Strong coffee and green tea are drinks that are necessarily present in the diet of any person. There are people who cannot imagine a day without a cup of aromatic coffee, others start their morning with invigorating and tonic tea.
A popular Japanese diet suggests combining tea with coffee - this drink stimulates metabolism and helps you quickly get rid of extra pounds. What is better to use, tea or coffee for weight loss? This question interests many men and women.
The effectiveness of green tea with coffee for weight loss
Cappuccino coffee for weight loss with green tea is a drink not only for vigor and activity, but also for speeding up metabolism . Thanks to this, all food consumed is completely digested in the digestive system and is not stored as extra pounds.
The combination of natural coffee beans with aromatic tea leaves helps turn all food into energy , “tuning” the body to burn fat deposits. The drink is most effective when combined with diet and exercise.
Method developed by a Japanese doctor
The complex of tea and coffee for weight loss was developed by the famous Japanese doctor Takafumi Kudi , a leading specialist at one of the largest clinics in Tokyo.
As a result of his illness and sedentary lifestyle, he rapidly gained several dozen extra pounds. In search of an effective, fast-acting and safe diet, Takafumi Kudi created an unusual coffee drink with the addition of tonic green tea.
Which tea is best?
To prepare a diet drink, it is best to use high-quality loose leaf tea , which can be purchased at a specialty store. The best option would be to use a natural, loose, organic product that does not contain any additives.
Tea in bags with the addition of flavors, dyes and preservatives can not only be useless, but also cause harm to the body.
Summarize
Green tea and coffee are two of the most popular healthy drinks.
Thanks to the antioxidants and caffeine they contain, they have many beneficial properties, such as anti-tumor properties and aiding weight loss.
They also have potential downsides, usually associated with added ingredients such as sugar, cream, and flavored syrups.
Taking into account the higher caffeine content of coffee and the L-theanine content of green tea can help you decide which one is best for you.
Beneficial properties of green tea for weight loss
Thanks to its unique biochemical composition, the tea drink effectively improves the condition of the most important internal organs . It normalizes intestinal function, stimulates the elimination of waste and toxins.
Regular consumption of green tea helps cleanse and activate metabolism , as a result of which the body begins to actively “burn” its own fat reserves. The drink has a mild diuretic and laxative effect.
Compound
Green tea contains many biologically active, natural components . These include:
- vitamin complex;
- minerals;
- catechins;
- tannin.
Green tea also contains a wide range of vitamins, micro- and macroelements , amino acids and antioxidants.
Effect on the body
Catechins, when combined with theatine and other active ingredients, provide benefits to the body . Their impact:
- Improves the functioning of the intestines and the entire digestive system.
- Relieves constipation and normalizes stool.
- Protects against regular stress.
- Strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
- Protects skin and internal organs from premature aging.
Green tea contains a large amount of antioxidants that have anti-aging effects . They reduce signs of aging and protect the body from harmful environmental factors.
Tea
Tea is a plant rich in antioxidants that has beneficial effects on the human body. The catechins found in teas belong to a family of chemicals called “flavonoids” and have very effective antioxidant properties . The concentration of catechins varies depending on the degree of processing of the tea leaves.
Green tea is the least processed , which explains its higher antioxidant activity compared to other varieties. It is produced by quickly steaming freshly picked leaves without lengthy fermentation, which results in their softness and light color. After steaming, the leaves are rolled up and dried with hot air or fried in a wok. The resulting greenish-yellow tea has a slightly astringent taste, similar to the taste of fresh leaves.
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Beneficial properties of coffee for weight loss
Natural coffee beans and green tea contain caffeine, as well as a number of other similar components . Therefore, these drinks have approximately the same effect on the body.
But you need to remember that coffee has a higher caffeine content, due to which it has a more pronounced invigorating and tonic effect on the nervous system. Therefore, most nutritionists agree that the choice of drink depends solely on the taste preferences of the person losing weight.
Compound
Natural coffee contains several dozen active plant components , due to which this drink is widely used in the field of nutrition:
- caffeine;
- chlorogenic acid;
- fatty acid;
- tannins;
- mineral components;
- stearins;
- tocopherols.
The aromatic grains also contain substances that help reduce appetite and lower blood glucose , have a mild diuretic effect and help fight swelling.
Effect on the body
Black coffee normalizes lipid metabolism in the liver, reducing the load on this organ . Caffeine, which is found in both coffee and green tea, accelerates the production of lipase, a digestive enzyme that promotes rapid digestion of food.
And chlorogenic acid is considered one of the most powerful and effective “fat burners ,” which is why it is included in many dietary supplements and weight loss medications.
How to make real coffee
To get a truly tasty drink, you must strictly follow the technology of its preparation. The process of preparing it is simple, the main thing is to observe the proportions and sequence of actions. Everyone loves coffee for its unique aroma and taste, which is achieved through the use of only natural ingredients when brewing it.
