Is Green Tea a Fat Burner?

Green tea is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. Many people believe that green tea has health benefits including weight loss. Although green tea is usually brewed, green tea extracts can also be consumed in capsule form.

History

• Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine employs green tea as a stimulant, diuretic and astringent. Green tea is also traditionally used to aid in digestion and mental awareness.

Benefits

• Green tea is currently used to help prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, improve mental awareness, and lose weight.

Considerations

• Some scientists believe that polyphenols and catechins, substances found in green tea, help increase metabolism and facilitate weight loss.

Effects

• Much science on the efficacy of green tea is unclear. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "there are not enough reliable data to determine whether green tea can aid in weight loss."

Potential

• According to a 2009 study by the American Society of Nutrition, "consumption of a beverage containing green tea catechins (625mg/d) may enhance exercise-induced loss of abdominal fat."

Side Effects

• Green tea extracts may rarely cause liver problems, and the caffeine in green tea can cause insomnia, anxiety or an upset stomach. In almost all cases, green tea is a safe way to pursue weight loss, but consult with your doctor if you plan to use alternative medicine.