Green Tea Capsules & Weight Loss

Green tea capsules, which contain concentrated amounts of green tea extract, can help with weight loss. The capsules contain high levels of caffeine, which is a stimulant and fat burner, and evidence points to green tea as a glucose regulator and a metabolism booster. Green tea capsules, therefore, when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and an exercise plan, can be instrumental for weight loss.

Effects

• Capsules provide the benefits of drinking green tea in a concentrated dose. Green tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the metabolism, meaning your body will burn more calories at rest.

  Green tea also can help in managing glucose levels, which is instrumental in weight loss. Elevated glucose levels--caused by the consumption of unhealthy, high-carbohydrate foods--can cause weight gain, whereas low glucose levels cause hunger. Regulating glucose levels directly helps in weight management by keeping hunger and cravings at bay.

Warning

• One of the main active components of green tea is caffeine, which is harmless in most cases but does have risks. In particular, caffeine can cause insomnia, incontinence and constipation. Additionally, caffeine is not recommended for those with diabetes or liver disease, or pregnant women.

  Green tea also has been known to have adverse reactions when mixed with certain drugs, most notably, ephedrine. Speak to your doctor before beginning any herbal supplement regimen.

Misconceptions

• Although green tea is extracted from natural ingredients, it's not healthy for everyone. It's a myth that green tea extract alone will jump-start weight loss. An effective weight loss program can include a green tea supplement, but should also incorporate a balanced diet and exercise plan. Green tea should be taken in regulated doses; more does not necessarily mean greater weight loss.

Expert Insight

• A 2005 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition further emphasized the benefits of green tea for individuals on a weight-loss plan. This study concluded that supplementing one's diet with a cachetin-rich tea (such as a green tea supplement) helps lower levels of body fat and cholesterol.

Types

• In addition to capsules, green tea can be ingested in a variety of ways. Green tea diet patches are available, but no conclusive studies have proved that these are effective. Green tea powder is easy to dissolve in water and drink, but lacks the high antioxidant level of traditional green tea or capsules. Green tea also is available in a concentrated liquid, but again, no conclusive studies have proved that this is an effective way to take green tea. The most effective ways to ingest green tea are in its pure liquid form or as a concentrated capsule.