Tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Green tea is so-named because it's processed while the leaves are still green. This is in contrast to the black tea that's more common in the West, which is aged for a longer period of time. Green tea is frequently touted to promote weight loss, although there is little scientific evidence for these claims.
History
Tea has been consumed in China for at least 4,000 years, and it was introduced to the West by Turkish traders in the 6th century. Black tea is still more common in the United States, but green tea is increasing in popularity. Claims regarding the health benefits of green tea have now become common in the early 21st century, especially for weight loss.
Diet
There are many sources that recommend the use of green tea to lose weight. Green tea dieting most often means simply drinking green tea to lose weight, and proponents of green tea dieting generally recommend abstaining from all other caffeinated beverages. Green tea dieting usually doesn't specify any other changes in eating habits, although some green tea diets may include an exercise plan.
Ingredients
A cup of green tea contains about 50 milligrams of caffeine and about 90 mg of polyphenols. Caffeine is a general stimulant, and phenols are a complex chemical group with a variety of effects. Green tea isn't recommended for anyone under 18 years of age due to the caffeine content.
Effects
Stimulants such as caffeine can serve as an appetite suppressant. The effects of the phenols on weight loss are much more difficult to quantify as green tea contains many different phenols. Additionally, consumption of a large amount of green tea before a meal can create a feeling of fullness and may reduce the amount of food consumed. However, caffeine also has the potential for dependency.
Scientific Studies
Several small human studies have been conducted on green tea, according to the Mayo Clinic. These studies showed mixed results, and the Mayo Clinic advises that more research is needed before it can make a strong recommendation regarding green tea's effects on weight loss.
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