If you have looked around at the weight loss section of any stores, then chances are good that you have seen products made with green tea among them. But that raises the questions of why are they there, and do they really work in helping people lose weight? Before you just go ahead and grab such products, you should educate yourself on green tea and weight loss.
Before we get to the benefits of green tea on losing weight, there is one word of caution. Green tea contains caffeine. While it contains much less caffeine than the same amount of coffee, those who are sensitive to it may have to find caffeine-free green tea. Most people don't feel the same effects as they do from coffee; meaning you probably won't feel jittery or too hyped up.
A flavonoid by the name of catechin is thought to be the active beneficial ingredient in green tea. It has antioxidant properties that have a positive effect on weight loss, as well as general health. Without going into too much detail on the chemistry, catechin is a polyphenol that is present in tea, coffee and chocolate. However, as you will see, green tea has some extra benefits that make it better than coffee or chocolate. We've already seen that it less caffeine than coffee, but it is also fat-free, unlike chocolate. So how do green tea and weight loss go together? Let's find out now.
Reduces appetite. If you just can't seem to get your appetite under control, no matter what you do, then green tea may be the answer you've been searching for. Green tea may not only reduce the appetite through the regulation of blood sugar levels, but the polyphenols may help as well. Green tea and weight loss go together because the polyphenols help decrease the amount of leptin which increases hunger.
Absorbs fat. Green tea packs a triple threat when it comes to reducing the absorption of fat. We have already mentioned caffeine and catechin. But there is also theanine which has been shown to inhibit the enzymes that digest and store fat. And if the fat isn't digested, it will naturally pass through the digestive system instead of depositing itself all over your body. It won't eliminate fat absorption, but it should help.
Lowers caloric intake. As long as you drink it plain, each cup of green tea has less than 5 calories. Not too shabby. However, it also helps to reduce the appetite which automatically makes you a bit fuller and keeps you from overeating.
Increases metabolism. There hasn't been that much research on the effect of green on the metabolic rate (how fast the body burns calories), but the studies that have been done are promising. In one such study, it was shown that drinking green tea increased metabolism by 4% over a period of 24 hours.
As you can see, green tea and weight loss go together. Have a cup or two on the morning to start your day, and a cup with each meal. Make this a habit and you will be sure to see those extra pounds start to come off.
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