Green tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and undergoes the least amount of processing of all teas. Its bioactive compounds are responsible for a wealth of benefits,from boosting blood vessel function to increasing bone mineral density. Furthermore, green tea might also combat obesity by increasing fat loss.
Catechins
Due to its minimal processing, green tea has a high concentration of antioxidants called polyphenols. One type of polyphenol compound is catechins, which are responsible for most of green tea's health effects. The three main green tea catechins are epicatechin, epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate, according to the Linus Pauling institute at Oregon State University website. Research suggests that EGCG has the most beneficial effect on weight loss.
Decreases Body Weight
Researchers from the State University of New Jersey investigated the effects of EGCG on obesity and metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for heart disease, in mice following a high fat diet. At the end of the 16 week study, which was published in the September 2008 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition," lead author Mousumi Bose and colleagues observed that mice adhering to a high fat diet with EGCG supplementation experienced decreases in body weight and body fat percentage compared to mice following the same diet without EGCG treatment.
Reduces Belly Fat
Combining EGCG with a moderate amount of exercise might banish belly fat. Lead investigator Kevin Maki and researchers Tufts University assigned overweight and obese subjects a beverage high in catechins including EGCG or a placebo for 12 weeks. Both groups participated in a moderate amount of exercise three times per week. Scientists found that the catechin group experienced greater decreases in body fat, especially abdominal fat, compared to the placebo group. They reported their findings in the February 2009 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition."
Side Effects
Although green tea is considered safe, excess tea consumption might cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In addition, green tea has a high caffeine content, which may induce symptoms such as diarrhea, restlessness and anxiety, according to the Linus Pauling institute at Oregon State University website. Therefore, consult your health care provider before consuming green tea in beverage or supplement form.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute: Tea
- Journal of Nutrition: The Major Green Tea Polyphenol, (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, Inhibits Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Fatty Liver Disease in High-Fat--Fed Mice
- Journal of Nutrition: Green Tea Catechin Consumption Enhances Exercise-Induced Abdominal Fat Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults
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