Nearly any green tea can help you to shrink your belly fat because it contains an antioxidant known as EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate, which naturally speeds up metabolism. Although green tea contains some caffeine, the metabolic acceleration created by EGCG is independent of its caffeine content, according to the Muscle & Fitness article "Supplements 101" by Jim Stoppani. However, since each green tea bag may contain only a tenth of the functional dose of green tea, it is best to take a standardized herbal extract that provides a large amount of EGCG.
Mega Green Tea Extract
Life Extension's Mega Green Tea Extract has been decaffeinated, so that it only contains a maximum of 3.6 mg of caffeine per serving, far less than a cup of decaffeinated tea. The total 725 mg green tea extract contains 246.5 mg of EGCG, which is a functional dose of the fat burning antioxidant, according to "Homemade Supplement Secrets" by Jeff Anderson. Life Extension recommends taking one capsule per day before your biggest meal.
EGCG Boost
Solaray's EGCG Boost product offers 400 gm of green tea leaf, including a good dose of EGCG. This product also contains 400 mg of yerba mate, which is another ingredient that may offer fat burning properties to speed up weight loss. Take two of the vegetarian capsules per day with a glass of water before a meal.
Green Tea Fat Mobilizer
Irwin Naturals' Green Tea Fat Mobilizer is so-named because EGCG allows the fat burning hormone norepinephrine to have a longer-lasting effect on releasing fatty acids from your body fat stores. In addition, citrus aurantium, standardized for 21 mg of synephrine, acts to further stimulate the breakdown and release of fat in the body, according to Stoppani. This product also contains chromium picolinate, a mineral that helps to control insulin, reduce hunger and blunt the stress hormone cortisol. Take two liquid softgels up to two times daily before meals.
Green Tea Extract
Biochem's Green Tea Extract contains a 300 mg green tea leaf serving, providing 90 mg of EGCG. With the recommended dose of one capsule three times daily, this product would provide a very functional 270 mg of EGCG. In addition, this green tea contains 40 mg of calcium, which plays a direct role in fat burning and helps to prevent fat storage, according to "The Fat Burning Bible" by Mackie Shilstone.
References
- Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition The Ultimate Supplement Handbook; "Supplements 101;" Jim Stoppani
- "Homemade Supplements Secrets;" Jeff Anderson; 2008
- "The Fat Burning Bible"; Mackie Shilstone; 2005
- Life Extension Magazine; Green Tea: Natural Support For Weight Control; David Nayor, April 2007
- LifeExention.org; Obesity Abstracts, August 2004
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