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Step 1
Isolate the desired green tea benefits. Prior to choosing a "good" green tea, you have to decide what you consider good. Are you looking for the green tea with the most antioxidants? Do you want a beverage that's caffeinated, but still tastes good? These questions will help narrow your search.
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Step 2
Consider the catechins count. Catechins are a polyphenol found in green tea that have a very high antioxidant count. A 2003 study, published in the "Journal Nutrition and Cancer," examined several tea brands to establish which had the highest content of catechins. Their findings reported that the product Celestial Seasonings Authentic Green Tea had the greatest content at 105.7 milligrams per gram.
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Step 3
Take a closer look at loose leaf tea. According to registered dietitian Suzanne Dixon, at Publix.com, loose leaf tea (especially when finely ground) will release more catechins than tea leaves in bags of similar size. However, she does note that if tea bags are dunked in the cup repeatedly and then squeezed they may release around the same amount.
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Step 4
Try a bottled brand. If you're seeking a more convenient tea with some added flavor, bottled green tea may be a good option. According to a study published at MensHealth.com, Honest Tea: Green Tea with Honey had the highest count of catechins (those healthy polyphenols) out of 14 bottled teas tested. Keep in mind that bottled tea will not have zero calories like regular brewed green tea because it has added sugars.
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Step 5
Experiment with a few flavors. If flavor is a major component in your tea choice keep in mind that green tea does not have to be boring. Such flavors as mint, lime and many others can be purchased. Decaffeinated green tea is also an option if you cannot have or prefer not to have caffeine in your tea.
