Green Tea Weight Loss – A Proven Formula?

For centuries, the ancient Chinese physicians have known about the secrets of green tea weight loss.

There are many health benefits to drinking green tea. One of them of them is that it can help lose weight. Lots of weight loss supplements include green tea extract. How does this beverage aid in slimming?

Green Tea Versus Black Tea

All tea is made from the same plant, camellias selensis. Different kinds of tea are made with varying combinations of leaves and buds from this plant.

Black tea is fermented after picking. Green tea is dried but not cooked, leaving it unfermented. Many of the antioxidants found remain in higher concentrations when unfermented.

Underlying Mechanism

Polyphenol catechins are antioxidant compounds found in green tea. These antioxidants by themselves provide great health benefits, as they clean up free radicals that can otherwise damage our cells. When catechins bind with caffeine, the result is increased fat burning and fat oxidation.

Human Trials Results

Many studies have been conducted to look into the veracity of green tea weight loss claims. Often research starts with animals. With green tea, however, we are lucky to have many human studies to look at.

Tang Center for Herbal Medical Research, at the University of Chicago, has done research on catechins. Their results indicate that in subjects who took green tea extract, levels of fat lipids, cholesterol and glucose were reduced.

Another study, reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that subjects who drank a bottle of green tea fortified with extract lost more body fat over the course of three months than those who did not drink the tea.

Beverage Versus Supplements

There are several ways to get your green tea. Of course you can drink this marvelous beverage. A few cups of tea each day can provide not only health benefits, but also a calming break from a hectic day.

If you don’t manage to drink enough for ultimate weight loss effects, you can try a pure green tea extract. These generally come in the form of capsules or liquid. And there are many weight loss formulas out there that use green tea extract as one of the ingredients.

How Much Is Enough?

Various studies have used differing amounts of green tea. The combined wisdom of all of the human studies indicates that 3-4 cups of tea is the right amount to achieve green tea weight loss. Combined with a healthy eating and exercise program, you’ll find the results are stunning!

Learn the truth about green tea weight loss at the Weight Loss section of Amazing green tea –- an info-site dedicated to helping your discover your next great green tea, oolong tea and white tea.

Alternatively, if you are wondering which is the best tea extract supplement to buy, visit Green Tea Extract.

By Julian Tai
Published: 7/3/2008
 
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Your Comments:
Your Name:
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
Recipient Email Address:
 Separate multiple email addresses by ;
Your Name:
Your Email Address: