Does Green Tea Help With Weight Loss?

With the emergence of fat-burning products and drinks, you should be tired of trying to find which will work best for you. Right now, you might be in search of a natural and safe addition to your weight loss regimen. You might wonder does green tea help with weight loss?

Green tea is known for its many health benefits, and one of its positive effects is that it can aid in weight loss. 

Keep reading, as these are the essential points you will discover:

• Nutritional properties of green tea

• Health benefits of green tea

• Precautions for drinking green tea

Furthermore, we'll dive into some frequently asked questions about drinking green tea.

What is Green Tea?

Green tea is a type of tea made from the leaves and buds of Camellia Sinensis. 

Many people wonder, "Does green tea help with weight loss?" Unlike other types of tea, the harvested leaves of the plant are immediately steamed to prevent fermentation, resulting in a dry and unoxidized product.

The minimal processing of green tea is one of the reasons why it contains the most antioxidants and natural polyphenols such as flavonols. Much of the flavonols in green tea are called catechins.

The catechins in green tea can prevent oxidative stress, protecting our bodies from cell-damaging free radicals that cause degenerative and lifestyle-related diseases. 

As a bonus, catechins also promote a healthy digestive system and metabolism that can support body weight improvement.

Does Green Tea Help With Weight Loss?

Does green tea help with weight loss? The answer to this question lies behind the catechins concentrated in green tea, the most abundant of which is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). 

Evidence shows that EGCG can enhance metabolism by promoting fat-burning hormones and suppressing body fat accumulation. The EGCG and the moderate levels of caffeine in green tea can inhibit the enzyme that interferes with the function of the hormone norepinephrine. 

Consequently, the increase in norepinephrine levels speeds up metabolism and stimulates the breakdown of fat for energy use. 

Is green tea good for weight loss? Remember that the weight loss benefits you can get from drinking tea are still dependent on several factors. Your weight loss diet meal plan, physical activity, sleeping patterns, genes, and stress levels are still at play.

Nutritional Properties of Green Tea

Green tea is a water-based drink, free from calories and sugar. It has no carbohydrates and protein but has trace amounts of vitamins and minerals necessary for regulating bodily processes. 

The minerals in green tea are potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Vitamins A, C, E, and B-Vitamins are also found in green tea. 

Most of the health benefits from tea are linked to polyphenols, which comprise 30% of its dry weight. It also contains amino acids, mainly theanine. Research suggests that theanine has roles in keeping nerves calm, lowering blood pressure, and reducing appetite. 

Other Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Green tea has been around since ancient times with its soothing and therapeutic benefits. Historically, it was utilized as a cure for many ailments. 

Besides boosting metabolism, green tea consumption has been linked to the prevention of several types of cancer, heart diseases, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Green tea can help relax the mind and improve mental health and brain function. It also has a protective effect on bones and teeth.

Precautions For Drinking Green Tea

Apparently, consuming 6 to 8 cups of green tea daily is considered safe. Although in lesser amounts compared to coffee, green tea also contains caffeine. We all know that large doses of caffeine will not do any good for you. 

Pregnant and lactating women should drink no more than one to two cups daily to avoid an increase in heart rate and dehydration from too much caffeine. 

Drinking it on an empty stomach is also not recommended. You should reassess your intake if mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating and diarrhea, occur. In addition, it's best not to combine green tea with meals as it may decrease iron absorption. 

Final Thoughts

Nowadays, it's no surprise to stumble upon quick weight loss gimmicks on the internet. With all the fantastic benefits of drinking green tea, no wonder it's an excellent alternative to sweetened and calorie-infused beverages. 

Not only can it protect you from various lifestyle-related diseases, but it can also trim down your waist. If you want to look good and feel good, adding green tea to your daily routine is a smart way to improve your weight and overall wellness. 

So, does green tea help with weight loss? Yes! Put the kettle on and fix yourself a nice cup of green tea. You'll love green tea, so you don't have to overdo it. To maximize its benefit in weight loss, serving it plain without any sugar is recommended. 

Thus, you can make green tea your daily beverage choice starting today. Your body will thank you for it.

FAQ

Does green tea reduce belly fat? 

Evidence shows that drinking green tea can modestly reduce abdominal fat, especially in long-term consumption. Catechins, particularly EGCG in high amounts, have significantly lowered research subjects' visceral fat areas and weight circumference. 

Remember that one should not rely on green tea alone, as weight loss is achieved with exercise and a proper diet.

How many cups of green tea should I drink a day to lose weight?

According to some studies, drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea a day (600 to 900 mg of tea catechins) can help you lose weight. If you're new to green tea consumption or sensitive to caffeine, increasing your intake gradually is recommended. 

How do I drink green tea for weight loss?

There's no complicated way to drink green tea. 

Just boil some water, let the water rest for ten minutes, and steep the tea leaves. You can steep it in for a longer or shorter time, but two to three minutes is already enough. Alternatively, you can serve your green tea hot or cold with a splash of milk and a bit of honey. You can also throw in some lemon, cinnamon, or ginger. 

Note: If you aim to lose weight, just be mindful of the calorie or sweetness level of the additional ingredients you put in your beverage.

Can I take green tea supplements instead of drinking green tea?

Green tea supplements are available in various forms, such as capsules or extracts. While they may provide concentrated amounts of catechins, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they can have different effects and potential interactions with medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended to prioritize a balanced diet and lifestyle over relying solely on supplements.