Green Tea & Its Weight Loss Benefits

It might sound too good to be true--sip some tea, lose some weight. But green tea actually offers weight loss benefits. Just keep in mind that it must be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan in order to be effective. And even then, the effect may be minimal.

Fat Burner

Any weight loss plan can benefit from a fat burner, and green tea contains a component known for just that. Catechins, a potent antioxidant, are found in green tea, as well as red wine, black tea and chocolate. A study published in the January 2005 issue of "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" revealed benefits to daily consumption of a high level of green tea catechins. Green tea drinkers experienced significantly lower body weight, specifically body fat, compared to participants who consumed oolong tea with a low level of catechins.

Glucose Control

According to an article in the June 2008 Journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians, low glycemic index diets "resulted in statistically and clinically significant reductions in BMI, LDL cholesterol, and total fat mass" when compared to low calorie or high glycemic index diets. However, the article also states that longer-term studies are needed. If a low glycemic diet is your cup of tea, make it green. Particularly in those who exercise, green tea has been shown to aid the body’s natural ability to control blood glucose.

Abdominal Fat Loss

Quite often one of the desired results in weight loss is reduced belly fat. There was a time when fitness experts considered spot reducing impossible. However, you may be glad to know that green tea drinkers who exercise experience more abdominal fat loss than those who do not drink green tea.

Appetite Suppressant?

Although green tea functions as an appetite suppressant in mice, humans would have to consume a potentially harmful quantity for it to have a similar effect, according to a study conducted by University of Chicago scientist Shutsung Liao, PhD. Dr. Liao says “a person would have to drink green tea almost constantly to obtain these results” and added that “much more research needs to be done.”

Zero Calories

Green tea is used in the form of leaves, stems and powder. Hot and cold beverages, broths, and even desserts are flavored with green tea. For the purpose of weight loss be careful how you choose to consume your tea. There are no calories in the green tea itself, but avoid pairing it with high-calorie ingredients that will thwart your weight loss efforts.