The Best Green Tea To Lose Weight

Research suggests that daily green tea consumption may provide a moderate weight loss benefit when consumed in addition to a low calorie diet. The USDA reports that the popularity of green tea almost doubled in 2006, to about 4 percent of all tea consumed in the United States. The best green tea for weight loss will be minimally processed and will be free of additives.

Weight Loss Components

A 2006 review of 17 studies related to green tea and weight loss in "Physiology and Behavior" summarized that green tea may help you to lose weight by burning 4 percent more calories and burning more fat. In addition to caffeine, green tea contains catechins thought to influence weight loss. A 2011 review in "The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" showed that an intake of 270 mg to 1,200 mg of catechins daily may reduce body weight and fat. A 6 oz. cup of brewed green tea contains around 235 mg of catechins, according to the USDA.

Processing

While green tea is naturally rich in weight-loss-promoting catechins, processing can decrease their concentration. A 2009 study in the "Journal of Food Science" stated that catechins in liquid and solid environments degraded faster. This suggests that you may want to skip the tea bottled in liquid form, or catechin supplements in solid form. Choosing to brew your own green tea from plain tea bags or loose leaves can preserve catechin content.

Green Tea Additives

Catechins are further degraded if sugar, citric acid or ascorbic acid are added, according to the 2009 study in "Journal of Food Science." Since many processed green teas contain sugar and acidic additives, bottled or processed green tea should be avoided during weight loss. Adding sugar not only degrades catechins, but it also adds calories. One tablespoon of sugar contains around 50 calories. Presweetened tea can add around 100 calories per serving, negating the possible weight loss benefits.

Considerations

Stick to plain brewed green tea to reap the most weight loss benefits. Iced green tea may not help you to lose as much weight. Iced green tea is usually diluted with extra water and ice, decreasing the concentration of catechins and caffeine. Substituting plain green tea for sweet beverages like soda, sports drinks, and juice can also help you save hundreds of calories per day.