In this coffee-centric society, it’s hard to imagine mornings without the delicious aroma of a steaming mug of joe. People generally reach for a cup of coffee whenever they need a pick-me-up, cashing in on the energy kick that caffeine will give them.
Caffeine in a Healthy Diet
Caffeine actually has scientifically-proven health benefits. It doesn’t only wake you up – it’s also said to help with weight loss and enhances other bodily functions.
The daily recommended limit of caffeine intake is 400mg. That’s about two grande brewed coffees (16oz) from Starbucks.
Normal coffee mugs can hold about 12oz of liquid, so two cups a day would bring you close to the max.
Coffee has become such an integral part of the Western diet that people unconsciously consume more than two cups all the time.
But it’s all good, though, since it’s supposed to be good for you, right?
As usual, too much of a good thing negates the goodness. Do you know if you’re going overboard on caffeine?
Coffee’s Caffeine Crash
If you get jittery after a cup and then get a headache after a few hours – that’s coffee caffeine crash. This will make you feel sluggish, have difficulty concentrating, and inevitably head to the breakroom to brew another cup.
In this way, reliance on coffee can make you more unproductive. If you want a healthier, more efficient option, green tea is the way to go.
Green Tea’s Secret: L-theanine
This wonderous beverage also contains caffeine, but only a fraction of what coffee has. You may be wondering, what makes green tea’s caffeine different?
Is it just the lesser amount?
What sets green tea apart from coffee and all other caffeinated drinks is something called l-theanine. It’s an amino acid that actually complements caffeine!
While caffeine induces wakefulness and heightened senses, l-theanine actually acts as a mild downer. It calms energy spikes and buffs out the buzz that caffeine produces, making your mind clear and alert without the edginess. No painful crashes here!
The Power of Catechins
Not only can green tea help you sustain prolonged productivity, it also contains a huge amount of a catechin called EGCG. This substance is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from cancer-causing free radicals.
This means a cup of green tea every morning will not only wake you up, it’ll also keep premature aging, diseases, and even fat away!
At the End of the Day…
We can’t deny that coffee is delicious and has some health benefits. However, the power of coffee is only caffeine, and too much of it can cause crashes that negate the purpose of drinking it in the first place.
On the other hand, green tea has the synergistic effect of caffeine and l-theanine that gives you smooth energy and alertness for longer, as well as catechins to help fight off the bad effects of stress.
So the next time you crave for a pick-me-up, reach for a green tea bag. Make it a part of your diet, even. Your body will thank you later!
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