Unlocking Green Tea Benefits

Lately, you’ve probably noticed how many types of tea are being talked about, some you may know well, and others you might be hearing about for the first time. It’s natural to wonder which ones actually fit into a healthy diet. Among them, green tea and black tea stand out. 

They’ve been enjoyed for thousands of years by people from all walks of life, and for good reason. Both are linked to impressive benefits, from supporting heart health and managing weight to boosting brain function and even helping reduce the risk of certain diseases. Still, green tea isn’t without its drawbacks, so let’s take a closer look at both the good and the not-so-good sides.

What are the benefits of green tea in general? 

Green tea is often considered one of the healthiest types of tea. Even though it comes from the same plant as black tea, Camellia sinensis, the difference lies in how the leaves are handled after they’re picked.

Instead of being left to oxidize and turn brown, as black tea does, the leaves are processed right away. They may be steamed, quickly pan-roasted, or heat-dried. These steps stop full oxidation, keep the leaves vibrant green, and help lock in both their unique flavor and valuable compounds. Here are some of the standout benefits you can expect from green tea:

Green tea is rich in compounds like L-theanine and catechins, especially EGCG, which play a role in supporting brain health. Studies show that people who regularly drink green tea are less likely to struggle with memory or concentration compared to those who mainly drink black tea. Experts believe this benefit comes from the way caffeine and L-theanine work together to improve mood and sharpen cognitive function.

There’s also evidence linking green tea to lower levels of markers connected with Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in people with early signs of cognitive decline. While these findings are encouraging, researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to fully understand how green tea may help protect the brain and reduce the risk of dementia over time.

Research suggests that drinking green tea regularly may help lower harmful cholesterol and improve blood circulation, both of which are beneficial for your heart. Some studies even show that daily consumption can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by helping control fat buildup and supporting healthy blood pressure. These benefits are linked to powerful antioxidants like EGCG and flavonoids, which keep blood vessels flexible and promote better circulation.

That said, green tea, especially matcha, can interact with certain cholesterol-lowering medications such as atorvastatin. If you’re taking these types of drugs, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before making green tea a daily habit.

Some research suggests that green tea may help lower the risk of certain types of cancer, largely because of its plant compounds called catechins, especially EGCG. These compounds have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. To get the most out of these benefits, it’s best to drink green tea without milk, since the proteins and fats in milk may reduce its antioxidant activity.

Studies have connected green tea’s protective effects with a reduced risk of developing or recurring cancers such as:

Green tea can support your metabolism, thanks to its rich antioxidant content. This not only helps your body burn calories more efficiently but also supports healthy digestion. By reducing harmful bacteria, it creates a better balance for the beneficial bacteria in your stomach and intestines. Many people also find that it helps ease bloating and calm inflammation. However, if you have stomach ulcers, it’s best to be cautious, as green tea may cause irritation in some cases.

One of the benefits of drinking green tea is that it is great for the skin thanks to its antioxidants, especially catechins, which fight aging and reduce inflammation. It can soothe irritation, improve elasticity, boost radiance, and even help with puffiness or dark circles. Drinking it or using it in face masks can give your skin a healthy, vibrant glow.

The catechins in green tea reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, supporting fresh breath and healthy gums.

While green tea offers plenty of benefits, drinking too much of it can cause problems mainly because of its caffeine or when taken in concentrated extract form. In rare cases, very high doses of supplements have even been linked to liver issues.

Green tea may also interact with stimulant medications, potentially raising blood pressure or heart rate. Some of the most common side effects include:

The timing of when you drink green tea can make a big difference in how it affects your body. Choosing the right time helps you avoid discomfort and still enjoy its benefits without disturbing your sleep. Some of the best times to drink green tea include:

At Calo, our goal is to make living a healthy lifestyle simpler for you. We share practical advice and reliable information, while also giving you access to nutritious, delicious, and satisfying meals through the Calo app. Our meals are crafted with the help of top chefs and nutrition experts, so you can enjoy food that’s both wholesome and flavorful.

You can try a single meal or sign up for a monthly plan to save time and energy on meal prep, with convenient pickup options at home or work. And if you need a little boost during the day, you can choose from a variety of healthy snacks to recharge and lift your mood.

Yes! One of the ways green tea supports digestion is by helping ease that uncomfortable feeling of fullness after a heavy meal. That’s why enjoying a cup of green tea after eating can be so beneficial.

Green tea doesn't burn fat on its own, but it helps improve metabolism, support calorie burning, and increase energy, which aids weight management.

We’ve covered green tea benefits and risks, also the best times to enjoy it. You can explore more on the Calo blog, from whether kombucha benefits, or about Kafir yogurt.