Green tea has powerful antioxidants that offer health benefits, and its effects on humans have been studied extensively. Ancient Chinese and Indian medicine used green tea not only to improve health but also as a stimulant. Recent clinical studies show that green tea may boost metabolism and burn fat thanks to its stimulant properties.
Ingredients
Green tea contains polyphenols, which are classified as catechins, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. There are six catechins found in green tea. The most active and most studied is EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate. The catechins are believed to be responsible for green tea's ability to burn fat. Green tea also contains caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. These alkaloids give green tea its stimulant effect.
Processing
Green tea comes from the species Camellia sinensis, a shrub that produces a camellia-like flower and berry. The small, young leaves are picked for tea, and the processing is what distinguishes one tea from another. The green tea leaves are the least processed, and because the leaves are not fermented, the caffeine content is low. Green tea contains the highest amount of polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants fight against free radicals, compounds that can damage the body. Polyphenols have been linked to a number of health benefits, including helping burn abdominal fat.
Types
Green tea is available in a variety of forms. Natural green tea is composed of just the green tea leaves and minimal caffeine. There is also naturally decaffeinated green tea. Some green tea products have additional ingredients or flavoring, such as ginseng or guarana for enhanced energy. Green tea can be found in extracts, powders, capsules and diet drinks. The type and amount consumed determines the tea's effect on the metabolism. The general consensus is that three to five cups a day of natural green tea will optimize its beneficial properties. Green tea extract ranges from 400 mg to 500 mg per capsule and the serving suggestion is equal to three or four cups of natural green tea.
Studies
According to the World's Healthiest Foods and the Colon Therapists Network website, a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirms that green tea can reduce body fat and significantly increase energy expenditure. Green tea extract was able to boost metabolism by four percent in the study. The Nutra Ingredients website reports that a study published in the "Journal of Nutrition" found that consuming green tea enhances "exercise-induced loss of abdominal fat and improves triglyceride levels." Scientists at the University of Chicago ran a study involving rats, and concluded that the rats injected with green tea extract consumed up to 60 percent less food and lost up to 21 percent body weight.
Considerations
Always consult a doctor before adding any supplement to your diet. Green tea may have adverse effects when combined with other supplements or drugs. While green tea is low in caffeine, care should be taken when consuming large amounts. Though researchers believe that the caffeine in green tea plays a role in increased metabolism, excess caffeine can also have negative side effects.
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