For many, there's nothing better than greeting the day with a steaming cup of coffee, and then having another whenever they hit a slump. However, there's such a thing as too much coffee. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily recommendation for most adults is 400 milligrams of caffeine, equivalent to about two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee. (This can vary based on individual caffeine sensitivity, though.)
If you find yourself exceeding the daily recommendation -- or simply want to reduce your coffee intake due to health effects such as disrupted sleep or anxiety -- green tea is a fantastic alternative. The FDA reports that it contains at least three times less caffeine than coffee. Plus, green tea has several health benefits, which we'll outline below.
Green tea 101
Green tea has a long history dating back to about 3000 BC in China. Its beginnings as a medicinal beverage led to green tea becoming one of the world's most popular drinks; the global tea market is now worth over $300 billion.
Green tea is an unoxidized tea that comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. It grows in Asia, primarily in China and Japan. The tea leaves are plucked and then heated to prevent oxidation and preserve catechins, a natural flavonoid compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Leaves are then rolled and dried, though the processing method can differ depending on the region.
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A few popular types of green tea include:
Matcha
Sencha
Moroccan mint
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