Smoothy Slim
Photo by Gary  Barnes Pexels Logo Photo: Gary Barnes

How many days should I drink green tea to lose weight?

Regularly drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Drinking three to five cups of green tea per day seems to be optimal to reap the most health benefits.

Is Bananas good for liver?
Is Bananas good for liver?

A. Yes, bananas are rich in vitamin B6, C and A. It is also high in resistant starch, which is highly beneficial for liver health. These nutrients...

Read More »
How quickly can I lose 10kg?
How quickly can I lose 10kg?

As a general rule of thumb, you will need at least 3-4 weeks to drop 3-5kg and up to 3 months to lose 10kg. This means that focusing on your diet...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

The caffeine and catechins in green tea are well known for their health benefits, but they can also cause side effects for some people, especially in large doses.

Effects of Caffeine

Consuming too much caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety, interfere with sleep and cause stomach upset and headaches in some people ( 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ). Consuming large amounts of caffeine while pregnant may even increase the risk of birth defects and miscarriage ( 32 ). Based on current research, everyone, including pregnant women, should not consume more than 300 mg of caffeine daily ( 33 ). However, one review looked at over 400 studies and found that healthy adults who consumed up to 400 mg of caffeine per day did not experience adverse effects ( 34 ). The amount of caffeine in one cup of green tea varies depending on the amount of tea used and the length of time the leaves steep. One study found that the caffeine content of 1 gram of green tea ranged from 11–20 mg ( 12 ). A single serving is usually measured at 1 tablespoon (2 grams) of tea leaves per 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Assuming each cup of tea is approximately 1 cup (240 ml), this means the average cup of green tea contains about 22–40 mg of caffeine.

Catechins May Reduce Iron Absorption

The catechins in green tea may reduce your ability to absorb iron from foods ( 35 ). In fact, consuming catechins in large quantities may lead to iron deficiency anemia ( 36 ). While regularly drinking green tea isn’t a concern for most healthy individuals, those at risk of iron deficiency should consider drinking tea in between meals and waiting at least one hour after eating before drinking tea ( 37 ). Infants, young children, women who are pregnant or menstruating and individuals who have internal bleeding or are undergoing dialysis are all at an increased risk of iron deficiency. The catechins in green tea can also interfere with certain medications and decrease their effectiveness. For example, studies indicate that green tea may inhibit the effectiveness of certain heart and blood pressure medications ( 12 ). Drinking green tea may also decrease the effects of certain medications used to treat anxiety and depression ( 38 , 39 ). Toxic effects are most common when people take green tea supplements, which have a much higher concentration of catechins than green tea itself ( 40 ). Summary: When consumed in moderation, green tea is safe for most people. You may want to limit or avoid it if you have iron deficiency or are pregnant, nursing or taking medications for anxiety disorders or heart conditions.

What should you not drink first thing in the morning?
What should you not drink first thing in the morning?

It's recommended not to drink soda (or other drinks high in refined sugar), energy drinks, alcohol (yes, even Mimosas!), or coffee on an empty...

Read More »
Is drinking lemon every day good?
Is drinking lemon every day good?

Drinking lemon water may decrease stress, enhance immune function, help prevent anemia, reduce your risk of kidney stones, and protect against...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Which fruit is best for sleeping?

Cherries. Cherries and cherry juice contain high levels of melatonin, a hormone in the brain that controls your sleep regulation. One study even shows that drinking tart cherry juice could improve sleep in people who suffer from insomnia.

Credit: Courtesy of Aleta Meadowlark/Flickr Credit: Courtesy of Aleta Meadowlark/Flickr

Cherries

Cherries and cherry juice contain high levels of melatonin, a hormone in the brain that controls your sleep regulation. One study even shows that drinking tart cherry juice could improve sleep in people who suffer from insomnia. Conducted by Louisiana State University, the study found that adults who consumed just 8 ounces of tart cherry juice two times a day slept for an additional 85 minutes.

RELATED: How can drinking too much water turn deadly?

Berries

Berries -- including blueberries, raspberries and blackberries -- contain very high levels of antioxidants. According to experts at the National Sleep Foundation, antioxidants can protect you from the stress of a sleep disorder, which can cause oxidation in the body. Consuming antioxidant-rich berries before bed can help reduce your overall physical stress, thereby allowing you to have a more restful sleep. Another fruity treat to enjoy before bed is the humble pineapple. Also high in melatonin, researchers discovered that after eating pineapple, the melatonin markers in the body could increase by 266 percent. This means that regularly consuming this sweet treat before bed could help you fall asleep fast and stay asleep longer.

Credit: Courtesy of Scott Webb/Flickr Credit: Courtesy of Scott Webb/Flickr

Can lack of sleep make you more vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease? Find out if you're at risk.

Will my stomach shrink if I stop drinking soda?
Will my stomach shrink if I stop drinking soda?

Are you looking for a way to lose abdominal fat? Patrick Friedli, MD, the medical director of Munson's Healthy Weight Center, may have one of the...

Read More »
How much lemon should I put in my hot water in the morning?
How much lemon should I put in my hot water in the morning?

To make lemon water, squeeze half a lemon into 8 ounces of warm or cold water.

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
What does sprout do to your body?
What does sprout do to your body?

The health benefits of sprouts include improved digestion of both carbohydrates and proteins. Germination stimulates the release of enzymes to pre-...

Read More »
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
How long does it take for quercetin to work?
How long does it take for quercetin to work?

For an average person, quercetin should start working within 45-60 minutes of ingestion. However, factors such as your age, metabolism, lifestyle,...

Read More »