Truly delicious coffee cannot be made from instant powder and artificial vanillin; it must be freshly ground coffee beans and natural spices. But natural vanilla is an expensive pleasure; in extreme cases, it can be replaced with high-quality vanilla sugar or vanilla syrup.
Benefits of combining green tea and coffee
The combination of green tea and coffee has great benefits for the human body. It has the following effects :
- Normalizes blood pressure levels.
- Reduces cholesterol levels.
- Lowers blood sugar.
A drink made from natural coffee with the addition of green coffee perfectly stimulates the nervous system and brain activity , invigorates and tones, increases activity and performance.
A week of drinking a diet shake will help you get rid of 2-4 extra pounds - provided you give up sweets, fatty foods and have enough physical activity.
Many men and women prefer to drink coffee with added milk or cream, considering the taste of the natural drink to be too bitter. Such supplements impair and slow down the absorption of chlorogenic acid, which is necessary for rapid fat burning.
Why should they be mixed and drunk together for weight loss?
This drink stimulates the digestive system and speeds up metabolism . This promotes the rapid breakdown of fat cells and activates the weight loss process. The author of this dietary system, Dr. Takafumi Kudi, lost 30 kg in 10 months of drinking the drink.
He conducted a study on the effectiveness of dietary drinking among his patients. On average, men and women lost 6.5-7 kg in 4 weeks, provided they consumed coffee with tea every day.
Both natural coffee and tea contain caffeine, which has a stimulating effect on the nervous and digestive systems . These ingredients are beneficial on their own, and their combination significantly enhances the positive synergistic effect.
What spices and seasonings can be added to coffee?
Coffee spices are used in Asian countries. Arabs prefer tart spices with an intense aroma. Among the cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger familiar to Europeans, exotic additives such as cumin, star anise, nuts, and even garlic are used in coffee.
Some drinks with such additives are not for everyone. But most spiced coffee recipes are pleasant, aromatic drinks.
Spices must be fresh. Due to long-term storage, their taste and aroma are lost. Spices should be purchased whole and ground immediately before making coffee.
- Cinnamon is a healthy seasoning with a delicate aroma. Improves blood circulation and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Suitable for coffee with milk or cream.
- Cloves are the buds of the clove tree. The spice has a distinct pungent odor. Improves blood circulation, stimulates mental activity.
- Ginger is the root of a plant with a tart odor and pungent taste. Serves as a prevention of colds and has a warming effect.
- Vanilla is a seasoning with a sweet aroma. Improves mood. Combine with cream or milk.
- Star anise - star anise has a characteristic, recognizable smell. Relieves colds and treats coughs.
- Nutmeg has a pungent taste and a specific smell. Has a tonic effect. Should be used little by little.
- Cardamom has a pleasant, sweetish aroma. Associated with Christmas baking. Arabs use it to make Bedouin coffee. You should add cardamom little by little.
- Black pepper is a hot, aromatic spice. Warms, stimulates digestion. Serves as a prevention of colds.
- Lavender is an unusual combination for coffee beans. Crushed lavender is added during preparation or sprinkled over the finished drink.
- Bay leaf has a pronounced aroma and bitter taste. Regulates blood pressure, improves digestion.
- Salt - this seasoning is unusual for coffee. However, gourmets claim that salt sets off the coffee taste. Use finely ground salt, adding it a pinch at a time.
- Citrus fruits - use the zest of lemon, orange, grapefruit. Gives a slight sourness, tropical notes. You can also add pieces of apples or pears.
- Cocoa gives a chocolate aroma. Cocoa powder is mixed with ground coffee beans or sprinkled over the foam.
- Mint has a tonic and refreshing effect. Suitable for making cold coffee.
- Oil is traditionally added to tea by the Kyrgyz and Tatars. Butter can also be added to coffee to create a high-calorie warming drink.
- Honey is used instead of sugar to sweeten the drink. Add honey after preparing the drink.
- Chocolate complements the coffee taste. Use dark chocolate by grating it and sprinkling it on the surface of the drink.
- Maple syrup is popular in Canada. Used as a sweetener, gives an unusual aroma.
In some countries, especially exotic additives are used in coffee to improve the taste. In Finland, cubes of fatty cheese are placed at the bottom of the cup and a hot drink is poured over it. In Vietnam they make a sweet omelette.
In Mediterranean countries, a popular coffee flavoring is cinnamon. It is placed in whole sticks and taken out before serving. In Rome, coffee is brewed with cardamom and cinnamon, and a spoonful of lemon juice is added before serving.
In Turkey, Iran, and African countries, they prefer to drink coffee with a lot of spices. Most often it is saffron, ginger, pepper. In the state of Louisiana they are preparing a “devilish mixture”. It consists of brandy, lemon zest, cloves and cinnamon. The mixture is set on fire and added to the finished drink.
