Consumers often flock to diet plans and programs that claim to promote rapid weight loss or cure various illnesses. Detox diets are a variety of diets aimed at promoting good health by ingesting certain substances. MayoClinic.com warns that these types of diets do not provide scientific proof to back up their many claims and some may even cause side effects. Green tea is a common substance used in some varieties of detoxification diets. This tea contains certain properties that may provide some useful benefits.
History
Camellia sinesis is the scientific name for green tea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the difference between green tea and black tea is a result of processing. Green tea contains unfermented leaves that may contain higher concentrations of antioxidants. For centuries, people in India, Japan, China and Thailand have used green tea for medicinal purposes.
Claims
Proponents of detoxification diets claim that restricting certain foods, while increasing your consumption of others, helps to remove built-up toxins and chemicals from your liver, digestive tract, skin and bloodstream. Some detoxification diets promote the ingestion of large amounts of green tea as a way to draw out toxins as well as promote weight loss. Supporters of these diets claim detoxification can reduce headache symptoms, improve complexion and decrease bloating.
Considerations
According to MayoClinic.com, your liver and kidneys do an adequate job of removing ingested toxins without the help of detoxification diets. While green tea may not clear your body of toxins, evidence suggests this beverage provides some health benefits.
Benefits
Many dieters claim detoxification diets make them feel healthier. Baptist Health Systems, a Mississippi healthcare company, explains that an increase in fluids, fruits and vegetables may increase hydration and nutrient levels, improving headaches and complexion. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea may help reduce the occurrence of certain health conditions, including coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, some cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, genital warts and diabetes.
Warnings
MayoClinic.com recommends getting your doctor's approval before beginning a detoxification diet. Common side effects experienced during detox dieting include dizziness, dehydration, fatigue and nausea. While there is no established dosing recommendations for green tea consumption, MayoClinic.com does not recommend this type of tea for infants or children under the age of 18 years due to its caffeine content.
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