Green tea is one of the single most popular hot beverages in the world -- and for all the good reasons, as you will read everywhere on our tea blog! With great taste and even greater benefits, green tea has all the attributes of a "winner" in the tea world. However, does green tea make you poop?
Read on to find out more about the health benefits of green tea and its effects on the digestive system.
What Is Green Tea?
Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have not undergone the oxidation process. Unlike black tea, green tea is characterized by a lighter color and a more grassy taste. Green tea is the most popular type of tea in the world, with over 3 billion cups consumed each year.
Why Is Green Tea Popular?
Clearly, green tea is very popular. But why exactly do people love drinking green tea so much?
Well, green tea has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes. It is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols, which are believed to provide a wide range of health benefits, from reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease to helping you lose weight.
Green tea is also known for its energizing effects, thanks to its caffeine content. On the flipside, green tea has a lot less caffeine than black tea (and a lot less than coffee does). This makes it a great drink for people who don't necessarily want to give up on their caffeine, but want to limit their intake.
Does Green Tea Make You Poop?
Now that we know all the great things about green tea, let's move on to the question at hand: does green tea make you poop?
The answer is ..."sort of."
See, green tea has a laxative effect, which means that it can stimulate bowel movements. But this doesn't mean that everyone who drinks green tea will automatically need to run to the bathroom. It all depends on how your body reacts to the tea.
For some people, the laxative effect of green tea can be a bit too much, for others, it might be completely ignorable. If you experience any negative side effects after drinking green tea, it might be a good idea to reduce your intake or switch to a different type of tea.
All in all, though, if they are not too strong on you, the laxative effects of green tea can prove a great ally in maintaining digestive health. Combined with the (many!) other health effects of green tea, a cup of this brew a day can...keep the doctor away.
Just remember: to reap all the benefits of green tea, you should aim to have it as unsweetened as possible. Invest in good quality green tea and you will actually love the taste of it without sugar. And if you really have to sweeten it, aim for honey or healthier alternatives to sugar: it will taste better and be better for your overall health.
Green Tea & Digestion: FAQs
Does green tea help with digestion?
Yes, green tea does help with digestion. The polyphenols in green tea help to break down food and stimulate the digestive system. This can help to improve nutrient absorption and reduce gas and bloating.
Does green tea make you poop?
Yes, the laxative effects of green tea can stimulate bowel movements. However, it is worth noting that different people will react differently to the laxative effects of green tea. In some cases, the reaction will be stronger, while in others, it might be almost unnoticeable.
Does green tea digest food fast?
No, green tea does not digest food fast. In fact, the polyphenols in green tea can actually delay gastric emptying, which means that food will stay in the stomach for a longer period of time. This is actually a good thing, as it allows more time for the nutrients in food to absorb.
