Green and white teas are both derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. Though from the same plant, differences between the two do exist. White tea leaves are harvested at a younger age than green tea leaves, white tea has slightly less caffeine than green tea, and green tea leaves are partly fermented while white tea is not fermented. Both teas are purported to help weight loss due to their caffeine and Epigallocatechin gallate, or ECGC, content. These constituents may speed metabolism and thermogenesis -- the bodily process whereby heat is generated. Metabolism is accelerated by the process of thermogenesis because a percentage of calories in excess of those immediately required for energy are used to generate heat instead of being stored as fat.
Green and White Tea Products
Numerous tea products are available and advertised as weight loss aids. Some of these products standardize to provide high doses of polyphenols and ECGC. Scientific studies and research are cited asserting the effectiveness of green and white teas in promoting weight loss. However, research has been rather mixed and does not fully support these claims. If you read the fine print, certain products affirm the tea is only effective when combined with proper diet and exercise.
Studies Demonstrating Weight Loss Benefits
Multiple studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of tea as part of a weight management plan. One study, published in "Physiology and Behavior," concluded that the consumption of green tea increased fat oxidation -- the breaking down of large fat molecules into smaller ones for energy use -- and energy expenditure resulting in a reduction in body weight. Another randomized placebo-controlled double blind parallel trial of obese individuals, concluded that weight loss can be achieved through green tea consumption by increasing thermogenesis and fat oxidation, according to research published in "Obesity Research." While these studies both demonstrate the ability of tea with ECGC and caffeine to increase fat oxidation, the weight loss that resulted was small.
Studies Demonstrating No Weight Loss Benefits
While some studies have demonstrated positive results, others have produced negative results regarding the ability of these teas to promote weight loss. According to a study in the "British Journal of Nutrition," participants who consumed green tea became hungrier and showed no benefit in relation to body composition or weight. Moreover, a study by Kovacs, et al. "Effects of green tea on weight maintenance after body weight loss," demonstrated that drinking green tea after significant weight loss resulted in greater weight regain as opposed to placebo. These studies seem to substantiate that green tea may actually be detrimental to weight loss and weight maintenance.
Diet and Exercise Are the Best Weight Loss Methods
Because research has produced conflicting results, evidence does not currently support the fact that green or white tea helps with weight loss. Further research is necessary to better understand the underlying mechanisms of green and white teas and their relationship to weight loss, metabolism and thermogenesis. Instead of drinking significant amounts of green or white tea, focus on healthy eating and more exercise -- these are the most proven methods of weight loss.
References
- "Physiology and Behavior"; Effectiveness of green tea on weight reduction in obese Thais: A randomized, controlled trial; Paradee Auvichayapata, Montira Prapochanunga, Oratai Tunkamnerdthaia, et al.; 2008
- "Obesity Research"; Body weight loss and weight maintenance in relation to habitual caffeine intake and green tea supplementation; Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Lejeune MP, Kovacs EM; 2005
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Effect of green tea on resting energy expenditure and substrate oxidation during weight loss in overweight females; Diepvens K, Kovacs EM, Nijs IM, et al.; 2005
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Effects of green tea on weight maintenance after body-weight loss; Kovacs EM, Lejeune MP, Nijs I, Westerterp-Plantenga MS; 2004
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Effect of moderate intakes of different tea catechins and caffeine on acute measures of energy metabolism under sedentary conditions; Gregersen NT, Bitz C, Krog-Mikkelsen I, Hels O, et al.; 2009
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