Natural Green Tea Shakes For Weight Loss

Throughout the world, no beverage, other than water, is consumed more frequently than tea. Tea not only provides a variety of health benefits, but natural green tea shakes also may offer significant advantages for weight loss.

Elevated Norepinephrine

One reason that natural green tea shakes may be valuable for weight loss is its high levels of epigallocatechin gallate. Epigallocatechin gallate is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit the release of catechol-O-methyl-transferase, the main enzyme responsible for the degradation of norepinephrine. By increasing natural levels of norepinephrine, green tea can increase the number of calories you burn at rest. A study by Abdul Dulloo and colleagues at the University of Geneva found that those who consumed a green tea supplement had a significantly elevated resting energy expenditure compared to those who were administered either a caffeine pill or a placebo.

Increased Beta-Oxidation

Another reason why natural green tea shakes can contribute to weight loss is through their ability to increase hepatic beta-oxidation. Hepatic beta-oxidation is a process that occurs in the liver and is necessary for your body to use fatty acids for energy. A study by T. Murase published in the "International Journal of Obesity Related Metabolic Disorders" found that after ingesting green tea, fatty acid beta-oxidation was greatly elevated, compared to those who consumed a placebo. By increasing the amount of fat your body is able to burn as fuel, natural green tea shakes can help aid in weight loss.

Elevated cAMP

Along with increasing beta-oxidation, natural green tea shakes can also contribute to weight loss through an elevation in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The main reason for this is due to the caffeine found in the shakes, which can inhibit the phosphodiesterase enzymes that are responsible for breaking down cAMP. Increasing cAMP levels stimulate metabolism, and studies by Dulloo and K.J. Acheson found that subjects who consume caffeine have higher energy expenditures than those who consume a placebo.

Enhanced Immune System

In addition to increasing metabolism, natural green tea shakes contribute to weight loss through their ability to improve the immune system. According to research done by Eric Zorrilla at the Scripps Research Institute, a healthy immune system is necessary for proper appetite regulation, and those who have an impaired immune system are at a greater risk for overeating and eventual fat gain. The epigallocatechin gallate in green tea is a potent antioxidant, and by improving your immune system, can further increase your chances of weight loss.

Reduced Caloric Intake

An additional reason natural green tea shakes may contribute to weight loss is through their ability to reduce the number of calories you consume. Unlike the majority of popular beverages, green tea shakes do not contain any calories. By replacing any caloric beverages you normally drink, such as soda or fruit juice, with green tea, you can decrease the number of calories you consume throughout the day. This can increase your ability to lose weight because of the caloric deficit.