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Does Green Tea Break a Fast? The Verdict Is In
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Does green tea break a fast? Our experts take a deep dive into green tea and all of the benefits, both in and out of intermittent fasting.
Drinking liquids during your fasting period on an intermittent fasting diet is very important. Most people stick with water, but sometimes, you want something that has a little bit of flavor. Green tea is one of many popular beverages that people on a low-calorie diet like to drink.
But is it safe to drink during your fast? Our experts explain all the benefits of green tea and answer the burning question: does green tea break a fast?
Can You Drink Green Tea While Fasting?
Absolutely! Camellia sinensis, or green tea, like many other herbal tea options, is a calorie-free drink that you can enjoy during your fasting periods without any issue whatsoever.
In fact, many veterans of intermittent fasting suggest drinking green tea as a way to stay hydrated and curb hunger pangs.
How much caffeine is in green tea?
On average, a single 8oz cup of green tea has about 35mg of caffeine. However, the amount of caffeine can vary slightly in one direction or the other. This is slightly less caffeine than black tea has – about 48mg of caffeine per cup.
Tea has a natural source of caffeine, which occurs naturally in the plant that green tea is derived from, so each box of green tea can vary slightly depending on how the plant was grown and tended to.
While drinking tea throughout the day (in or out of your fasting window) is generally accepted as a great way to limit your feelings of hunger, it’s important to keep an eye on how much you’re drinking.
The potential benefits can be overshadowed if you’re drinking more than 400mg of caffeine a day, so make sure to limit the intake.
4 Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea has a plethora of benefits for your health. Here are some of them:
#1 Helps burn fat
Drinking tea can help increase your metabolic process, which is a great step in the right direction of belly fat burning.
The caffeine found in green tea may also help you burn fat by encouraging fatty tissue to create fatty acids, which can then be used for energy.
#2 Full of antioxidants
Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemicals that can help control the decay or damage of cells and even repair them.
Drinking a cup of green tea every day can help your body control cell damage, as well as control chronic inflammation.
#3 Helps prevent diabetes and heart disease
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that involves elevated blood sugar levels, which, in turn, is often caused by insulin resistance or sensitivity.
Green tea has been shown to help improve insulin response, which can help drinkers fight off type 2 diabetes, age-related diseases, and cardiovascular disease.
#4 Reduces stress
Green tea has a chemical in it that helps reduce stress called theanine. High stress can cause any number of chronic illnesses and health problems, including increased blood pressure, chronic headaches, and stomach issues.
It’s important to reduce stress whenever you can to improve your health.
Fasting Drinks Besides Water
Water is extremely beneficial to consume during your fast, but it can get pretty boring when all you do is drink water. If you’re looking for some beverages other than water or green tea to enjoy during your fast, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re looking for more information about intermittent fasting, eating windows, and what you can drink during your fast, you might want to check out a dedicated fasting app.
Black coffee
If you’re a coffee person, never fear. You can still enjoy moderate amounts of coffee in the morning, even if you’re fasting. However, you want to make sure you don’t consume too much caffeine. Keep it under 400mg a day. As long as you don’t add sugar or cream, coffee is A-OK during a fast.
Apple cider vinegar
Many people who do intermittent fasting suggest diluting a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but apple cider vinegar can also work as a tool for hunger suppression, which is especially helpful if you skip breakfast.
Sparkling water
When plain water becomes too boring, why not try some lightly flavored carbonated water? You may also try some lemon water to offer yourself something to avoid breaking your fast and to help you restrict your food intake throughout your eating window.
A Word From Nutritionist
Green teas, herbal teas, and even black tea are great ways to enjoy a delicious beverage without having to break a fast.
Thankfully, you can drink tea without having to worry about your fast. While you’re waiting for your window to eat, you can brew yourself your favorite zero-calorie unsweetened tea, whether that be ginger tea or chamomile tea.
Just make sure to stay away from sweet tea while you’re fasting. Refrain from adding milk, and don’t add honey either.
Sugar or too many calories can potentially break your fast very quickly. In order to get the best health benefits out of your green tea, have it plain.
While green tea is a great way to lose weight when fasting, it’s definitely not for everyone! Make sure you consult your doctor before diving into this particular healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
So, will green tea break your fast? The answer is: no!
Green tea is perfectly fine to enjoy during your fast. The benefits of green tea are also remarkable for your overall health. While you’re waiting for your much-anticipated eating window, you can soothe your hunger by sipping on some tea. It has a bitter taste that takes some getting used to, but you will get used to it.
Intermittent fasting is great for weight loss, and so is green tea. You can accelerate weight loss with green tea, as well as enjoy all of those antioxidants and reduce your stress. If you’re not a tea fan, however, you can also enjoy some water or coffee without having to break a fast.
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