Green Tea is a beverage made from unfermented leaves of the Camellia Sinensis—a plant native to Asia. It is one of the least processed types of tea. Moreover, unlike black tea, it doesn't undergo oxidation and retains polyphenols and catechins—two types of antioxidants. To create green tea, leaves are steamed, pan-fried and then finally dried. While there is not a lot of scientific research to prove the health benefits of green tea, certain studies have indicated that this beverage boosts weight loss and helps aid liver disorder, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and more.

Here Is Everything That Is Special About Green Tea

May Reduce Inflammation

Green tea drinking was shown to lower a specific marker of inflammation, called tumour necrosis factor-alpha, in individuals with metabolic syndrome, according to a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Preventive Nutrition and Food Science.

Supports Brain Function

Studies show tea consumption, along with a heart-healthy diet, may improve some brain function. L-theanine, an amino acid in green tea, has been found to help improve brain function by strengthening memory and reducing anxiety. Another compound found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), along with L-theanine has been shown to activate nerve cells and reduce stress.

Might Improve Blood Sugar And Cholesterol Levels

Green tea may also help defend against heart disease by supporting healthy cholesterol. Although not consistently, green tea has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, reduce total cholesterol levels and reduce triglycerides, according to a 2020 meta-analysis published in Nutrition Journal. Experts believe that catechins, one type of antioxidant found in green tea, may be responsible for this cholesterol-lowering effect.

Aids In Digestion

Green tea has been shown to shape the gut microbiome to promote health. Researchers believe that the compounds in green tea favour the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and work to decrease harmful bacteria, according to a 2021 review study published in Molecules. Green tea may also aid in the production of short-chain fatty acids, aka postbiotics, which are considered the health-promoting byproducts of the bacteria in your gut.

May Reduce Cancer Risk

The antioxidants found in green tea, particularly polyphenols, aid in protecting cells from oxidative damage, a factor that contributes to several chronic illnesses and cancers. Polyphenols can help prevent the formation of free radicals that may cause damage to or the death of cells, which may ultimately reduce the risk of cancer, according to a 2020 study published in the Cochran Database of Systematic Reviews.

However, like any other food item, green tea also yields optimum benefits when it is consumed in moderation.

So, how much green tea is too much green tea?

Firstly, it is important to remember that green tea is not caffeine-free. Its excess consumption can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, jitters, headache, nausea, increased heart rate or trouble sleeping. While everyone has different sensitivity levels to caffeine, the Food and Drug Administration cites 400 milligrams per day—about 10 cups of green tea—as the maximum amount of caffeine healthy adults should consume each day.

The promising health benefits of green tea may be negated with added sugar or even an excess amount of honey. So be mindful of the sweetness you’re adding, and consider opting for a slice of lemon to add flavour without added sugar.

February often feels like winter’s longest stretch. The days are short, the sun rarely breaks through the clouds, and many people find themselves feeling unusually tired or low. Health experts say this is also the time of year when vitamin D deficiency tends to surface, especially in regions with limited winter sunlight.

While vitamin D is best known for its role in bone health, its impact goes far beyond that. As sunlight exposure drops in late winter, attention is turning to how diet can help support the body until brighter days return.

Why Vitamin D Matters for the Body

Vitamin D plays a key role in several essential functions. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also supports normal muscle function and keeps the immune system working efficiently.

What is less widely discussed is its role in brain health. Vitamin D receptors are present in many areas of the brain, and low levels have been linked to changes in mood and energy. During winter, many people report feeling sluggish, unmotivated, or emotionally flat. While these symptoms are often blamed on stress or lack of sleep, reduced sunlight and falling vitamin D levels may also contribute.

Why Winter Increases the Risk of Deficiency

The body produces most of its vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. In winter, shorter days, heavy clothing, and more time spent indoors mean that this natural process slows down significantly. Even people who eat well can struggle to maintain optimal levels during prolonged periods of low sun exposure.

This is where food choices can offer some support, even if they cannot fully replace sunlight.

Fatty Fish as a Natural Boost

Salmon is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin D. It also provides high quality protein and healthy fats that support heart and brain health. Simple meals like oven baked salmon with potatoes and broccoli or a salmon rice bowl with vegetables make it easy to include in weekly meals.

Herring is another strong option. It contains both vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health. Traditional combinations such as herring with boiled potatoes or a light yogurt based sauce are both nourishing and filling.

Everyday Foods That Add Up

Eggs also contribute small amounts of vitamin D, mainly from the yolk. While they do not provide as much as fatty fish, they are easy to include in daily meals. Scrambled eggs, vegetable omelettes, or a soft boiled egg at dinner can all help increase intake over time.

Mushrooms are one of the few plant based foods that contain vitamin D, especially when they have been exposed to light. They are not a replacement for fish but can be a helpful addition for those who eat little or no seafood.

Food Helps, but Sunlight Still Matters

Nutrition can support vitamin D levels during winter, but it cannot fully make up for the lack of sunlight. Most vitamin D is still produced through the skin, not the diet. Experts advise making the most of daylight when possible, even short walks outdoors, while using food as a supportive measure until spring arrives.

Recent insights from medical experts show that even people who eat very less can gain weight due muscle mass, stress, and their body’s movement during the day.

Dr Mohit Bhandari, a robotic bariatric and endoscopic weight loss surgeon, founder and director of Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics at Bhandari Hospital Indore notes some people eat whatever they want without gaining weight, while others struggle even with dieting.

The secret lies in the complex interplay of genetics, metabolism, and environmental factors that influence weight management.

This is why are you are putting on weight, according to Dr Bhandari:

1. Metabolism Differences

The speed at which the body burns calories is different for every individual. A slower metabolism means that even consuming small amount of food can lead to gain.

Individuals with high level of physical activity are less likely to be obese as they mean calories quicker.

2. Hormonal And Lifestyle Factors

Hormones like thyroid hormones, cortisol, and play a major role in weight regulation. Stress, lack of sleep and Insulin sensitivity are also factors that lead to fat storage in the body.

3. Loss Of Muscle Mass

Consuming a snack rich in carbohydrate with 10-20 grams of protein before and immediately after strength training sessions further acts as a responsible factor in gaining weight.

4. Gut Health And Digestion

Additionally, it can also trigger inflammation, which interferes with normal metabolism and insulin function, encouraging fat storage.

People are switching from weightlifting and training in the gym to real world strength training.

By strengthening multiple muscle groups at once, it enhances balance, posture, and overall physical efficiency. And one of the best ways to do this is by adopting the farmer's walk

What Is Farmer’s Walk?

Here’s Why Farmer’s Walk Has Gained Popularity:

1. Builds Body strength

Meanwhile, the legs including the quadriceps and hamstrings support the lower body’s endurance.

2. Improves Balance And Posture

Overall, this exercise also regulates spinal and musculoskeletal health.

3. Supports Recovery

It can rebuild strength and stabilize mobility without exceeding tissue healing thresholds.

4. Time Efficient

It can help build strength, improve balance, and boost endurance all at the same time by ensuing coordination among different muscles of the body, making it useful for physical therapy and everyday fitness.

5. Proper Diet and Care It is crucial to fuel your body and make it ready for such a comprehensive exercise.

Proteins such as legumes, tofu and supplements support muscle repair and growth making them an excellent source.

Hydration is the key factor that prevents fatigue and muscle cramps.

Before any extensive workout, warm up thoroughly with light cardio or stretching for about 15-20 minutes.