Green Tea: Is it As Healthy As We Think?

Green Tea – Can It Be Made Even Healthier?

A recent study has suggested that filtered water boosts green tea’s antioxidant powers. However, it also revealed green tea tastes better using filtered water. So, which is better for you?

Everybody knows that green tea is a superfood. It is full of antioxidants that are beneficial for both the heart and the brain. But, did you know its effects are multiplied when it is brewed with filtered water as opposed to tap water?

The result of using filtered water rather than tap is almost double the amount of antioxidants! However, the one in particular that scientists are most interested in is one called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). EGCG is a type of cachetin found commonly in green tea that has massively beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and metabolic health. It is also widely regarded as a cancer preventative due to its antioxidant properties.

Health Benefits

As well as supposedly preventing certain types of cancer, green tea also receives press for aiding weight loss, reducing stress and helping improve energy levels. Favoured by many celebrities, the tea is a natural way to boost your antioxidants and hydrate your body.

Green tea also contains caffeine, but not as much as coffee. So, if you’re looking for a bit of a boost next time you’re in the office make yourself a mug of green tea using water straight from your Billi tap. According to the study – tap water will make it the most tasty, but as our water is filtered too, it will also boost the antioxidant content! A win win.

Liver Damage?

We are all for the benefits of green tea, however, it does seem like there can be a negative to the superfood.  In April of 2018, the EU watchdog released a warning that outlined how green tea extract can cause liver damage if used excessively.

Luckily for most of us, green tea throughout the day will not harm us, and in fact will be good for our health. However, make sure to watch out if you are taking green tea extract in supplement form, as this can be where the damage appears.

The warning suggests that more than 800mg of green tea catechins each day may pose health concerns. In small amounts, and through food and drink like matcha and regular green tea, you should be ok. Unfortunately though, the EU watchdog were unable to recommend a safe dose.  This is primarily because they believe there should be further scientific trials into the effect of green tea catechins and for labels to announce the risks.

You can pick up green tea extract supplement at high street drug stores, put most of them contain under the recommended amount, and therefore are deemed safe.

If you’re worried about the health risks, avoid the supplements and stick to a nice hot mug of green tea every morning and lunch time at your desk to really feel the benefits of those fabulous antioxidants.