'I swapped my daily coffee for drink that beats bloating and headaches'

Most workers will knock back multiple cups of coffee per day, despite the health risks. Life reporter, Christopher Megrath admitted that during a typical eight-hour workday, he would drink at least four cups of coffee , each with two teaspoons of instant coffee granules and milk. While this might sound excessive to the average person, and as a coffee fan, it didn't bother him.

But now the coffee lover has decided to swap his brew ritual for green tea as part of a health kick. Christopher said: "I'm a victim of bloating and sore heads which I've typically connected to copious amounts of coffee and milk." "Summer is just around the corner and I wanted to feel revitalised, putting the natural glow back in my face.



I decided the best way to accomplish this is to rid myself of caffeine and chug as much antioxidant-rich water as I could." Sharing his initial thoughts, Christopher said: "I've never been a fan of tea so this was a complete shock to the system. 'Where has the coffee gone?' I heard my body scream every hour of the day.

"I switched my coffee intake with a standard supermarket-grade cup of green tea, resulting in five to six large mugfuls every day. During weekends, my intake was drastically reduced, averaging around two cups a day. "I only consumed green tea between 9am to 5pm, with an occasional cup before bed - though this was rare.

The caffeine flushed out quickly and after just over four weeks of green tea, I feel fresh as a daisy. Let's get into it." Both green and black teas come from the same plant leaves, but it's the processing that sets them apart.

Black tea undergoes oxidation while green tea does not, reports the Liverpool Echo . The leaves of green tea undergo either steaming or pan-frying to halt the oxidation process. The anti-oxidisation techniques differ between Japan and China, resulting in subtle variations in taste depending on the method used.

Green tea naturally contains caffeine, though decaffeinated versions are available. There is a common misconception that a drink containing caffeine can leave you feeling dehydrated, but caffeinated drinks like green tea can be just as hydrating. Green tea is rich in a type of polyphenol known as catechins.

These antioxidants help prevent cell damage and offer other health advantages. The most prominent and abundant catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which studies suggest may play a role in improving various health conditions or disease indicators. Putting scientific terminology aside, research from the National Library of Medicine indicates that it may help lower the risk of diabetes, enhance attention, boost metabolism and improve gut health.

High in protective plant compounds called polyphenols May support focus and attention May promote calm May protect the brain from dementia May boost metabolism May support blood sugar control May reduce diabetes risk May reduce the risk of heart disease May support bone health May improve gut health Christopher shared: "The first day was a slog, made worse by the fact it was a completely foreign taste. The next day felt like stepping into a brand new body. "In a few rare instances, I reached for coffee to give myself a good morning kick.

The constant consumption of green tea meant the coffee hit my stomach like a truck. "I felt immediately sluggish, bloated and generally a bit gross. If I did opt for a coffee, it would be one at the most, and even then, I didn't really care for it.

I was on the green tea train for the long haul home." He added: "After a month of green tea, I feel brighter and happier. Sporadic headaches have stopped and my face appears fresher.

My eyes are brighter - so is my general complexion. "The daily bloating has subsided and I believe I also look trimmer, potentially losing a few pounds across the month. I didn't track my weight so I can't say for certain, but I like how I look, which is more important to me.

"Green tea is here to stay and I can't imagine swapping it for any other hot drink. I've dabbled in a few new flavours, so I'll get back to you in May to tell you all about hibiscus tea.".