In a research study, one group drank regular black tea (caffeinated) throughout the day, and the placebo group drank boiled water (1). The test showed no significant difference in hydration between the two groups.
I always drink green tea before morning exercise. Now I know that my morning tea is not dehydrating my body.
Black, green, and macha tea are types of tea that are harvested from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. They differ in how they are processed.
Black tea – The leaves from the plant are left to ferment to produce the color, strength, and flavor. Black tea becomes oxidized during this process.
Green tea – The leaves are dried under a controlled process that minimizes oxidation. Green tea is high in antioxidants.
Macha tea – The leaves are ground to a fine powder that is very high in antioxidants. The whole powder is ingested.
How can you brew the green and macha tea so the antioxidants are preserved?
Cold brewing tea preserves most nutrients of tea (2).
How do you cold brew green tea?
Add the green tea leaves to unheated water, cover, and let it stand in the fridge for 2 hours.
The instructions for making macha tea are very precise to preserve the nutrients, antioxidants, and flavor.
For an easy way to prepare macha, simply blend the macha powder into your morning green smoothies.
How do I prepare my warm green tea?
Bring the water to steam (not boil) and then turn it off. Leave the water stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour it over green tea leaves. This will ensure that most of the nutrients in the tea are preserved. Warm and cozy.
(1) Ruxton CH et al. Black tea is not significantly different from water in the maintenance of normal hydration in human. Br J Nutr. 106:588 (2011)
(2) Venditti E et al. Hot vs. cold water steeping of different teas: Do they affect antioxidant activity? Food Chemistry. 119: 1597 (2011)
