What are the effects and benefits of green tea?

Sep 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, as a common beverage, green tea has various effects and functions, mainly including clearing heat and relieving summer heat, refreshing the mind, promoting metabolism, protecting oral health, and assisting in antioxidant activity. When drinking green tea, one should avoid consuming it on an empty stomach to prevent irritation of the gastrointestinal tract; excessive consumption before bedtime should also be avoided to prevent caffeine from affecting sleep; individuals with weak or cold gastrointestinal systems should reduce their intake and opt for weaker tea.

Generally speaking, as a common beverage, green tea has various functions and benefits, mainly including clearing heat and relieving summer heat, refreshing the mind, promoting metabolism, protecting oral health, and assisting in antioxidation. The specific details are as follows:

1. Clearing Heat and Relieving Summer Heat: Green tea is cold in nature with a sweet and bitter taste, capable of dispelling internal heat. It is especially suitable for consumption in summer. During hot weather or when experiencing dry mouth, irritability, and heat discomfort, drinking green tea can help cool the body, quench thirst, relieve discomfort caused by summer heat, and replenish bodily fluids.

2. Refreshing the Mind: Green tea contains caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system, enhance brain activity, alleviate fatigue and drowsiness. When feeling mentally exhausted during work or study, drinking an appropriate amount of green tea can help focus attention, improve reaction capability, and restore energy.

3. Promoting Metabolism: The polyphenols and caffeine in green tea can accelerate bodily metabolism, assist in fat breakdown and consumption, and promote intestinal motility, thereby improving intestinal function. Long-term moderate consumption can help maintain metabolic balance.

4. Protecting Oral Health: The polyphenols in green tea have certain antibacterial properties, which can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, reduce odor-causing substances produced by bacteria, thus helping to freshen breath and reduce bad breath. Additionally, it can assist in preventing plaque formation, offering certain protective benefits for oral health.

5. Assisting Antioxidation: The polyphenols in green tea are potent antioxidants that help eliminate excess free radicals in the body, reducing cellular damage caused by free radicals. Long-term moderate consumption can provide certain antioxidant support for the body, assisting in maintaining stable bodily functions.

When drinking green tea, avoid consuming it on an empty stomach to prevent gastrointestinal irritation; excessive consumption before bedtime should be avoided to prevent caffeine from affecting sleep; individuals with cold stomachs or intestines should reduce intake and opt for weaker tea to ensure comfort and health while drinking.

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