In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, green tea extract increased energy expenditure and metabolism, and was proven to positively impact the body’s rate of fat oxidation.
While some of these effects were thought at first to be because of the green tea’s caffeine, there are some that cannot be attributed to the caffeine. Although, on the other hand, an equal amount of caffeine, given alone, did not raise energy expenditure at all. This means something else going is on with the active ingredients in green tea.
For weight control, these findings seem rather promising. An increase in metabolism during the day was attributed directly to the green tea supplement. Because the body’s rate of burning calories is only about ten percent of daily energy expenditure, this increase translates into about 40% more calories burned per day.
Interested individuals should know that green tea has very little risk for any type of side effects, and none of the test subjects within the study reported an increased heart rate. Green tea extract, in this regard, is much safer than other products like ma huang and ephedra, or prescription diet pills.
If you want to supplement your healthy lifestyle with green tea, you should choose a trusted brand of organic green tea from your health food store or grocer. Start out with a cup a day. But, a much easier way to add green tea to your diet is to take a supplement. Take it with meals, to prevent any of the albeit minor side effects.
Other studies have shown that caffeine boosts the metabolism, but only at dangerously high doses that can play havoc with the heart rate. Green tea supplements are safer because they contain very little caffeine (three tablets contain about as much as one cup of coffee). The caffeine is thought to work in tandem with the catechins in green tea. Catechins are believed to be responsible for the many health benefits of green tea.
The amount of green tea extract can vary from one brand of supplement to another. Liquid extracts are usually more highly concentrated than caplets. Most supplement labels will say that one dose is equivalent to “x” number of cups of tea. If you are taking supplements for their antioxidant properties, look closely at that label. An ideal supplement will contain a high level of EGCG, the beneficial polyphenol in green tea.
Green tea has long been thought to aid in weight loss. Its polyphenols work with other chemicals present to increase the body’s natural ability to burn fat. With the caffeine in green tea, this can be a useful tool for those who want to lose weight. Green tea supplements are enjoying a lot of popularity as weight loss and muscle building formulas.