A story about spices that can reduce the harm of a coffee drink:
How to brew and drink
To speed up metabolism and quickly lose weight, the Japanese method recommends preparing a drink from natural coffee and green tea , taken in equal parts. It is recommended to drink the drink 2-3 times a day, one cup at a time.
It is best to drink coffee with green tea before meals - this will help speed up digestion and prevent the accumulation of fat deposits.
Cooking methods
Preparing a diet drink from coffee and green tea will not take much time and effort. To do this, you need to take a teaspoon of ground coffee and tea; drinks are prepared separately . Green leaves should be poured with a cup of boiling water and left to steep for 12-15 minutes.
A spoonful of crushed grains should also be poured with boiling water and cooked using a Turk or coffee maker. After this, both drinks must be mixed in equal proportions so that the total volume of the prepared cocktail is 260-300 ml.
Rules of use
A dietary drink made from strong coffee and green tea, according to the Japanese weight loss method, it is recommended to drink 250-300 ml 2-3 times a day, preferably half an hour before meals.
Since it has a tonic and stimulating effect on the nervous system, the evening dose should be at least 2-4 hours before bedtime.
Recipes for making tea with spices
Tea with spices warms you up, improves your mood, and makes you feel better when you have a cold. Black tea is suitable for brewing with spices. You should take loose tea leaves and make the drink in a teapot.
Anisic
The smell of anise tones and improves mood. Anise tea has an anti-cold effect. Ingredients:
- tea leaves;
- five pieces of anise;
- mint.
Preparation:
- Mix tea with anise, pour boiling water.
- Leave for ten minutes.
- Before serving, garnish with a sprig of mint.
To see how to brew tea to improve appetite:
Cinnamon
The warm aroma of cinnamon creates a festive mood.
Cinnamon tea recipe:
- A cinnamon stick is added to black tea and poured with boiling water.
- Let it brew for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon on already brewed black tea.
Ginger tea
Tea with ginger and lemon zest will help cope with an incipient cold. Ingredients:
- tea leaves;
- a piece of fresh ginger;
- lemon zest.
Preparation:
- Place the tea leaves, grated ginger and zest into the teapot.
- Pour boiling water over and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Before serving, sweeten the tea with honey and garnish with a sprig of mint.
You can make tea using this video:
With cardamom
Traditional winter tea, associated with New Year and Christmas. Ingredients:
- tea leaves;
- cardamom;
- orange zest.
Recipe:
- Place the tea leaves and spices in the kettle and pour boiling water over it.
- Serve tea with honey.
With nutmeg
Nutmeg has a tart aroma.
Preparing tea:
- Add a pinch of chopped nutmeg to the tea brew and brew with boiling water.
- To soften the bitter taste of the resulting tea, add honey.
Coffee liqueur "Brulot"
Café brûlot is a classic Creole warming drink, especially popular in New Orleans. Brulot can be compared to Hussar burnt wine (from French brûlot means “burnt”), only instead of champagne and rum, brandy and coffee, heavily seasoned with spices, are used here. While the brandy burns in a bowl with orange zest, cloves and cinnamon, a spiral of zest is lifted with a fork, through which fresh coffee is slowly poured. The presentation and taste of this drink will be remembered for a long time, and in this orange-coffee liqueur they will stay with you forever. And it's much easier to prepare.
- 750 ml fruit brandy
- 100 g medium roast coffee beans
- chopped zest of 2 oranges
- 3 clove buds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 300 ml caramelized simple syrup
Coarsely chop the coffee and cinnamon stick. Mix all ingredients, except syrup, in a jar of suitable volume, mix vigorously and close tightly. Leave the jar in a dark, cool place for 3-5 days, until the liquid has absorbed enough of both the coffee and the orange zest - after 3 days, start tasting. Strain, filter and mix with sugar syrup. Leave for 1-2 weeks and you can start tasting. Store in a dark cabinet for up to 1 year. The liqueur tastes great warm from small coffee cups.
Caramelized simple syrup . Melt 1 cup of cane sugar in a thick bowl until it becomes liquid caramel. Then carefully add 2 cups of simple sugar syrup and continue stirring for about a minute until the caramel becomes liquid again. Strain the syrup through a sieve into a heatproof measuring cup and add boiling water to the volume of 2 cups. Refrigerate and use within three months.
Tea liqueur “Green honey”
Matcha or Matcha, powdered high-quality green tea, is the central element in the Japanese tea ceremony. The technology for grinding steamed and dried green tea was developed during the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279). The practice of whisking matcha and thoughtfully consuming the resulting drink has become a whole ritual among Zen Buddhists.
