For hundreds of years, people in Japan and China drank green tea for its medicinal effects. The popularity of green tea spread to the West, and people drink tea for its taste as well as its beneficial properties. Proponents of the green tea diet claim it promotes weight loss and has other health benefits.
Types of Supplements
Dieters choose various types of supplements to increase green tea consumption. The most common way is to drink a hot or iced green tea beverage. Add milk, honey or lemon juice to make the tea more palatable. If you dislike the taste of tea, choose green tea pills or patches. You can find these supplements at health food stores or from alternative medicine practitioners.
Preparation
To make a green tea beverage, brew 1 tsp. of green tea leaves in a cup of hot water for two or three minutes. Drink two or three green tea beverages per day to promote weight loss. If you prefer green tea pills, take one or two per day. Green tea patches must be changed each day for maximum benefits.
Effects
Green tea contains high levels of polyphenols, chemicals with antioxidant properties. Catechins, a type of polyphenol, give green tea its characteristic tart or bitter taste. Some evidence suggests that catechins increase your body's metabolism, speeding calorie-burning processes. These substances may promote weight loss by suppressing appetite and burning fat. The antioxidants in green tea have also been shown to reduce risk of cancer, improve mental acuity and lower cholesterol levels.
Warning
Green tea contains caffeine, which can cause nausea or jitters if taken in high doses. People with heart problems, kidney disease, stomach ulcers or anxiety disorders should avoid drinking green tea or other caffeinated beverages. Pregnant or women who are breastfeeding should also avoid green tea. Talk to your doctor before starting a green tea diet to ensure it is a safe weight-loss choice.
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