Green Tea and Weight Loss

Adapted from Weight Loss in Green Tea by Ruel Hinaloc - September 2006

Several recent clinical studies have demonstrated the positive effects of green tea on weight loss.  Both animal and human trials have demonstrated reduced levels of blood glucose (sugar), lipids (fats) and cholesterol for individual who drink green tea.  Epigallocatechins (EGCG) were also found to increase fat oxidation through a process known as thermogenesis, further contributing to weight loss.
 
Green tea and weight loss studies in mice at the University of Chicago's Tang Center for Herbal Medical Research have shown that EGCG, the most active part of green tea, lowers blood levels of glucose, lipids, and cholesterol. This same study shows fat deposits under the skin and in the abdomen were also reduced.
 
Other green tea weight loss studies of mice have shown that green tea extract improved the metabolism of glucose and lipids, which appears to be a big factor in facilitating weight loss. There have also been a number of green tea weight loss studies demonstrating the ability of green tea extract to lower blood sugar. This relates to metabolism, energy levels, insulin production and hence could be useful to the dieter in terms of cravings, and maintaining an individual's energy levels.

Human Studies

In one green tea weight loss study in humans, taking oolong tea or green tea extract resulted in an increase in energy used by the body an average of 3-4 percent. The Linus Pauling Institute say this effect of green tea weight loss is "apparently due to increased fat oxidation and thermogenesis". Thermogenisis refers to energy used by the body in heat production that is not related to resting metabolism or physical activity.
 
In another human study, different groups were given caffeine, to see how that compared to green tea in thermogenesis. People taking the green tea had higher thermogenesis than those taking the equivalent amount of caffeine without green tea catchetins, suggesting that it is the catchetins, rather than caffeine, that is superior in raising body levels of thermogenesis and thus contribute to weight loss.

Weight Loss in Other Herbs

Other than green tea, there are other natural herbs that contribute to weight loss. Gugulipid for instance has been shown to augment the metabolic rate of the body and help with thermogenesis, thus leading to weight loss. Gugulipid has also been reported as a catalyst for lowering down cholesterol levels.
 
Another herb that aids in weight loss is Maitaki. Derived from a Japanese plant, Maitaki helps promote weight loss by targeting the liver, which is a major digestive part of the body.

Maximizing Weight Loss Benefits in Green Tea

If you are looking to maximize the potential weight loss benefits of green tea, consider a standardized weight loss herbal extract of pure green tea.  Several green tea weight loss products are available that contain high levels of concentrated green tea extract.  For most of us however, a routine of drinking green tea as part of a daily diet may provide plenty of benefits to contribute to weight loss.
 
Some researchers and traditional herbalists believe that better weight loss results are achieved when green tea is used in conjunction with other weight loss herbs and with other nutrients. So before buying a green tea weight loss product, consider choosing a product that contains a rich blend of green tea herbs, minerals and nutrient that aid in weight loss.
 
Other studies have shown that green tea when combined with ginger and olive leaf helps lower cholesterol and promotes weight loss. Green tea helps stop blood vessel constriction while CoQ 10 protects the heart and ensure blood pressure levels. By mixing green tea with CoQ 10, you may find that you not only achieve maximum weight loss but you will also be able maintain the health of several body systems at one time.

Other Key Benefits of Green Tea Besides Weight Loss

Polyphenols are a group of naturally occurring plant chemicals with very high antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are substances that protect the body from free radicals, which are special molecules and fragments of molecules that can damage your body from a cellular level. Free radicals hurt the body by making you more vulnerable to degenerative diseases like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants help by deactivating the free radicals and minimizing the amount of damage they have done or will do.
 
The many health benefits of green tea, all of which have been demonstrated in scientific studies, include:

• Cancer protection.
• Cholesterol reduction
• Blood pressure reduction
• Antibacterial and antiviral activity
• Protection against radiation
• Reduction of body fat
• Reduction of blood sugar
• Polyphenols, highest in Green and White Teas.