Green tea has been used for centuries for its many health benefits. The high polyphenols levels provide its power to lower blood pressure and decrease cancer risks. According to American Family Physician (April 2009), there have been a small number of clinical trials linking green tea with successful efforts to achieve weight loss and decrease cholesterol levels. If you choose to use green tea as an adjunct for weight loss, here's some useful information.
Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is produced by steaming fresh leaves, a process that results in a higher content of polyphenols, especially EGCG, which has a stronger overall calorie-burning effect than caffeine. This effect, however, will not melt pounds off overnight. Green tea contains between 50 and 150 mg of polyphenols. According to the Weight Loss GI Diet website, hardcore green tea drinkers say that daily consumption makes them feel less hungry and more mentally clear. The site also states that "population-based studies do show a lower incidence of heart disease in countries where people consume green tea on a daily basis."
Green Tea and Weight Loss
A natural source such as green tea is healthier than processed supplements for weight loss. In a study reported by pubmed.com that observed dieting with green tea, researchers stated, "After 90 days of treatment, significant weight loss and decreased body mass index (BMI) were observed." Green tea, however, was not the sole reason for this success. The individuals participating in this study consumed green tea as part of a low-calorie diet.
Green Tea Supplements
If you don't like drinking tea, green tea supplements are available in pill form. Manufacturers crush green tea leaves and put them into capsules. Choose a green tea pill that has large amounts of EGCG. Higher EGCG levels provide higher antioxidant capabilities. They also increase your metabolism rate and enhance your body's ability to burn calories.
Considerations
If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, it is important to consult with your physician regarding proper nutrition, physical activity and general ways to improve your health. If you have a medical condition, discuss any diet changes you wish to make with your physician before you do so. Just because a product is labeled "natural" does not mean that it actually is so or that it free of side effects.
Warnings
Green tea extract contains caffeine, and according to the New York Times article, "Weight-Loss Drugs: Hoopla or Hype," it can be associated with the same side effects as caffeine ingestion. These include vomiting, bloating, indigestion, jitteriness and palpitations. In addition, the polyphenols in green tea may interfere with some prescription medications. Ask a pharmacist or physician for more information. As you weigh the benefits and risks of making green tea a part of your life, remember that any weight-loss program should involve the intake of fewer calories, less processed foods and more fruits and vegetables. There is no special formula for quick weight loss. Green tea may help some people on their weight loss journeys, but unless combined with long-term lifestyle and diet changes, no supplement alone will guarantee weight loss.
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