Green Tea Fights Fat

The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural beneficial properties of green tea. Here is one in a series of reports:

 

Green Tea Weight Loss Intrigue

You have most likely heard by now of the wide ranging health benefits of green tea. Green tea has also been touted as having the ability to fight heart disease, lower cholesterol, and prevent diabetes and stroke. 

However, many people don’t realize that green tea extract also has the ability to help people lose weight.

For the countless dieters around the world, green tea’s fat burning capability is quite intriguing to say the least. 

Of course, green tea has been used in China for centuries. It has consistently been seen as a drink that boosts health in numerous ways. Historically, green tea has been used to treat headaches, digestive problems and even boost life expectancy.

This curative drink has been catching on more and more in the Western world as news of its health benefits have spread.

Unlike other teas, green tea contains catechins, which are polyphenols that also have anti-inflammatory properties. One catechin, in particular, called epigallocate-chin-3-gallate (EGCG) is noted as being most responsible for increased calorie burning and speeding up weight loss.

EGCG is also a powerful antioxidant. Researchers also believe that it reduces the amount of leptin, which controls the hunger signals sent to the brain.

 

Weight Loss Results

A variety of recent studies have shown that green tea can not only fight obesity, but also lower bad cholesterol levels or LDL.

Dutch researchers speculated that the caffeine in green tea helps to oxidize fat. Another study that was included in the January 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed people who drank a bottle of tea each day that was fortified with green tea extract.

These subjects lost more weight than those who drank just oolong tea. Researchers speculated that the catechins in green tea might assist with weight loss by encouraging the body to burn calories. 

 In a Japanese study of the fat burning abilities of green tea, 35 Japanese men were followed. The first group drank tea fortified with green tea extract containing 690 milligrams of catechins. The other group drank tea with only 22 milligrams of catechins.

The men ate identical diets and were all in the same weight group. This study showed that the men who drank green tea not only had a reduction in their bad cholesterol levels; they also lost more weight and decreased their BMI.

 

Tea Extract vs. Weight Loss Pills

Due to the fact that you would need to drink over 8 cups of tea a day to take advantage of the beneficial properties, green tea extract supplements are typically recommended.

Of course, makers of diet pills have jumped on the bandwagon concerning the fat burning abilities of green tea extract. You can now find a variety of pills and supplements that promise weight loss through the power of green tea. Often these diet pills are combined with potentially dangerous ingredients that counteract any health benefits.

While you must proceed with a great deal of caution with green tea diet aids, they are typically less dangerous than other options. However, be sure to read ingredient lists carefully and review with your doctor any supplement that you take for medical conditions you may have.