Losing excess weight is a challenge for many, although numerous weight loss products and diet aids flood the market. Green tea is one substance that receives plenty of attention for its purported health benefits, including the potential for promoting weight loss. Although green tea shows some promise in this area, more research is necessary to confirm any possible benefits.
Green Tea
Although water is the most common beverage in the world, tea comes in second. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant provide the ingredients for tea. China and India were some of the first countries to cultivate tea. Processing determines whether the tea is green tea or black tea. Unfermented leaves provide the ingredients for green tea, providing the highest concentration of polyphenols, substances that may provide antioxidant properties. In addition to polyphenols, also known as catechin compounds, green tea contains alkaloids that act as stimulants. These alkaloids include caffeine, theophylline and theobromine.
Lipton
Lipton is a large supplier of tea products, including several varieties and flavors of green tea. According to the official Lipton website, Lipton 100 percent Natural Green Tea contains leaves from around the world. While each tea bag provides 15 mg of potassium, it contains no calories, fat, protein or carbohydrates. Each prepared cup of this tea provides 150 mg of flavonoids and 35 mg of caffeine, prepared as directed. The length of time you steep the tea can affect the amount of caffeine it contains.
Thermogenic Action
The caffeine and polyphenols in green tea may play a role in weight loss. Some clinical studies indicate that green tea may help increase your metabolism and improve your body's ability to burn fat. According to the Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute, several studies show that green tea extract can increase energy expenditure by approximately 3 to 4 percent. Long-term increases in energy expenditure play a role in weight loss. Most studies regarding weight loss and green tea use the herbal extract, a substance that contains much higher concentrations of polyphenols and caffeine than Lipton green tea beverages. More studies are necessary to confirm the thermogenic action of green tea.
Considerations
While green tea may provide slight weight loss benefits, combining a healthy diet with exercise remains the safest and most effective way for you to lose weight. Consult your doctor before using herbal products to treat medical conditions, including obesity. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine may cause insomnia and irritability. Green tea may interact with several prescription medications, including beta-blockers and antibiotics.
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