First, the obvious question:
What is green tea extract?
Green tea extract is the concentrate of the green tea leaf. The leaf is steeped in alcohol or some other solvent, which is then left to evaporate, leaving the extract. It has all the essential properties of the Green Tea Leaf. The extract has more of the essential parts, while parts of the leaf have no benefit, or effect at all.
Benefits of Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract has the same high level of nutrients, as you would get from loose green tea. These nutrients are called phytochemicals, which are among the strongest and most beneficial known. These antioxidants are powerful, fighting all types of illnesses as the result of free radical damage.
Free radicals have been heavily studied and with the unpaired electron, they are extremely unstable. Eventually, free radicals begin to cause a chain reaction whereby other molecules within the body also become unstable. The good news is that green tea and green tea extract is loaded with antioxidants that help by neutralizing the free radicals. Because of this, all types of health problems are prevented or controlled.
For instance, when drinking this herbal tea, taking green tea supplements, or using green tree extract, you would find digestive problems disappear, high cholesterol levels decrease, migraines go away, and much more. In addition to aiding in eliminating problems, these antioxidants also keep the body healthy so they never flare up in the first place.
Additional Health Benefits
You will also find that metabolism can be increased by using green tea extract. Therefore, if you were trying to lose unwanted weight, this would be an excellent tool. Keep in mind that if you use green tea extract to lose weight, because it contains only a very small amount of caffeine, you would still have some increased energy but without the jitters.
Several studies have been conducted to see how caffeine affects the body associated with green tea extract. The results showed that while energy level did in fact go up with increased heart rate, metabolism was boosted. However, one particular study showed the opposite, with the heart rate increasing and nothing happening for the metabolism. Even so, with so many studies showing green tea extract and caffeine help metabolism without raising the heart rate, it is safe to say that this is an excellent aid for losing weight.
List of Specific Benefits for Green Tea Extract
• Philippines Medical Study showed positive results for treating acne
• Green tea extract stimulates the immune system
• The antioxidants in green tea fight dental plaque
• Green tea contains a high level of ECGC, which is a powerful antioxidant more than 200 times that of vitamin E
• Green tea extract and green tea have been proven to fight cancer, heart disease, and liver damage
Where to Buy Green Tea Extract
One thing we wanted to note is that while the Chinese have been drinking Chinese green tea for thousands of years and people in the western world for many years without incident, since a small level of caffeine exists, anyone with sensitivity to caffeine needs to start slow to see if a reaction would occur. In addition, anyone with high blood pressure or concerns over any level of caffeine should talk to their doctor first.
Once you are confident that green tea or green tea extract would be okay, you can find extract at health food stores, drug stores, specialty tea stores, and even tea companies online. Keep in mind that every brand is packaged slightly different. Therefore, some products might include other substances. The goal is to purchase pure extract and while the price might be a little higher, it would be worth it. Take your time to look around so you know without doubt what you are buying.
