Green Tea for Weight Loss?

Green tea for weight loss is being touted as the latest diet miracle -- but does it really work or is it all just hype? This article gives you facts about drinking green tea to lose weight

Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss:

1. Green tea increases your metabolism.

A study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism "boost").

The researchers also concluded that, over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%.

These effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in green tea.

They work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).

2. Green tea inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulation.

Experts suggest that catechins in green tea help inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells. Green tea may also act as a "glucose regulator." by helping to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and subsequent fat storage.

3. Green tea may help reduce appetite.

Scientists at the University of Chicago found that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a green tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after seven days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea.

4. Green tea can help you save calories on your morning brew.

We are a nation hooked on java. Whether it is a regular double-cream, double-sugar standard or that mocha frappucinno, the calories we ingest to get our morning caffeine is wreaking havoc on our waistlines.

If you want to save calories in the morning and still get your caffeine fix, try substituting green tea for coffee. Or have a green tea in the afternoon instead of that 700 calorie mocha-chillate dream. You'll definitely notice the difference in your waistline after a few weeks.

So there are 4 ways that green tea can help you with weight loss. But how much do you actually have to drink to get these amazing metabolism boosting effects?

Experts vary but the general consensus seems to be that 3 to 5 cups of green tea per day is optimal. Drinking this amount of brew can help burn an extra 70 calories per day, which amounts to 7 pounds per year.

However, 3 to 5 cups can be a lot for some people, so you might also want to consider green tea extract, green tea pills or a green tea patch.

Disadvantages of Drinking Green Tea For Weight Loss:

1. Green tea is not a magic bullet.

While some people will tell you that green tea is the be-all-end-all for weight loss success, the key is balance. You're not going to eat 5000 calories a day, drink a cup of green tea and make it all go away - it just isn't going to happen. A healthy diet and increased exercise will go a long way in helping you lose weight and keep it off.

2. Be cautious of caffeine if you have health problems.

For some people who have heart trouble, high blood pressure or stimulant sensitivities, the caffeine in green tea may not be the best idea.

If you're worried about the caffeine from green tea, try taking green tea extract. Most green tea extract is made from decaffeinated green tea so you can still get the weight loss benefits without the caffeine.

And be sure you always consult your doctor before starting green tea for weight loss.

Bottom Line:

Green tea helps you with weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate, regulating your blood sugar, suppressing your appetite and giving you something else besides that high calorie, high sugar coffee beverage to drink in the morning.

While drinking green tea for weight loss is not a magic bullet, it can definitely give you a boost in your efforts to lose weights and in your overall health.

This article on drinking green tea for weight loss was written by Kathryn O'Neill. For more weight loss tips and diet reviews, visit www.freetobethin.com.

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