One hears and reads a lot about the weight loss properties of green tea. How much is fact and how much of it is a marketing ploy; even fiction? Let us look today at what green tea is, and how, if at all, it causes weight loss.

What is it?

Green tea is basically tea made using the leaves of Camellia sinensis (scientific name for the tea plant), that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea is also known by some of these names: fasting tea, slimming tea, super dieter’s tea, weight loss tea. Read more about green tea.

Is it safe?

The Chinese have used green tea for centuries and now it is getting extremely popular in the west as well. It has been reported in rare cases that those drinking green tea for the first time may develop certain symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. This is not the usual outcome; it may happen if taken in larger than suggested quantities. However if used as directed and in the suggested quantities green tea is completely safe.

Green tea causes weight loss: Fact or Fiction?

The way that green tea is said to work as a fat loss aid is like this: it is said to increase thermogenesis, the rate at which calories are burned, and therefore raises metabolism. Raising metabolism causes the body to burn more calories, which in turn can lead to weight loss. Polyphenols found in green tea seem to aid in the digestion of fat or oxidation which can also help in weight loss. A Swiss study has shown that when subjects were tested for the effect green tea has on them, their thermogenesis showed a 4% increase, and overall energy expenditure increased by 4.5%. However other studies such as the one conducted by the Linus Pauling Institute have been inconclusive.
When used along with a healthy diet and life style, green tea has been seen to aid weight loss. And since green tea is also positively associated with controlling blood sugar, cholesterol, bad breath, dental cavities and also seen to have antioxidant and potentially anti cancer causing properties, it can be concluded that green tea has an overall beneficial effect on health.

How much do you need?

It is generally suggested that two to three 8-ounce cups of green tea is good for you. For those who want to use green tea for weight loss, the suggested amount is five to eight cups a day. And for those that do not like the taste or are unable to drink so much tea every day, can use green tea supplements which are made from green tea extracts.
So in conclusion, while green tea may aid weight loss, it certainly has been seen to promote good health so you may as well go ahead and indulge!

Tags: green tea, Health, weight loss