Green tea is a highly concentrated source for antioxidants and has improved weight loss in some moderately obese individuals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). GreenWeightLossTea.com explains that green tea extract is produced by isolating the EGCG catechins with water or steam, then condensing and spray-drying the EGCGs. This results in powder that is ready to be pressed into a capsule, tablet or made into liquid form. The UMMC recommends that adults consume approximately 100 to 750 mg of green tea extract per day to receive optimal antioxidant benefits.
Catechins
The polyphenol chemicals in green tea provide its antioxidant properties, notes UMMC. These polyphenols are classified as catechins. The six active catechin compounds in green tea include catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, gallaogatechin, and apigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. The UMMC states that researchers believe that catechins are the primary weight loss agents in green tea, above caffeine. A study published in December 2008 in the "Journal of Nutrition" noted that catechins in green tea improved weight loss among overweight individuals.
Caffeine
Green tea contains caffeine and other alkaloids such as theobromine and theophylline, according to UMMC. Caffeine provides the increase in energy and sustained stimulant effect in green tea extract. Green tea extract is used as a medicine for elevated mental alertness and thinking. MedlinePlus notes that caffeine is thought to stimulate the nervous system, heart, and muscles by increasing the release of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.
L-theanine
Green tea may not have the "jittery" effect associated with coffee and other stimulants because of the amino acid, L-theanine. L-theanine balances the caffeine effects that green tea has on the brain by having a calming effect on neurotransmitters. This combination results in a calm yet alert feeling attributed to green tea extract. Consult your doctor before you add green tea extract or any additional supplements to your diet because it may interfere with your present medications.
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