My morning routine is sacred to me: I don’t leave the house without doing my skincare and taking my supplements. Once I get to work, my day can’t start properly without a hot drink at my desk. But where I used to make a beeline for the coffee machine as soon as I reached the office, now the kettle is my new best friend—because I’ve been drinking green tea instead of coffee for a month now.
7 reasons why green tea is a healthy coffee alternative
I wasn’t necessarily a coffee junkie, but I did typically consume two to three cups a day: one in the morning, a second after lunch, and sometimes a third in the afternoon. It didn’t feel excessive, but I had started to notice it made me feel a bit restless and shaky. I’d seen a story about how green tea could be an alternative to coffee, and when I finally got around to doing my own research, I discovered a comprehensive list of benefits that encouraged me to make the switch.
L-theanine for relaxation and concentration
Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has a calming effect and can increase concentration at the same time. In combination with caffeine, L-theanine promotes a relaxed but alert mind—ideal for focused work.
Mild caffeine content
A cup of green tea generally contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee. Depending on the variety, green tea contains 20 to 50 mg of caffeine, whereas coffee contains 80 to 120 mg per cup. In addition, the caffeine in green tea is released much more slowly than in coffee, as it is bound to L-theanine. It therefore takes a little longer for the stimulating effect to kick in, but it also lasts longer. The result is a gentle, longer-lasting energy boost—without a caffeine crash.
Less acid
As coffee is more acidic, it can cause stomach irritation or heartburn. Green tea is generally gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause digestive problems.
More antioxidants
Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented and therefore contains natural antioxidants, like catechins, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and support cell health while strengthening the immune system. Green tea also surpasses the antioxidant content of coffee, which is usually roasted.
Good for the heart
Some studies show that green tea has a positive effect on the heart. Evidence suggests that regular consumption could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, as the antioxidants present can reduce inflammation.
Stimulates the metabolism
Green tea stimulates your metabolism and can increase energy expenditure. Studies suggest that the combination of caffeine and catechins in green tea may reduce the digestion and absorption of fat in the stomach and intestines.
Not so nerve-jangling
Some people feel shaky or experience a racing heart after coffee. As the caffeine in green tea is released more slowly, these side effects are less common.
What happened when I drank green tea instead of coffee for a month
I actually quite like green tea (I know not everyone does), but in the initial days, I missed the more intense taste of coffee. But after about a week, I got used to my new hot drink alternative.
The first thing I noticed was that my energy levels somehow felt more balanced. Although I don’t get the boost my coffee used to give me in the morning, my afternoon slump is also much less pronounced. I have no problems falling asleep in the evening (I usually have my last cup of tea around 4 p.m.). When I had coffee late in the day, I sometimes found it difficult to drift off.
I’ve also noticed that I tolerate green tea better. My morning coffee has given me heartburn a few times, with green tea this doesn’t happen. I am also less shaky and can concentrate better throughout the day.
After a month, I can safely say that green tea has permanently replaced coffee in my daily routine. Overall, I feel more relaxed and less jittery. During the week, I simply stick to green tea in a bag, but when I have a little more time I like to have a matcha latte with soy milk. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not giving up coffee forever. It’s just that now it’s an occasional treat, rather than a daily crutch.
