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The Effects of Green Tea on Carbohydrate Absorption

In China, green tea has been recognized for its health and medicinal qualities for centuries, but it has only recently become popular in the west. Scientists are beginning to focus on green tea and its extract as potentially vital in treating a variety of conditions from cataracts to cancer. They are also discovering that it actually performs multiple roles in weight management.

  1. Green Tea and Fats

    • All teas contain varying degrees of polyphenols or catechins, which serve as antioxidants to cleanse the body of contaminants. Polyphenols, found exclusively or in greater quantity in green tea, also have been found to inhibit fat absorption and increase its breakdown. They seem to be a factor in lowering body fat as well, according to a study published in the "European Journal of Nutrition." Study participants who drank tea containing high amounts of polyphenols three times a day were found to retain smaller amounts of dietary fat.

    Green Tea and Carbohydrates

    • Few studies have been done to evaluate green tea's effect on carbohydrate absorption, but one published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicated that consuming tea extracts did interfere in absorption of carbohydrates and fat. Green tea extract was cited along with black and mulberry teas, but the fact that green tea contains 10 to 15 times more polyphenols than black tea would imply that green tea is most effective in blocking carbohydrate and fat absorption.

    Green Tea and Metabolism

    • Scientists have determined that green tea extracts boost metabolism, along with blocking fat and carbohydrate absorption. One recent study has led experts to the conclusion that polyphenols in green tea promote production of the hormone norepinephrine. Because this hormone boosts metabolism, an increase would mean the body will burn fat more effectively, even without increasing physical activity.

    Green Tea and Diabetes

    • Green tea's high antioxidant properties aid the body in fighting contaminants that cause a number of health concerns for diabetics. Some of these are cataracts, high glucose levels and diabetic neuropathy.

    Long-term Benefits

    • No scientific studies have evaluated the long-term benefits of a diet rich in green tea and green tea extract, although Asian tradition praises its healing properties. As nutrition and medical experts learn more about the components in green tea, the truth of its historic reputation is coming to light. Green tea contains vitamins C, B-complex, and E, polysaccharides and amino acids. These ingredients reduce stress, boost the immune system, lower blood sugar and even strengthen blood vessels. On top of this, its most powerful polyphenol, known as EGCG, has been proven to block cancer-causing carcinogens.

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