Cozy fall afternoons require delicious warm beverages. Plus, a little afternoon pick me up after lunch can provide a much-needed burst of energy to finish the day strong. However, reaching for an extra cup of coffee could potentially lead to an over-alert jittery feeling. Green tea has a surprising number of health benefits – and just enough caffeine to put a pep back in your step to conquer the rest of your day jitter-free. Bringing some tea gifts to the office could help increase productivity and make for happier, healthier co-workers.
Mix up an oat milk matcha latte to start your day, or sip on slightly sweet passion fruit and ginger brew while you finish the day’s tasks. Not only are tea gifts delicious, but they can help boost your metabolism, prevent various types of cancers, and lower your risk for heart disease.
What About Green Tea Makes it Healthy?
All teas are made from the Camellia Sinensis plant; however, green tea leaves are unprocessed, unlike black or white teas. Since the tea leaves retain their original form, there is a higher presence of protective polyphenols, meaning they are rich in the antioxidants your body needs.
The flavonoids in green tea, particularly catechins and epigallocatechin (EGCG), can help protect your body against oxidative stress. EGCG helps to inhibit different inflammatory markers in your body to prevent cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Breaking Down the Health Benefits of Green Tea
The science may seem a bit complicated, but know that there is science to support green tea’s numerous health benefits. Below are the various ways flavonoids, like ECGC, in green tea gifts, could benefit your health.
Prevent Cancer
Studies have found that those who drink green tea are less likely to develop multiple types of cancer, including:
- Stomach
- Lung
- Colon
- Mouth
- Pancreas
- Breast
- Kidney
- Esophagus
- and Small Intestine
Japan has even acknowledged green tea as a preventative measure against cancer.
Boost Your Metabolism
An extra cup of green tea in the afternoon could help you meet your weight loss goals sooner. The caffeine and catechins in green tea can increase energy expenditure in your body. The result: you’ll burn more fat in a shorter time.
Lower Your Risk for Diabetes
Those who drink green tea have a lower risk of developing type II diabetes. The plant compounds and antioxidants found in green tea can help improve your body’s insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
Improve Cardiovascular Function
In the same way, green tea can also help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Sipping green tea in the afternoon could help stave off a future heart attack or stroke.
Provide a Mood Enhancing Effect
While caffeine can help with alertness and productivity, too much can cause anxiety. Similar to a cup of coffee green tea is a stimulant. However, coffee provides three times the amount of caffeine as a cup of green tea.
The small amount of caffeine in green tea will help you feel more alert, plus it also includes L-theanine, another amino acid, which can increase alertness while bringing a sense of calm to your mind and body. A green tea gift could be perfect for helping a friend with anxiety power through the day without the high dose of caffeine in a cup of coffee.
How to Get the Most Health Benefits Out of Your Green Tea
To truly reap green tea’s health benefits, try adding a cup of green tea to your routine every day. Some studies suggest drinking three to five cups daily to maximize its effectiveness. Do your best to drink the tea without adding any additional sweetener. If you must add some sweetness, opt for a dash of honey rather than refined sugar. Extra sugar will work against the natural fat-burning and insulin-balancing effects of the brew.
You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to your green tea gifts to brighten up the flavor. Not only will it taste delightful, but the lemon helps your body better absorb the antioxidants in green tea.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Green Tea Gifts
With all the mentioned health benefits, it’s safe to say green tea is good for you. Indulge yourself and try a variety of green teas to find what best suits your palate. Try a hot matcha latte on a cozy Saturday morning or a carafe of iced lemon green tea on a warm afternoon. Rather than settling for simple tea bags, invest in a tea infuser and make the most out of each brew. Share the love with friends and family with tea gifts like authentic green tea varieties from different regions of the world, a new teapot, or a charming tea set.
However you choose to indulge in your green tea, you’ll know that with each sip, you’re doing something to take care of your mind, body, and soul.
