Green tea's abilities to enhance the effectiveness of a diet have come under scrutiny in recent times. Lauded as a compound that increases the rate of fat burning, reduces appetite and aids relaxation, these synergistic effects would appear a dieter's dream. The science suggests that, while not a miracle cure by any means, green tea does live up to these claims and may provide valuable help if you are trying to beat the bulge.
Catechin Content
Green tea, sometimes referred to by its botanic name Camelia sinensis, provides a wealth of nutritional compounds. It provides pheophytins and chlorophylls, nutritious compounds that help give the beverage it's pigmentation, together with carotenoids, a form of antioxidants. Researchers such as David Tolson point to the catechins as the most important ingredient in the plant. Tolson, a researcher for "Iron Magazine," explains that these catechins are a type of polyphenol and may increase thermogenesis and reduce appetite.
Increased Thermogenesis
Thermogenesis describes the process whereby the body burns fat to produce heat. An increase in thermogenesis can result in weight loss. Tolson notes how the catechins in green tea, in particular epigallocatechin gallate, inhibit the COMT enzyme in the central nervous system. This action results in a reduced breakdown of noradrenaline, a hormone that stimulates thermogenesis. However, green tea also contains an amino acid called theanine that aids relaxation; as a result, users of green tea do not feel any stimulatory effect.
Appetite Control
Noradrenaline reduces appetite. This effect would appear particularly useful for anyone undertaking a diet in which hunger could present a major obstacle. Beyond this mechanism, green tea also enhances the release of a hormone called CCK, also known as cholecystokinin. This intestinal hormone, released following the arrival of food in the digestive tract, communicates to the brain and reduces hunger.
Other Health Effects
Beyond their effects in appetite and weight control, the catechins in green tea demonstrate a variety of effects in human health. They provide a strong antioxidant effect at each cell, reducing the damaging impact of free radicals and, as pointed out by U.S. physician and best-selling author Dr. Joseph Mercola, can increase relaxation of the blood vessels to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Evidence
In 2002, French researchers investigated the impact of green tea extracts on a group of obese volunteers. The study delivered an impressive thumbs-up for green tea. The individuals in the study, published in the "Phytomedicine" journal, showed no adverse reactions to the extracts, but recorded an average weight loss of nearly 5 percent, together with an almost 5 percent average reduction in waist circumference.
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