Although the evidence is not conclusive, green tea may reduce the risk of mortality from several chronic illnesses. Combining it with honey can enhance its advantages because of honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Green tea is a widely favored beverage around the world. People commonly combine this tea with honey to lessen its harshness and enhance its sweetness, resulting in a pleasant hot drink.
This article discusses the potential health advantages of consuming green tea with honey.
Nutritional value of green tea
Green tea, when mixed with water, is a calorie-free beverage rich in nutrients like polyphenols and minerals associated with many health advantages.
Green tea is available in both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions. Individual responses to caffeine vary, but studies indicate that consuming a modest amount of caffeine can improve focus and potentially lower the chances of developing chronic illnesses.
Green tea and matcha, derived from the same leaves, include antioxidants and chemicals that can lower the risk of some malignancies, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological diseases.
Consuming green tea can help lower stress levels, providing mental health advantages. This effect could be associated with the presence of L-theanine in green tea.
Early studies on L-theanine, a chemical present in green tea and several plant-based meals, indicate its potential to alleviate anxiety and stress, as well as its exploration for other mental health advantages.
In addition to lowering stress, studies have shown that green tea with less caffeine improves sleep quality, which in turn promotes better overall health.
Nutritional value of honey
Various cultures have historically used honey as a cure. The substance consists mainly of carbs, with 1 teaspoon containing around 6 grams of added sugar and 21 calories.
In the past, honey was commonly utilized for treating a variety of conditions, such as throat infections, asthma, eczema, and wounds.
Research does provide evidence for some of these applications, particularly in the treatment of upper respiratory infections and eczema.
Today, people particularly recognize raw honey for its antioxidant content. It is uncertain whether the antioxidant content actually contributes to health benefits.
While honey may provide additional health advantages compared to certain other sweeteners, it is still a kind of sugar and should be ingested in limited amounts.
One study demonstrated that honey has a comparable metabolic impact on the body to white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup; however, other research in this field is inconclusive.
When including honey in your green tea, remember that moderation is key.
The American Heart Association recommends that women limit their daily intake of added sugar to 25 grams, while men should aim for no more than 36 grams. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans propose that added sugar should account for no more than 10% of total daily caloric intake.
Health benefits of green tea with honey
Green tea and honey each have potential health benefits, and when combined, they may give additional advantages.
Help reduce cold and flu symptoms
Hot tea and honey can both help relieve sore throat symptoms. Consuming green tea with honey can offer additional advantages beyond just relieving your throat.
Consuming green tea with honey may aid in symptom management and potentially lower the likelihood of contracting the common cold and flu; however, the specific amount required for beneficial effects remains uncertain.
Studies have demonstrated a correlation between tea catechins, a component present in green tea, and reduced flu incidence and symptoms. Honey can assist in managing symptoms.
Green tea with honey cannot cure any medical ailments.
The amount of green tea needed to experience symptom-relief benefits is uncertain due to conflicting evidence. Some studies recommend consuming 3 cups daily, while others measure catechin levels equivalent to 10 cups of green tea.
Adding honey to your green tea will reduce bitterness, making it more enjoyable and potentially increasing consumption, which could aid in hydration when unwell.
Good for your teeth
Surprisingly, recent research indicates that consuming green tea with honey may help lower the chances of dental decay.
A tiny study showed that the combination of green tea and honey decreased the presence of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria linked to tooth disease, in the mouths of young boys.
Prior research indicates that honey might have more favorable effects on dental health compared to refined sugar.
Additional research is required to determine the safe amount of alcohol consumption and confirm if there is a genuine protective benefit.
Support diabetes management
Unsweetened beverages are optimal for managing blood sugar levels. Consuming a cup of green tea with honey could be considered safe and potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Past research involving 17 studies indicated that green tea could enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting glucose and HgA1C levels, which are crucial indicators for diabetes.
Moreover, multiple studies have indicated that honey could be more beneficial for individuals with diabetes compared to other forms of sugar.
Additional current studies are necessary to confirm the potential benefits of green tea with honey. Further investigation is required to determine the safe consumption levels of green tea with honey for those with diabetes. Diabetes sufferers should limit their intake of added sugars like honey.
Better Skin Health
Green tea and honey are both advantageous for the skin. Green tea’s antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics can aid in reducing acne and enhancing skin tone. Honey is an organic moisturizer that helps hydrate the skin and decrease irritation. Collectively, they can assist in promoting healthy and radiant skin.
Precautions while consuming green tea with honey
Both green tea and honey seem to have a lot of health benefits, whether you drink them alone or together. But sometimes too much good is bad.
Green tea does have energy in it. Most people can handle a small amount of caffeine, but if you’re pregnant or sensitive to it, you might want to limit yourself to one or two cups a day. You could also try green tea without the caffeine.
If you don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night, don’t drink too much green tea in the afternoon or evening (unless it’s decaf).
We also recommend limiting your daily calorie intake of extra sugar to less than 10%. This includes honey. Think about how much you put in your tea and how many cups you drink every day.
The bottom line
There may be health benefits to both green tea and honey, but drinking them together might be even better.
Green tea is full of vitamins that may lower your risk of getting a lot of long-term diseases, like heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It might also be good for your mental health.
In the past, people have also used honey as a sweetener to treat health issues. A sore throat might feel better, and acne might get better with this.
When you drink this, though, keep in mind that it has caffeine and extra sugar. Choose decaf green tea or drink just one or two cups a day with a little honey to taste if you can’t handle caffeine.
