Green tea is derived from the leaves of the Camelia sinesis plant. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, green tea pills contain extracts of green tea. Green tea pills are ideal for users who do not like the taste of green tea. Green tea extracts are used for a variety of health benefits, including weight maintenance and disease prevention. Still, the Mayo Clinic insists that there is not enough sufficient evidence to proclaim green tea pills as a safe and reliable health tool.
Weight Loss
The primary use of green tea supplements is for weight loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, green tea pills increase your metabolism, helping you burn fat and calories more than you would alone. Also, green tea extracts purportedly help decrease your appetite, thereby lowering the amount of calories you consume on a given day. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you makeover your lifestyle with a healthy diet and exercise and do not rely on green tea pills alone for weight loss success.
Alternative Cancer Treatment
Green tea pills purportedly aid in cancer treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains that green tea may specifically help patients battle cancers of the skin, breast and stomach. Green tea pills contain Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants can help prevent cancer cells from spreading and growing, as reported by Learninginfo.org. The Center states that EGCG is used as an alternative form of cancer treatment.
Other Health Benefits
The antioxidant effects of green tea decreases inflammation in the body. According to Learninginfo.org, reduced inflammation can help prevent arthritis over time. The anti-inflammatory effects of green tea prevent the joints from wearing down. Also, Learninginfo.org reports that green tea pills purportedly decrease LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Safety and Effectiveness
The Mayo Clinic states that green tea extracts are declared by the FDA as being "possibly safe" to use. This is due to the fact that there is not enough scientific evidence available that shows whether or not green tea pills are effective and what health implications such extracts carry. Like green tea, green tea pills contain caffeine. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains that taking these supplements while taking other forms of caffeine can cause side effects such as anxiety, sleeping problems, irritability and gastrointestinal problems. Learninginfo.org recommends taking one to three pills a day.
Considerations
Green tea in pill form may have other implications than green tea beverages. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that cases of liver problems are associated with the extract form of green tea like those found in green tea pills, and not with the actual beverage. Still, the Center explains that such problems are rare. In order to prevent liver damage, take green tea supplements with meals. Liver problems can cause symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, stomach pain and dark urine.
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