There are many claims about green tea's healing properties. Among them: As well as being a good immune system booster, green tea can help lower low density lipoprotein or LDL, cholesterol. It can prevent the development of cataracts, inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and slow down the aging process, making it beneficial for overall health and wellness. Green tea is also useful in aiding weight loss, and according to Discovery Health, it can speed up metabolism, burn fat and suppress your appetite. It is also said to reduce fat absorption, and it's low in calories.
Speeds Metabolism
A 1999 study carried out by the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" revealed green tea's usefulness in speeding up the metabolic rate. According to the researchers, green tea extract can increase the metabolic rate up to 4 percent during a 24-hour period. This increase was understood as being because of green tea's high levels of catechin polyphenols, antioxidants that are effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, reducing body fat and burning calories rate to assist in weight loss.
Reduces Fat Absorption
Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, is a polynutrient found in green tea, and according to a 2010 study by the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," it is said to be effective in oxidizing fat at the rate of 33 percent. The study, which was referenced by Nutra Ingredients, also found EGCG useful in inhibiting the development of fat cells, absorbing lipid molecules and increasing fat excretions. Note that in order for weight loss to occur, there must be caffeine; weight loss processes are dependent upon the stimulation of your nervous system.
Appetite Suppressant
Drinking green tea before a meal can help you lose weight as an appetite suppressant. Colon Health references a University of Chicago study in which rats were injected with green tea extract. These rats lost their appetite, and their intake of food decreased at a rate of 60 percent, causing them to lose 21 percent of their body weight. The article said three to five cups of green tea should be consumed daily for weight loss, and in doing this, you can expect to lose around 70 calories daily without the help of diet or exercise.
References
- Discovery Health: How Green Tea Diet Works
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Efficacy of a Green Tea Extract Rich in Catechin Polyphenols and Caffeine in Increasing 24 Hour Energy Expenditure and Fat Oxidation in Humans
- Nutra Ingredients USA: Green Tea Extract Effective for Weight Loss at Low Doses
- The Colon Therapists Network: Green Tea Boosts Metabolic Weight Loss
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