Tea Extract For Weight Loss

Green tea is a popular daily beverage in many Asian cultures. Known for its powerful antioxidant properties, it might benefit a number of conditions. Other substances in this tea might also help with weight loss, but this link requires more definitive research, explains the Mayo Clinic.

Benficial Compound

Plants contain compounds called polyphenols, and these substances are usually a major component of a particular plant's benefits. In green tea, the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, has been identified as a potential aid to weight loss, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea contains about 40 percent EGCG, compared to black tea, which only has about 10 percent.

Action of EGCG

Registered dietitian Donna Feldman, writing for the website Dietchannel, explains that research has shown that EGCG appears to have a thermogenic effect. This means that this compound influences heat production and raises metabolism. This results in more calories burned throughout the day.

Research

The UMMC's review of studies on weight loss and green tea noted that research has shown that green tea appears to boost metabolism and burn fat. It says that studies on using green tea for weight loss on obese participants showed it helped people lose weight and maintain that weight loss.

Feldman notes a study, led by Abdul G. Dulloo and published in a 1999 "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" that found men who took green tea extract experienced a 4 percent boost in metabolism compared with water and caffeine. The researchers noted that its fat-burning effect appeared to extend beyond its caffeine content.

A study published in a 2005 edition of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that men who drank tea fortified with EGCG lost more weight than men who drank a tea without the extract. The study, led by Tomonori Nagao, had the men drink the tea for 12 weeks. The group who had the EGCG had a greater reduction in weight, body mass index and total fat.

Daily Usage

The UMMC recommends drinking about 2 to 3 cups daily for optimal benefit. If you use a green tea extract, it recommends taking up to 750 mg daily. If you do not want to consume caffeine, you can find caffeine-free versions.

Warning

If you drink large amounts of caffeinated green tea, you can experience side effects like insomnia and irritability. The UMMC advises against using green tea if you have kidney or heart problems, ulcers, anxiety disorders, stomach ulcers or are pregnant or nursing. Green tea can interact with certain medications, such as those used for irregular heartbeat, blood pressure, blood clots and bipolar disorder.