Green tea is packed with antioxidants, with matcha tea having the highest concentration of these antioxidants and nutrients since matcha is green tea leaves grounded into a fluffy high-quality powder. Specifically, green tea shots have an abundant level of polyphenols. Polyphenols are big powerhouse compounds for tackling antioxidant stress.

There are a lot of high-caliber studies that have shown that consumption of foods rich in polyphenols is linked to protection against many common diseases and chronic conditions. It is believed that they are like “scavenger hunters”, blocking or combating free radicals that form during periods of stress within our bodies. Biological stress can be caused by illness, cancer, environmental toxins, poor mental health, hormone imbalances, and consumption of a poor diet.

Click here for my top anti-inflammatory food list that you can download for free!

Polyphenol - Potent Antioxidant

Green tea contains a plant-based compound called EGCG (epigallocatechin 3-gallate) which is a potent polyphenol flavonoid. EGCG is an antioxidant that has been shown to decrease cellular damage caused by free radicals, but it has also been shown to help reduce inflammation triggered by autoimmune conditions. Consuming more green tea shots may offer an additional benefit besides anti-inflammatory medications, as certainly an anti-inflammatory diet would.

There have been a few studies that have shown a reduction in the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It is believed that EGCG has a role in recognizing damaged or altered cells and inducing autophagy (cellular clean up). This helps promote healthy aging in many aspects.

Being consistent in consuming a daily green tea shot can help lower all-cause mortality risks including cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive conditions (like Alzheimer’s). Much more research needs to be completed to learn why, but it is believed because of not only the high concentration of polyphenols but also vitamins such as E and C which are antioxidants.

Catechins - Improves Metabolism

Catechins, found in green tea, have also been found to improve liver function and increase metabolism. This is an important link, especially for a condition called fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis), which is the build-up of excess fatty cells and cholesterol within the liver. This is much more common than many people think and its prevalence has been increasing due to rising rates of diabetes and obesity.

In the United States, it is estimated that around 35% of adults have fatty liver disease. The best way to manage fatty liver disease is to decrease your caloric intake by at least 30% a day, avoidance of alcohol and high cholesterol foods, but also by increasing your intake of green tea which can be done by a daily green tea shot.

L-theanine - Mental Clarity

Green tea shots contain an amino acid called L-theanine which has been linked to improvements in cognition and in stress-related ailments. This amino acid helps promote a healthy balance between neurotransmitters and hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. It is with this that it is postulated that green tea helps promote improvements in mental clarity and mood.

Caffeine - Energy Boost

As an alternative to coffee as a source of caffeine, green tea has about one-third the amount of caffeine as coffee. For example, a standard 8-ounce serving of green tea has about 29 mg of caffeine while an 8-ounce serving of coffee has around 96 mg of caffeine. Macha tea has around 70 mg of caffeine in the same serving size.

Here’s a great video by Dr. Mike of the many benefits of green tea! I certainly prefer nonalcoholic green tea shots so please follow those suggested recipes mentioned below. Enjoy!

Below is a great green tea shot recipe to check out!

Energy & Immune Boost Green Tea Shot:

1 tablespoon of matcha green tea

Juice from 1 whole lemon or lime

1/3 cup lukewarm water

1 dash of cayenne pepper

Instructions: In an 8-ounce cup or matcha bowl, add the matcha green tea, lemon or lime juice, water, and cayenne pepper. Using a stainless steel or bamboo whisk, combine all ingredients until well mixed. To create a creamy froth, mix using a zigzag motion.

Add tea mixture to a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, then strain the mixture into a shot glass. Drink chilled within 1 to 2 big chugs.

To read my other article on what’s in a green tea shot and additional recipes, click here.

Looking for More Tea Inspiration?

Check out our article on the Best Tea for Digestion for the best tea varies to help alleviate any digestive ailments, chronic or occasional.

Ever been curious about the differences between White Tea vs Green Tea? Explore the numerous health benefits and distinct qualities of each of these powerhouse teas here.