Why Green Tea is Better Than Coffee
for Daily Energy and Productivity

Let’s get real: I love caffeine. In the last few years I have been in a love/hate relationship with stimulants, and espresso is still my preferred morning beverage.

Photo Credit: DaveFayram

However, I have recently discovered that green tea is better than coffee in many situations. As a productivity junky, I am always on the lookout for habits and strategies that can boost my energy and optimize my systems.

It’s now official, I am obsessed with green tea and I think you will be too.

Why Green Tea Trumps Coffee

For the last few months I have been drinking green tea every day. On most days I drink 2-3 cups and it’s always amazing.

I have heard that green tea has many health benefits, but it wasn’t until I researched it again that I re-discovered just how awesome green tea can be.

I’m not a scientist or a doctor. The benefits listed below are based on my personal experiences and a little research.

1. Caffeine Boost Without the Jitters

A cup of green tea has around 24-40 milligrams of caffeine, which is considerably lower than a cup of coffee, which averages 95-200 milligrams. (1)

One of the best benefits of green tea is that I can get the caffeine buzz without overdoing it. This allows me to be more productive without bouncing off the walls.

When I desperately need an energy boost, I still reach for the espresso. But, during a normal day when I want to work hard, green tea always wins.

2. It’s Easier to Focus

Green tea has a little caffeine for energy, but it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine that helps the brain. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine leads to improved brain function and the ability to focus.

Every afternoon I drink 1-2 cups of green tea and there is no doubt that I can focus with greater ease than when I drank coffee. Green tea allows me to get to work and stay centered on my tasks.

3. Mild Flavor and Easy Digestion

Aside from the jitters, one of the main reasons people give up coffee is because their stomach just can’t handle it. Fortunately, green tea is light and easy on the digestive system. (Knock on wood — I have never had a negative response to green tea.)

Also, the mild flavor is hard to dislike. You may not fall in love with the flavor, but after drinking a few cups a day I find it very refreshing.

4. Massive Health Benefits

I have written a few articles before about how much I love coffee and how there are mixed reviews about whether or not it’s truly beneficial for the human body. I even researched coffee in my undergraduate psychology capstone project (our results revealed nothing statistically significant).

However, it’s seems clear that green tea has undeniable health benefits. From promoting weight loss and lowering cholesterol, to regulating glucose levels and reducing the risk of cancer, green tea is a powerful liquid.

You can read more about the great health benefits of green tea here and here.

My Preferred Green Tea

Right now I am drinking The People’s Green Tea. It has a very mild flavor, so it’s hard not to like it. It’s perfect for daily drinking and it’s not expensive.

I found this brand at Whole Foods and you can also order it directly from the manufacturer.

30 Days of the Good Stuff

If I’ve made you just a bit curious and you want to try green tea on a daily basis, I recommend you start with a 30-Day trial.

Make it a habit to brew a cup of green tea every afternoon for a month, starting tomorrow. You can still have your morning pick-me-up. I still drink a double shot of espresso every morning.

Commit to 30 days and see how green tea effects your mood, your productivity, and your health. I think you’ll love it!

*Sources: (1)