biodegradable “tea temples.”
What happened when I drank green tea for a week
Committing to one type of tea felt a bit like wearing the same outfit every day, but I was surprised by how quickly I adapted. I noticed (and appreciated) a smooth and sustained energy boost. There was no midday crash or the slight jitters I sometimes get from coffee. It was more of a gentle alertness that carried me through my morning tasks.
Digestion-wise, everything felt calm and settled. I didn’t experience any major shifts, but my system seemed to like the consistent routine. The most significant change was mental. The ritual of brewing and sipping the same delicate, grassy tea each day became a grounding practice. It was a predictable comfort in my otherwise unpredictable schedule. By the end of the week, I felt focused, hydrated, and surprisingly content with my single-tea regimen. I didn’t notice anything drastic when looking at my skin, and I couldn’t tell if my heart health or brain health improved, but that doesn’t mean that nothing is happening under the surface!
Benefits of drinking green tea
My personal experience was pleasant, but as a dietitian, I know the real power of green tea lies in its well-researched health benefits for people who drink it consistently for more than one week. This simple beverage is packed with compounds that may have a profound effect on your overall well-being.
Rich in antioxidants
Green tea is loaded with powerful plant compounds called polyphenols, with the most notable being catechins. The star catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is an antioxidant powerhouse that helps protect cells from damage, reduces inflammation, and supports overall health by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
This cellular damage, or oxidative stress, is linked to chronic diseases and aging. By helping neutralize free radicals, the antioxidants in green tea help reduce this stress, supporting your body’s natural defense systems.
Supports weight management
While no single food leads to weight loss, green tea may be a valuable partner in a weight management plan. The combination of caffeine and EGCG has been shown to give your metabolism a slight but noticeable boost. This means your body may burn calories more efficiently, even at rest.
Some research suggests that green tea enhances fat oxidation, particularly during exercise. This means it might help your body use fat for energy more effectively. When combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, incorporating green tea may provide that extra support for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
Promotes heart health
What’s good for your cells is often good for your heart, and green tea is no exception. Studies have consistently linked regular green tea consumption to better cardiovascular health. It appears to work its magic by targeting several key risk factors for heart disease.
Research indicates that green tea may help lower levels of total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, while also protecting LDL particles from oxidation—a crucial step in the development of artery-clogging plaque. It may also support the function of the endothelium, or the lining of your blood vessels, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Supports cognitive health
Green tea is well known for promoting mental alertness, and the science backs up its reputation. The combination of caffeine and a unique amino acid found in tea called L-theanine helps support improved focus, attention, and reaction time without the potential jitters or crash often linked to other caffeinated beverages.
Emerging research suggests that drinking green tea regularly may offer some protection against age-related cognitive decline. The powerful antioxidants in green tea, particularly EGCG, have been shown to reduce inflammation and may help protect brain cells from damage. Observational studies have even linked higher green tea consumption to a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. But more research is needed.
Downsides of drinking green tea
Despite its benefits, green tea isn’t without potential drawbacks. Most are related to its caffeine content. While it tends to have less caffeine than coffee, it’s enough to cause issues for sensitive individuals. Side effects may include restlessness, sleep problems, headaches, or an increased heart rate.
Another concern lies with tannins, or natural compounds in green tea that contribute to its slightly bitter taste. Tannins can bind to minerals like iron, making them harder for your body to absorb. This effect is particularly important for those who rely on plant-based sources of iron, as it may increase the risk of iron deficiency over time. Additionally, tannins may increase stomach acid and cause nausea or digestive discomfort, especially if you drink green tea on an empty stomach. And in some cases, consuming a lot of tannins may reduce saliva production, leading to a condition known as xerostomia (dry mouth).
Who should avoid green tea?
For most people, green tea is a safe and healthy beverage. However, certain people should exercise caution or avoid it altogether. If you have a severe caffeine sensitivity, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a heart condition or high blood pressure, it’s important to speak with your doctor about how much is safe for you.
Green tea may also interact with certain medications like warfarin, stimulants, and beta blockers. It may also affect how the body processes various medications, including some antidepressants and chemotherapy drugs. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure green tea won’t interfere with your specific treatment plan.
The bottom line
After a week of exclusively drinking green tea, I can see why it’s been celebrated for centuries. I felt energized, focused, and genuinely good. But like anything, moderation is key. A few cups a day is enough to reap the rewards without running into the potential downsides of excess caffeine. Whether you’re a tea lover like me or just looking for a simple way to support your health, green tea is a worthy choice. I may be going back to my varied tea routine, but green tea will definitely have a more permanent spot in the rotation.
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