Many people needing to lose weight search for the “magic pill”, something they could take a few times while the pounds melted away. While this would be nice, we all know that weight loss is not accomplished this way. The key to weight loss begins with a better diet, one consisting of nutrition but fewer calories. In addition, it is important to get the body moving with exercise. With this, the metabolism increases and stored fat is burned as energy.
Losing Weight with Green Tea
Another way of losing weight effectively and safely is by drinking green tea. Numerous studies have been done specific to green tea and weight loss and they all show that this particular type of tea helps regulate the body’s insulin. As a result, high cholesterol levels are lowered, as well as triglycerides. Studies also show that the metabolism speeds up with green tea, which makes it possible to burn fat quicker.
Antioxidants in Green Tea
Another benefit of green tea is that overall it is very healthy. The best green tea is loaded with antioxidants, which fight damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals are molecules that carry oxygen as a byproduct of the digestive process. However, when free radicals spiral out of control, not only do they cause damage to DNA but also damage at the cellular level.
Another benefit of Chinese green tea and its high level of antioxidants is that when free radicals are controlled, the aging process is slowed down and the disease is prevented. As an example, studies have shown that people eating fresh fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, as well as drinking green tea daily have a much lower risk of heart disease and cancer. Then, these studies also revealed that green tea is a great way to lose weight, whether in the form of hot or cold tea or green tea supplements.
Other types of weight loss supplements are not only irritating but many are dangerous. For instance, Ephedra speeds up the metabolism but it causes the heart to race. Because of this, actual cases of death due to heart attack have been recorded all over the world.
Several components found in loose green tea have the ability to work as a team to promote better health and weight loss. In fact, all the medical doctors and researchers looking closely at green tea have identified three specific components in green tea relating to weight loss.
Caffeine in Green Tea
The amount of caffeine in green tea is much lower than that of black tea or coffee. While there is some caffeine, it is so minimal that jitters and other negative side effects are not felt. This means the body’s metabolism is still sped up but in a safe and effective way.
Although some people think of caffeine as being bad, the truth is that when consumed in small amounts, it can be highly beneficial for people trying to lose unwanted pounds. Therefore, someone eating a diet with fewer calories and drinking green tea would benefit greatly.
Catechins in Green Tea
Antioxidants found in green tea are called catechins, which are polyphenolic antioxidants, otherwise known as flavonoids or flavan-3-ols. Found in a number of plants such as the coffee and cocoa plant, catechins are highest in the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the plant that grows tea leaves.
Although loose black tea is also healthy, catechins found in green tea are better due to the way in which tea leaves are processed. As an example, black tea is fully fermented, which means that catechins are changed from their natural state. However, green tea is not fermented at all so catechins remain untouched.
Of all antioxidants, catechins are considered among the most powerful. In fact, when it comes to the prevention of serious disease, catechins are very effective. For this reason, drinking three cups of green tea daily when trying to lose weight helps but this type of tea also prevents and fights major illnesses such as heart disease and cancer of various forms.
Studies show that catechins suppress fat absorption that comes from the diet. As a result, green tea would help with weight loss but also work by reducing high levels of cholesterol.
Theanine Found In Green Tea
Green tea also has an amino acid component called Theanine, which has been shown beneficial to weight loss. In this case, dopamine is released in the body, which is a chemical that the brain produces to help a person feel relaxed, kind of a sense of well being.
Another benefit of Theanine is that it lowers caffeine effects. For this reason, green tea does not cause the nervous jitters that many people experience from caffeine and the heart does not pound. Although the component of Theanine found in green tea may not be directly related to weight loss, it does produce an aura of peace and relaxation that can stop many people from stress eating.
Without doubt more studies will be conducted on green tea and the ways in which it works for weight loss but so far, results have been impressive. In Japan, the Shizuoka University conducted a study whereby these three components found in green tea were carefully analyzed individually and then together.
Of the three, the caffeine was found to be the most significant for weight loss in that it helped boost metabolism and create thermogenesis, a fat burner. In addition, the study showed the catechins also had an effect on obesity by assisting the body with the elimination of fat from diet. Instead of the fat being absorbed, it was simply processed through.
The bottom line is that while the three components of this type of healthy tea appear to work very well together for helping people lose weight, they also provide many additional health benefits. Therefore, anyone wanting to drop pounds should start by changing diet and exercising, but also drinking three cups of quality green tea daily.
