The use of green tea originates in Asia, where the beverage is still an enjoyable beverage, as well as in alternative medicine. Green tea is increasingly promoted in western nations as a weight-loss method. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says, at time of publication, that there is not enough evidence to support green tea as an effective way to shed pounds. Ask your doctor before using green tea for weight loss, as there are certain side effects and risks associated with the leaves.
Features
Green tea comes from the Camelia sinesis plant. The same tea leaves produce white, black and oolong teas. Green tea is produced through a process of withering, steaming, oxidation and rolling of the leaves. This type of tea contains antioxidants that can prevent free radicals from destroying healthy body cells over a long period of time. According to the Diets in Review website, green tea contains a third of the amount of caffeine that coffee has. Caffeine may help increase the metabolism and curb the appetite. Green tea is used in a diet as a beverage, but is also the primary ingredient in some weight-loss supplements.
Effects
When you lose weight, one of the first places you shed pounds is the stomach. The abdomen is typically the most prone place to accumulate fat. This explains why you lose the fat there first when you start a weight loss plan. If you drink green tea or use a supplement with a green tea extract, you might attribute your success to the tea. Some dieters drink tea after a meal to help the body process food quicker. However, the weight lost is likely a culmination of diet, exercise and perhaps the tea to some extent.
Evidence
Green tea is widely used in the dieting market as an effective weight loss tool. There is inconclusive medical evidence of green tea actually helping burn fat in the body. The loss of stomach fat while on a green tea regimen is probably because you have adopted other lifestyle habits. Regular exercise burns calories and increases the metabolism, both key factors to helping eliminate and prevent fat accumulation around the midsection.
There are other proven benefits of drinking green tea. The Mayo Clinic claims that some scientific evidence suggests green tea may help improve memory.
Considerations
There are certain side effects associated with green tea, especially if you take supplements while consuming other caffeinated products. Too much caffeine can cause gastrointestinal ailments, sleeping difficulties and anxiety. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid green tea. If you want to use green tea for weight loss, opt for fresh brewed tea, either hot or iced. The Mayo Clinic notes that tea seems to lose some of its benefits when used in supplement form.
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