Why you should be drinking green tea

Photo: Twinings Mango & Lychee, my green tea of choice

I have been trying to increase my green tea intake recently, because of its magical detoxing properties and because it helps me ensure that I drink enough water to stay hydrated (which is increasingly important as the weather gets warmer) and that I don’t mistake thirst for hunger and snack unnecessarily.

It also stops me drinking endless cups of sugary builders’ tea, one of my biggest weaknesses.

The British Journal of Nutrition has reported that drinking more than three cups of green tea a day was found to protect against cell deterioration as we age. In fact, DNA tests showed the equivalent of FIVE extra years on the tea drinkers’ lives. So it’s official – drinking green tea helps you live longer! Not only that, it is also thought to speed up the metabolism and reduce cholesterol levels; in a much-cited interview with Heat magazine, Sophie Dahl attributed the weight loss that saw her drop from a size 16 to a size 12 due to her insatiable green tea habit. A quick search on Google reveals that the internet is stuffed with websites extolling the miraculous calorie-burning virtues of the stuff (many of them also selling it. Coincidently.)

My new favourite variety of green tea is Twinings Mango & Lychee, which I chose recently when faced with about 30 different varieties in Sainsbury’s. The sweet taste of the lychee helps to counteract the slightly bitter taste of the tea, and combined with the mango it has a lovely subtle exotic fruit flavour. I’ve found that the tea tastes best when brewed for 30 second and no longer, as green tea gets very bitter if left to brew for too long. When I first started drinking it I made the mistake of leaving the bag in my cup while I attempted to drink it and simply couldn’t understand why anyone would want to drink anything so disgusting! Fortunately someone pointed out to me the error of my ways.

My preferred time to drink green tea is late in the afternoon before a gym session, as the caffeine it contains can increase endurance or help with short intense exercise. Also, it’s tasty and it makes me feel like I’m being super healthy.

I’d be really interested to hear your green tea recommendations as I’m racing through my box of Mango & Lychee and would love to try something new. What’s your favourite flavour?