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The weight-loss effects of green tea have been known for some time.
The weight-loss effects of green tea have been known for some time, with recent studies showing that it can cause a decrease in body fat. But what are the mechanisms behind this? A study published in the International Journal of Obesity reviewed multiple studies on green tea and found that its main benefit comes from two compounds: caffeine and catechins (also known as antioxidants). Both of these compounds help to increase energy expenditure, which is defined as how much energy your body burns during digestion without any physical activity. This means that you burn more calories throughout the day, even when being relatively sedentary.
This new study evaluated the effects of green tea in people who are already very close to their ideal body weight.
While the study was done on participants with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or less, green tea is still a healthy addition to anyone’s lifestyle. In fact, it makes an excellent alternative to most sugary drinks that you can find in convenience stores and restaurants. A 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 140 calories and 39 grams of sugar—that’s more than 9 teaspoons! On the other hand, green tea has zero calories and zero sugar. In addition to helping you lose weight and keep it off, drinking green tea also improves brain function and lowers your risk of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and even Parkinson’s disease. Plus there are several different varieties of green tea—from matcha powder to loose tea leaves—so there are many ways that you can incorporate this natural product into your diet.
The researchers found that the group of people who took the green tea extract did indeed lose more weight than the group who didn’t.
The researchers found that the group of people who took the green tea extract did indeed lose more weight than the group who didn’t. They lost 0.3 kilograms (kg), or about three-quarters of a pound, more than the control group. They also saw a decrease in body mass index (BMI) and waist measurements, as well.
This isn’t the first time green tea has been linked to possible weight loss benefits. Previous studies have shown that a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is found in green tea, could boost metabolism by 4 to 5 percent and increase fat burning by up to 17 percent, according to Healthline.
In addition to losing a small amount of weight, those who took the supplement also saw a reduction in their BMI as well as their waist measurements.
BMI is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. A waist circumference above 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. Losing weight lowers these measurements.
While losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help lower blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels, and decrease inflammation risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, any weight loss at all is beneficial.
The researchers concluded that supplements like this one could be a helpful tool for people looking for “that extra help” to reach or maintain their fitness goals.
Weight loss is a journey, and it’s also a science, so why not enlist the help of some clever little lab rats? Researchers isolated the effect of green tea on fat cells in mice, and found that the leaves’ catechins (antioxidants) can trigger a chain reaction that results in the breakdown of stored fat.
In other words: Green tea is pretty much magic when it comes to dropping pounds—but only if you use it as an aid, not as your sole method for losing weight. The researchers concluded that supplements like this one could be a helpful tool for people looking for “that extra help” to reach or maintain their fitness goals.
So if you’re already exercising and eating healthy, consider adding green tea to your diet. It’s easy to find at any grocery store or health food market and doesn’t need much more preparation than boiling water before consumption. Plus, after drinking green tea instead of soda for just one week you’ll have saved nearly 100 calories per day!
Green tea has been proven to help with weight loss and this study suggests that it may play an important role in fighting obesity
When it comes to weight loss and fitness, green tea has proven its worth. We already know that green tea contains a special compound called epigallocatechin gallate that increases metabolism and boosts the body’s ability to burn fat. This new study suggests that this compound may actually interfere with the growth of fat cells, ultimately reducing the amount of body fat we have.
This news is exciting for many people who are working toward their fitness goals but need some extra help shedding a few pounds. Green tea could be just what you need!
Bottom line
Green tea could help you shave off a few extra pounds. Of course, if you’re trying to lose weight, then you should still be mindful of how many calories you consume—and don’t underestimate the importance of exercise. But if your goal is simply to increase your body’s calorie burn throughout the day, then regular consumption of green tea could help.
