Originally from Asia, green tea is slowly but steadily gaining fame in the West. Many Americans who are used to artificial and high-calorie beverages are turning to green tea as a healthier option.
The use of green tea for weight loss has been documented as far back as Ancient China some thousands of years ago.
In fact, the ancient Chinese medicinal classic Bencao Shiyi contains the text “Drinking tea for a long time makes one thin.” Interestingly, 1300 years later, scientific study and research have arrived at the same conclusion.
For skeptics and first-time green tea drinkers, it is helpful to understand the scientific basis that explains the benefits of green tea and weight loss.
Scientists have presented several mechanisms by which green tea contributes to a fitter body. Research shows that green tea boosts metabolism.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition, green tea extract greatly and significantly increases energy consumption.
Metabolism, in the context of nutrition, refers to the breakdown of nutrients into ATP, a form of energy that is usable to the body. Excess calories that are not converted to energy are stored as fat deposits.
Green tea speeds up energy consumption, thus lessening fat that is deposited in the body. The researcher further determined that in a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. The metabolism-boosting effects of green tea are attributed to its high catechin polyphenols content that increases fat oxidation and thermogenesis.
Furthermore, catechins facilitate the movement of glucose into the cells and slows the rise of blood sugar. A regulated level of blood sugar prevents insulin level from spiking up, which promotes fat burning.
Green tea also serves as a low-calorie drink for people who are fond of caffeinated beverages. Green tea contains caffeine, although not as much as coffee.
Studies say that caffeine is most abused substance in the world. A lot of people are addicted to Java with double cream or double sugar. These beverages are heavy calories.
People who choose to drink green tea as a morning or night fix not only benefit from an increase in metabolism but also spare themselves the extra calories.
There are also claims that green tea is an appetite suppressant. According to scientists at the University of Chicago, rats that received daily injections of green tea extract for 7 days reduced their food intake to up to 60%.
Green tea may help burn an extra 80 calories a day, which amounts to 8 pounds a year. Ideally, a person must consume 3-5 cups of green tea daily. People who think they cannot tolerate the ideal daily amount can opt to drink concentrated forms such as green tea pills, extracts and patches.
Aside from its weight loss properties, green tea is also known to have antioxidant and blood sugar controlling properties. However, those who want to lose weight fast should still do their part. Green tea is proven effective, but only if a person is committed enough to change faulty diet habits and lifestyle practices.
