Green tea – before or after a meal?
Green tea is renowned for its health-boosting properties. It is remarkably effective as an antibacterial and antiviral, and it also provides a gentle energy lift while supporting the immune system. These health benefits come from its complex composition and comprehensive range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and natural theine. These compounds have proven health benefits. However, to make the most of these effects, there are a few rules worth keeping in mind when it comes to drinking green tea. One important factor is the amount of time that has passed since your last meal. So how should you drink green tea to get the most benefit for your health – before or after eating?
When is the best time to drink green tea?
It all depends on what you're hoping to get from green tea and what your particular health needs are. Depending on when it's consumed in relation to a meal, it can have different effects.
For those with a sensitive stomach, or a tendency towards irritation, we don't recommend drinking tea on an empty stomach. This is because green tea leaves contain tannin, a plant-based compound that acts as a powerful antioxidant. However, it can irritate the lining of an empty stomach. A better approach is to enjoy a cup of your favourite green tea some time after a meal, once you've eaten.
When does drinking green tea have the most beneficial effect on digestion?
It's generally recommended to drink green tea around 2 hours before your next meal and 2 hours after your last one (in other words, somewhere in the middle of a 4-hour gap between meals). If that isn't possible, there should be at least half an hour between drinking green tea and eating. This gap helps avoid a situation where green tea limits the absorption of valuable nutrients from your food.
Which green teas are recommended to drink with a meal?
In Japan, the teas most commonly drunk with meals are bancha – a green tea from the autumn harvest – and genmaicha – a green tea blended with roasted rice. The flavour of the latter, sometimes also known as "popcorn tea", will be familiar to sushi bar regulars, as it's often served there.
