As science continues to speculate on the potential health benefits of drinking green tea, limited evidence suggests green tea extract may increase the metabolism and help dieters to maintain weight loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although the increased rate of thermogenesis, or fat burning, is limited, some researchers suggest the catechin polyphenols found in green tea alter the brain chemical, norepinephrine, to increase the rate of calorie burning. Although a daily cup of green tea will not affect significant weight loss, green tea's antioxidant action and modest caffeine content may be a healthful alternative to coffee. Before supplementing your diet with green tea, consult with your primary care physician if you are under a doctor's care or taking any prescription medications.
Step 1
Drink a cup of green tea with each meal. A standard cup of green tea has approximately 100 mg of polyphenols and 50 mg of caffeine, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Substitute green tea extract if green tea does not agree with you. Look for caffeine-free capsules with 100 to 750 mg of standardized extract.
Step 3
Sweeten your tea with a natural sweetener, such as stevia as a substitute for table sugar. Drink your tea without milk and add a slice of fresh lemon for flavor.
Step 4
Brew a cup of green tea and add it to your breakfast smoothie. Add a tsp. of green tea powder to the dry ingredients in your baked goods.
Step 5
Avoid drinking more than 5 cups per day of green tea. Green tea is generally safe for consumption by most adults, but can be toxic in excessive doses. The average consumption of green tea in Asian countries is approximately 3 cups per day, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Tips and Warnings
- People who drink green tea as part of their daily diet may have less body fat than those who do not drink green tea.
- Seek medical care if you experience any side effects from ingesting green tea. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated or approved green tea as a health supplement.
Things You'll Need
- Green tea bags
- Green tea powder
- Liquid green tea extract
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