Is There A Natural Ingredient In Green Tea That Causes Weight Loss?

Special antioxidants--called polyphenols--occur naturally in green tea. These compounds may impart a variety of health benefits including prevention of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. According to mayoclinic.com and The University of Maryland Medical Center, the polyphenols in green tea may support weight loss by helping your body burn fat. However, there are some risks associated with tea consumption and there is not conclusive clinical evidence that tea can help you lose weight. Talk to your doctor before using tea for weight loss.

Green Tea

Green Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which isnative to Asia. This is the source of black, green, oolong and white tea. Green tea consists of the steam-treated and dried leaves of the plant. Since it undergoes minimal processing--as opposed to black and oolong teas, which undergo fermentation--green tea retains much of its original antioxidants.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that occur in most plants. They help protect the plant from damage due to pests, viruses and harmful bacteria. When you consume the plants containing antioxidants they may also help protect your body from cellular damage. According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, antioxidants found in tea--called polyphenols--may help protect your body from heart disease, several types of cancer and liver disease and may also help with weight loss. There is not conclusive clinical evidence to support the use of tea for medicinal purposes, however.

Fat Burning

Some clinical studies with green tea extract show that green tea may help very overweight or obese people lose weight faster, report The Mayo Clinic and The University of Maryland Medical Center. Special polyphenols in green tea, called catechins, in combination with caffeine, may help your body burn fat faster.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

The catechins in green tea may help your body burn fat faster and therefore could support weight loss. However, losing weight requires burning more calories than you take in. There is no supplement that can replace a balanced weight-loss plan. So talk to your doctor about making green tea part of your overall weight loss plan including an exercise regimen and modified diet.

Warnings

Tea may interfere with iron absorption, says "The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia." So don't drink tea along with iron-rich foods such as leafy greens or you will not get the full nutritional benefits of those foods. Tea may interfere with certain medications such as adenosine, oral contraceptives and certain blood thinners. Talk to your doctor to find out if tea will interfere with any of your medications. Tea may also inhibit growth and is not recommended for children or pregnant women, says "The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia."