Do you drink green tea to lose weight? Here's what you should know

Excessive consumption of green tea can disrupt the stomach acid balance and lead to acidity. Photo: iStock/YelenaYemchuk

Are you someone who drinks green tea to lose weight? Do you believe that green tea is healthier because it contains no caffeine, unlike regular tea and coffee? If so, you're not alone. Many people share this belief. Green tea is indeed a beverage with numerous health benefits. Let us address some common misconceptions about green tea. Nutritionist Nami Aggarwal recently shared on social media three popular misconceptions about green tea. Nami emphasizes that despite its health benefits, green tea is not the sole source of nutritional benefits. Some of the misconceptions about green tea are:

More is better
Many people consume multiple cups of green tea throughout the day in hopes of shedding weight. However, excessive consumption of green tea can disrupt the stomach acid balance and lead to acidity. Studies suggest that one should not drink more than four cups of green tea per day.
It is free of caffeine
Many individuals believe that green tea contains little to no caffeine compared to regular tea and coffee. However, green tea does contain caffeine, which can also cause acidity when consumed in large quantities.

• Reduces body weight
Some people think that green tea miraculously reduces weight overnight. Green tea does not burn fat or directly lead to weight loss. It is simply a beverage. Green tea works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Also, individual responses to green tea can vary.

Nonetheless, green tea does offer numerous benefits. Nami elaborates:
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins. The beverage helps prevent cell damage and promote overall health. Additionally, green tea can contribute to improved cardiac health. However, other teas like black tea and herbal tea also possess unique health benefits. Nami mentions three antioxidant-rich drinks that can be enjoyed just like green tea:
• Cinnamon and fenugreek tea
• Tulsi and ginger tea
• Turmeric and pepper tea

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