Green tea
has always been known to have several health benefits, but who
knew that it could contribute to weight loss as well?
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition show that green tea extract can increase metabolism
and fat oxidation of the body. In theory, scientists believe
that the weight loss benefits of green tea extracts are due to
their caffeine content but the results of the study show
otherwise as they discovered that green tea extracts have
weight loss benefits beyond that of caffeine.
In their study, the researchers administered alone the same
amount of caffeine as that in green tea extracts but found that
it did not make any significant changes in the body’s overall
energy expenditure. This led them to conclude that green tea
extracts have ingredients in them that actively interact with
each other, promoting increased metabolism and fat oxidation
that lead to weight loss.
Further findings indicated that a certain compound found in
green tea extracts might be the ingredient that causes weight
loss. These green tea extract compounds called Flavonoids may
alter the way the body uses norepinephrine, a hormone that
monitors how calories are burned. When flavonoids interact with
other green tea extract ingredients, more calories are burned
thus contributing to weight loss.
Another ingredient that actively contributes to the weight loss
benefits of green tea extracts is the compound catechin
polyphenols. These compounds also interact with other green tea
extract ingredients in order to promote weight loss by fat
burning and thermogenesis (a process of losing energy by
daytime heat).
The great thing about the weight loss benefit of green tea
extracts is that it does not have any adverse side-effects.
Unlike other herbal products like ephedra and prescription
drugs for obesity, green tea extract does not increase the
speed of heart rates or raise blood pressure. In this regard,
green tea extract is an effective and safer alternative to
other weight loss products which may cause harm to the
user.
The study conducted by the University of Geneva on the weight
loss benefit of green tea extract implicated that green tea
extract can also help thyroid patients. According to dietitian
Lynn Moss, M.S., R.D., green tea extract is a healthier choice
for people with thyroid who may be too sensitive to stimulants.
Green tea extract can promote weight loss by increasing
metabolism without over stimulating the adrenal glands.
A common beverage all throughout Asia, green tea has recently
gained popularity in the West. Further researches were
conducted to identify other health benefits of green tea
extracts aside from weight loss. It was found that certain
green tea extract compounds can significantly reduce the risk
of heart disease, cancer, and even ulcers.