Eating less and exercising more is the only foolproof method of losing weight. But for most people, saying no to favorite foods is a challenge. Furthermore, dieting may make you feel hungry and crave food even more. Perhaps it is not surprising then that many health food stores and pharmacies are filled with supplements claiming they can help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism and curbing your hunger pangs. Green tea is sometimes used as a weight loss aid as it may help the body to burn fat, boost metabolism and suppress appetite. However, evidence to prove it is effective is limited. Get medical advice before using green tea as a weight loss aid.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Green tea is made by steaming the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It most commonly consumed as a beverage, but green tea extract is also available in capsules and tablets. It contains a number of compounds, though one in particular, known as epigallocatechin gallate, likely confers this herb's therapeutic effects. Green tea is used as an alternative remedy for a variety of ailments including Parkinson's disease, Crohn's disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also used as a weight loss aid.
Effectiveness
The results of a small clinical study published in the June 2009 issue of "Clinical Nutrition" show that green tea may be helpful in reducing calorie intake and might support weight loss by sustaining a feeling of "fullness" and suppressing hunger. An article published in "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" in January 2011 also notes that green tea may boost weight loss by modifying appetite.
Side Effects
MedlinePlus notes that green tea may cause side effects including nervousness, vomiting, irritability, irregular heartbeat, heartburn and confusion, but adds that it is likely safe for most adults. It may also reduce the absorption of iron from food. If you experience any ill effect while using green tea, discontinue use and see your doctor.
Other Considerations
Although green tea is freely available in health food stores, it is not suitable for everyone. For example, its use is contraindicated in a number of conditions including anxiety disorders, glaucoma, diabetes, osteoporosis and liver disease. It also interacts with a number of medicines including antibiotics, birth control pills, asthma treatments and the cancer drug, bortezomib. Talk to your health care provider if you have doubts as to whether using green tea is suitable for you.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Obesity
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
- "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
- "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry"; Antiobesity Effects of Green Tea Catechins: A Mechanistic Review; T.M. Rains, et al.; January 2011
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