Green tea is a drink that is capable of supporting health in several ways. As well as offering a concentrated source of antioxidants, the beverage also helps increase the rate of fat burning in the body but without the high caffeine content found in some other drinks. Always speak to a knowledgeable physician before starting a weight loss regimen.
Camelia Sinensis
Green tea comes from the camellia sinensis plant, which serves as the base ingredient for all types of tea. The Institute of Optimum Nutrition notes that, unlike black tea, green tea leaves do not undergo fermentation, which allows for the preservation of their nutritional profile. The leaves contain chlorophyll and carotenoids as well as an impressive serving of catechins.
Catechins
Making up around a tenth of the dry weight of the leaves, the catechin compounds have a number of effects in the body. On top of an impressive antioxidant action, which can boost both liver and immune system function, they can also increase fat burning. David Tolson, a nutritional researcher and a contributor to Bulk Nutrition, marks out epigallocatechin-gallate as an especially potent catechin.
Fat Burning
The catechins influence the fat-burning process in the body by increasing the amount of noradrenaline present in the central nervous system, which then binds to receptors and triggers increased rates of thermogenesis. The catechins do this by inhibiting an enzyme that would otherwise breakdown noradrenaline. An increased rate of thermogenesis means the body burns more fat to produce more heat.
Dosages
A 2003 study, published in the journal "Phytomedicine," provided volunteers with a green tea extract daily for three months and found positive results when they came to measure both body weight and waist circumference. The French scientists leading the experiment found that these parameters dropped by 4.5 and 4.6 percent respectively. The dose used was around 95 milligrams of epigallocatechin-gallate, or EGCG, each day.
Expert Insight
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a U.S. physician and the author of a number of books on natural approaches to health, points to green tea as an excellent choice for anyone interested in improving their immune system, cardiovascular health or body composition. He recommends around three cups daily as a sensible amount that provides noticeable benefits.
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