Today, powdered tea has become a fashionable trend among people concerned about a healthy lifestyle and nutrition in particular. It began to be added as a flavoring/coloring agent to soba noodles, ice cream, candies and numerous confectionery products. Matcha is valued primarily for its huge concentration of the antioxidant EGCG. And what a color! The “Green Honey” liqueur turned out to be a beautiful bright green, apple color, with a light herbaceous aroma of green tea. Real Zen!
- 750 ml of quality vodka or moonshine 40-50%
- 15 g mild green tea (Bi Luo Chun, Maofeng, etc.)
- ¼ cup matcha tea
- chopped zest of 3 lemons
- ¾ cup liquid clover honey
Mix vodka, green tea and matcha, lemon zest and honey in a jar of suitable size. Mix well, close the jar tightly and leave in a cool, dark place for 3-5 days. After 3 days, be sure to start tasting and straining when green tea begins to clearly dominate the taste, but not to the point of bitterness. Let it rest for 2-3 weeks, remove the sediment and you can try it. Store in a dark cabinet for up to 1 year.
Instructions for use : Serve in a glass with ice, garnished with a wedge of lime, or slightly warmed, like inexpensive sake. Great with ginger ale.
Six ways to get the most from caffeine
Caffeine can significantly impact your productivity. The list below can certainly be expanded (I'm sure there are tactics I've missed), but these 6 ways have helped me maximize the positive effects of caffeine and minimize the "crisis" that comes later.
- You should drink coffee/tea over a long period of time
so that the body gradually gets used to the intake of caffeine. You shouldn’t immediately “bomb” it with shock doses. If you gradually get used to caffeine, your body will learn to “flush” it out gradually, and you will not acutely feel “crises”. - If you drink coffee in the morning, drink water too.
Staying hydrated will help you stay focused. Moreover, in the morning, when your body lacks fluid (after 8 hours of sleep), nothing will quench your thirst better than water. During my experiment, I found that drinking water along with coffee helps me concentrate. It should be noted that numerous studies have shown that caffeine does not lead to dehydration. - Stay away from sugar-sweetened energy drinks.
Such drinks are certainly stimulating and pleasant to drink, but they contain a huge amount of sugar, which will certainly affect insulin levels, making the subsequent “crisis” more noticeable. I know that there are a number of exceptions even among these tonics, but what is on store shelves is, by and large, garbage. - Try to eat well while your body adjusts to caffeine.
When I ate slow-digesting foods (such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits), I noticed that I retained energy longer and did not experience “crises” as acutely. - Do not consume caffeine on an empty stomach.
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach means stimulating the production of hydrochloric acid, which is not very good, since hydrochloric acid should be produced exclusively to break down food. Subsequently, your body will digest food more slowly, which will lead to excess weight. - Wait a little before drinking a second cup of coffee/tea.
Usually, after drinking a cup of coffee/tea, I immediately feel the urge to drink a second one. It's probably because I'm looking for a double dose of energy. By pausing between two cups of coffee/tea, I extend the positive effect over time, which increases my productivity.
Most people prefer to see only the benefits of caffeine.
It helps you concentrate, gives you energy and makes you feel great. But caffeine also has negative short-term effects on your productivity. It is expressed in the form of excessive stimulation (caffeine jitters) and so-called “crises” (that is, following a surge of energy, loss of strength, motivation and concentration). By understanding the many facets of caffeine's impact on productivity and taking the necessary steps to reduce unwanted effects, you can improve your focus, motivation, and energy levels throughout the day.
PS Some time ago we published one of the most interesting articles from Chris Bailey - Why big achievements won't make you happier (and what to do about it!).
The author of the translation is Vyacheslav Davidenko, founder of MBA Consult.
Tea liqueur “Moroccan mint”
Maghreb style mint tea (green tea with mint leaves) is a hospitality drink throughout North Africa and is always served to guests. He's always sweet. Like matcha, serving mint tea is highly ritualized, especially in Morocco. There, the head of the family always brews it, pouring the aromatic infusion from a cast teapot with a long spout, holding it at an impressive height above the guest’s glass. A cascade of tea that reaches its goal without spilling a drop is the equivalent of a flawlessly executed performance. The virtuosity and refreshing effect of Moroccan mint tea is perfectly captured in this exquisite liqueur.
- 750 ml vodka or moonshine 40-50%
- 15 g mild green tea (Bi Luo Chun, Maofeng, etc.)
- 2 cups unchopped dried mint
- 50 ml liquid honey
- 150-200 ml simple syrup
Mix vodka, tea, mint and honey in a jar of suitable size. Mix thoroughly, close the jar tightly and leave in a cool, dark place for 3-5 days. When the taste seems rich, strain the infusion, filter and mix with simple sugar syrup to taste. Store in a dark cabinet and use within 1 year.
Instructions for use : in the summer heat, mix a portion of refreshing liqueur with ice and a wedge of lime.
