Eating less and exercising more, a proven way of losing weight, sounds simple, but giving up your favorite foods and finding the time to go the gym might not be so easy. Some people seek extra diet help in the form of herbs and supplements. Green tea is sometimes used to boost weight loss, although conclusive scientific proof that it is effective is lacking. Get medical advice before using green tea as a weight loss aid, and don't use in place of diet and exercise.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Green tea, traditionally consumed in Asia but now a popular drink in many parts of the world, is made by steaming the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Sometimes also known as Chinese tea, it is a rich source of compounds known as polyphenols, which might have therapeutic effects. It is used as a complementary medicine for a variety of ailments including cancer and cognitive disorders. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it might also aid weight loss by increasing metabolism and burning fat.
Effectiveness
Studies looking at the effects of liquid green tea on weight loss are lacking. Most studies have looked at green tea extract, which contains green tea's active compounds, in capsule form. The results of one such study, published in the February 2009 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition," show that green tea compounds increase the effects of exercise on fat loss in overweight individuals. Research findings published in the June 2009 issue of "Clinical Nutrition" also show that green tea helps to suppress hunger.
Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, green tea is probably safe for most adults, but drinking more than five cups a day may cause side effects such as nervousness, vomiting, tremor, heartburn and dizziness. It might also hinder the body's ability to absorb iron. Green tea is included on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "Generally Recognized As Safe" list.
Other Considerations
Green tea is contraindicated in several conditions including glaucoma, liver disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Also avoid green tea if you have a peptic ulcer. It might also make anxiety and bleeding disorders worse. Green tea might interact with other medicines, including asthma medicines, anticoagulants, lithium, antibiotics and the birth control pill. If you are taking any of these medicines, it might be wise to seek an alternative weight loss aid.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Obesity
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Green Tea Catechin Consumption Enhances Exercise-Induced Abdominal Fat Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults; K.C.Maki; February 2009
- "Clinical Nutrition"; Effects of Capsaicin, Green Tea and CH-19 Sweet Pepper on Appetite and Energy Intake in Humans in Negative and Positive Energy Balance; H.C. Reinbach, et al.; June 2009
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