Green tea comes from the leaves of the plant Camelia sinesis, which originates from Eastern Asia. Many people drink green tea for the flavor of the drink. Others consume green tea based the potential health benefits the tea's antioxidants may offer. Green tea could offer beneficial nutrients that help prevent cancer, lower cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea may have a slightly bitter taste to some drinkers, and this may result in some people adding sweeteners. For the best nutritional benefits, as well as reduced calories, green tea drinkers may wish to drink a diet version.
Step 1
Drink green tea hot or cold. This will typically depend on a person's preference.
Step 2
Avoid adding sugar or other sweeteners to prevent additional calories. In order to adapt to the taste of green tea without sweeteners, a person may need to slowly reduce the amount of added sugar. Over time, the user will require less and less to taste, until she will not need to use sweeteners for the tea.
Step 3
Add no-calorie sugar alternatives, such as stevia, if desired.
Tips and Warnings
- Some grocery stores may carry pre-made diet green tea. Read the label to make sure the tea does not contain "low" sugar or other undesired additives.
- Green tea does contain caffeine, and this may cause sleeplessness and agitation, as well as gastric upset, warns the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Things You'll Need
- Stevia
Member Comments