Green tea has become one of the most popular health drinks, especially among those trying to lose weight. Whether it’s fitness enthusiasts, celebrities, or dieticians, many swear by a daily cup or two of green tea as part of their wellness routine. It’s light, refreshing, and helps you detox.
This simple drink is packed with powerful antioxidants called catechins, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which help boost metabolism, burn fat and improve overall health. It also contains a mild amount of caffeine, which provides a gentle energy lift without the side effects of strong coffee. No wonder green tea is often the go-to choice for people looking to shed extra kilos.
But while green tea is known to support weight loss, many people don’t realise that timing plays a key role. When you drink green tea it can affect how well it works for your body.
To help us understand the best time to drink green tea for weight loss, we spoke to Dr Arun Prasad, Senior Consultant, Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
Best Time #1: In the morning
Dr Prasad says that drinking green tea in the morning is a great way to start your day. “Green tea boosts your metabolism gently and gives you a light energy lift without the strong effects of coffee,” he explains. It also contains L-theanine, which helps you feel calm yet focused. This makes it a good choice for people who want a healthy start to their morning.
Best Time #2: Before a workout
Drinking green tea before exercise can help you burn more fat. “Have a cup 30 minutes to an hour before working out,” says Dr Prasad. “It helps your body use fat as energy, which can make your workout more effective,” he said. It can also slightly improve your performance and help with quicker recovery after exercise.
Best Time #3: Between meals
Green tea is also helpful when taken between meals. It can control hunger and stop you from snacking too much. “It helps reduce cravings and keeps you feeling full for longer,” says Dr Prasad. But don’t drink it right after eating. “Wait at least one hour after meals. Green tea has compounds that can block the absorption of minerals like iron and calcium,” he warns.
When to avoid green tea
While green tea is healthy, it’s not the best drink for bedtime. “Even though it has less caffeine than coffee, it can still disturb your sleep,” says Dr Prasad. Poor sleep affects metabolism and can slow down weight loss. So it’s better to avoid green tea late at night.
How much green tea is enough?
“Two to three cups of green tea a day are enough for most people,” says Dr Prasad. Drinking too much can cause problems like stomach discomfort, acidity, or trouble sleeping.
Green tea can be a useful part of your weight loss plan, but only if you drink it at the right time. The best time to drink is in the morning, before workouts, and between meals. Avoid drinking it immediately after eating or late at night. And remember, green tea works best when combined with healthy eating, regular exercise, and good sleep.
