Green tea has become synonymous with weight loss because of its natural slimming properties. In fact, the weight loss effects of green tea operate independent of its caffeine content, according to "Life Extension" online magazine. Thus, removing the caffeine from green tea does not inhibit all of its fat burning potential. Green tea's many antioxidant compounds battle disease, calm you down and help keep you lean and healthy for life.
Inhibiting Fat Absorption
Green tea naturally inhibits enzymes that catalyze the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats, according to "The Usual Suspects" by Jordana Brown, an article in the "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook." By inhibiting fat-digesting enzymes like lipase, green tea decreases the amount of fat digested and therefore total caloric intake.
Decreased Cholesterol and Triglycerides
According to "Life Extension," green tea helps decrease the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Triglycerides are fats in the blood stream and LDL or bad cholesterol is the stuff that clogs arteries. Both markers of heart disease can be reduced by regularly drinking green tea or supplementing with green tea extract pills.
Decreased Insulin Levels
"Homemade Supplement Secrets" author Jeff Anderson recommends green tea for weight loss because it helps balance blood sugar and insulin levels when taken with meals. Blood sugar drives insulin release because insulin acts to transport nutrients into the body's cells. Sharp spikes in insulin increase body fat storage. Green tea naturally stunts insulin response to carbohydrates to help prevent body fat storage.
Increased Thermogenesis
Green tea's principal weight loss compound, known as EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate, decreases activity of an enzyme that renders norepinephrine inert. An adrenal hormone, norepinephrine signals fat cells to release fatty acids for burning. Through this pathway, EGCG increases fat burning and resting metabolic rate, according to "Supplements 101" by Jim Stoppani, PhD.
Disease-Fighting
EGCG represents only one of the many polyphenol antioxidants found in green tea. These other catechins help eliminate toxins from the body and repair DNA. In so doing, they fight diseases like cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders and diabetes, according to "Life Extension."
Calming and Relaxation
Green tea contains an amino acid known as L-theanine. A popular additive to many foods in Japan, L-theanine crosses the blood brain barrier to trigger a calming effect. Besides promoting relaxation, L-theanine boosts immunity, fights heart disease, promotes weight loss and protects the brain from neurodegenerative decline and damage.
References
- Life Extension Magazine; Natural Support for Healthy Weight Control; David Nayor; April 2007
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook;" The Usual Suspects; Jordana Brown; January 2010
- "Homemade Supplement Secrets;" Jeff Anderson; 2008
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook;" Supplements 101; Jim Stoppani, PhD; January 2010
- Life Extension Magazine; An Amino Acid from Tea Has Numerous Health-Protecting Effects; Dale Kiefer; August 2005
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