Green tea, made from the partially fermented leaves of the camelia sinensis plant, contains a variety of nutrients that play a number of roles in many chronic health complaints. The leaves contain both carotenoids and chlorophyll, responsible for the characteristic green hue of the drink, although the catechins it contains draw the most plaudits among those aiming to lose weight. The herbal beverage, the benefits of which have featured in many scientific papers, appears to induce such effects through a number of mechanisms.
Increased Thermogenesis
Possibly the most important factors in green tea's fat burning effects lies in its ability to stimulate thermogenesis. David Tolson, a nutritional researcher and a contributor to Iron Magazine, identifies the catechin compounds as the active component in this regard. These phytochemicals, of which EGCG appears the most potent, actively inhibit the breakdown of noradrenaline in the central nervous system. This hormone, produced in the adrenal glands, binds to receptors here and triggers thermogenesis, a process that sees the body burn fat to increase heat production; by increasing concentrations of noradrenaline, the catechins can significantly increase the rate at which the central nervous system burns fat.
Increased CCK
Possibly the most important factors in green tea's fat burning effects lies in its ability to stimulate thermogenesis. David Tolson, a nutritional researcher and a contributor to Iron Magazine, identifies the catechin compounds as the active component in this regard. These phytochemicals, of which EGCG appears the most potent, actively inhibit the breakdown of noradrenaline in the central nervous system. This hormone, produced in the adrenal glands, binds to receptors here and triggers thermogenesis, a process that sees the body burn fat to increase heat production; by increasing concentrations of noradrenaline, the catechins can significantly increase the rate at which the central nervous system burns fat.
Reduced Fat Absorption
Green tea may also increase weight loss by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in the intestines. Tolson notes how a number of research papers have found that consumption of the herbal beverage may inhibit the release of both pancreatic and gastric lipase, enzymes required to break down dietary fats into fatty acids. When the release becomes subdued, less fat enters the body, reducing the energy intake for the day. This can increase any calorific deficit without impacting on hunger.
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