Green tea is an integral part of all weight loss plans. It is one of the least processed teas made using unoxidised leaves. It is densely rich in antioxidants that keep us healthy and reduce our risk of various diseases.
While some people like to have a cup, others might end up having five or even more cups of green tea in a day. But what is the ideal quantity that one can consume?
Here is the right quantity and the best time to consume green tea to reap maximum benefits. But before that let’s understand how green tea is made.
24
How is green tea made?
As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information literature review, to produce green tea, freshly harvested leaves are immediately steamed to prevent fermentation, which yields a dry and stable product. The steaming destroys the enzymes responsible for breaking down the colour pigments in leaves and allows the tea to maintain its colour while the rolling and drying process is done. 
34
How much is too much
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols and has caffeine. Consuming more than three cups a day can leave you tossing and turning in bed at night. It is diuretic in nature and can flush out essential elements from your system.
The best possible time to reap the benefits of green tea is having it in during the daytime or with an evening snack. Do not consume it on an empty stomach.
You can consume it two hours before and two hours after your meal. Drinking green tea in between meals will minimise the nutrient intake and inhibit the absorption of iron and minerals from your food.
Thus, drinking one-two cups during the day is suggested. People suffering from IBS should avoid having green tea. 
44
Benefits of green tea
Consuming green tea has been linked with the prevention of many diseases like cancer of the lung, colon, mouth oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, kidney, pancreas and mammary glands.
It boosts your metabolism and thus helps you lose weight.
Green tea has anti-bacterial properties. It is also rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins and has various benefits including weight loss.
It has anti-ageing properties and reduces the risk of heart disease. It helps in reducing cholesterol, improves brain function and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
It reduces inflammation and oxidative stress and hence improves skin and metabolic diseases like stroke and diarrhoea.
This article first appeared in Times of India, https://m.timesofindia.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/green-tea-the-best-time-and-best-way-to-consume-it/amp_etphotostory/86367780.cms
