A type of tea made of Camellia sinensis leaves, Green tea originated in China and has since spread over to other countries of East Asia, in both production and manufacturing. The foremost reason for this extensive use of green tea has been the health benefits it brings with itself. Due to being loaded with anti-oxidants, Green tea is touted to be one of the healthiest beverages around the world. There are several evidence-based benefits of drinking green tea, which include:

1. It contains healthy bioactive compounds. It is rich in polyphenols which have natural effects like reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer. It contains catechin and EGCG which helps to prevent cell damage.
2. It improves brain function. A key active ingredient of green tea is caffeine which is a known stimulant. Research has consistently shown that caffeine improves various aspects of brain function, like mood, vigilance, memory, and reaction time. It is also said to have anti-anxiety effects.
3. Increases FAT burning. Green tea can boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning. It contains caffeine which is shown to increase physical performance by about 11-12%.
4. It may lower the risk of some cancers. Research has linked drinking green tea with decreased incidence of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Green tea contains powerful anti-oxidants which protect the body against cancer.
5. Protects the brain from ageing. Bioactive compounds in green tea have protective effects on the brain and reduce the incidence of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Help to prevent type-2 diabetes. According to a review of 7 studies, it was shown that tea-drinkers had an 18% chance of contracting type-2 diabetes. Green tea improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels.
7. Help to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Green tea improves the total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol which are the main factors contributing to cardiovascular diseases.

However, to do anything there is a specific and right time, during which the effects are paramount. Similarly, there is a specific time for drinking green tea, a specific time that may cause the desired action. And there are times when you should completely avoid drinking green tea as it may cause negative effects on the body.  According to Boldsky’s page, here are the best times to drink green tea so as to gain the best benefits.

• Don’t drink too early in the morning. Drinking green tea on empty stomach may cause bad effects on the liver because of its high content of catechins. Drink green tea at around 10:00-11:00 in the morning or late at night.
• Drink between meals. A cup of green tea in between meals, for example, 2 hours before or after a meal can help to maximize the nutrient intake and iron absorption.
• Drink before exercise. It has a two-fold benefit. Drinking green tea before exercise helps to burn more fat and also it increases energy which helps to exercise longer.
• Two hours before bedtime. Green tea should not be taken at bedtime as it contains caffeine and it may disturb your sleep. However taking it 2 hours before bedtime helps to boost the metabolism, as that period of the day is the time when the metabolism is the lowest.

So, here you have it, reasons enough for you to start your share of consumption of green tea. And what better day to do that, than today? After all, shubh kaam me deri kis baat ki.