Green Tea Weight Loss Facts

Recently there has been a lot of publicity in the media about how green tea can help you lose weight. But how much is hype and how much is substance? What are the real green tea weight loss facts?

One of the major facts contributing to how green tea is related to weight loss is some of the active ingredients contained in the tea. Those are caffeine and antioxidant polyphenols such as catechin. These ingredients contribute to helping to raise the body's metabolism, helping to raise the blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite. All of these work to help you lose weight.

There have been many research studies conducted studying the relationship between green tea and weight loss.  Some of the studies have used animals such as mice as subjects and some have been conducted with humans. 

One of the research studies with mice was conducted at the Tang Center for Herbal Medical Research at the University of Chicago.  It showed that consuming green tea reduced glucose sugar levels, lipids (or fats) and cholesterol levels.  These effects all contribute to helping to lose weight.

Another study with mice conducted at the University of Geneva in Switzerland showed that mice with the obesity gene that were given green tea extract did not gain as much weight or fat as the control group that didn't get the green tea.

Other green tea weight loss research studies have shown green tea extract's ability for lowering blood sugar.  Blood sugar levels relate to our metabolism rate, insulin production and energy levels.  Therefore green tea can be useful for dieters who are trying to raise their metabolism, maintain their blood sugar and energy levels as well as curb their food cravings. 

There have also been research studies using human subjects.  One study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming green tea extract increased the body's energy level by an average of 3-4%.  This was due to thermogenesis and increased fat oxidation.  Thermogenesis is the energy that is used during heat production not related to physical activity or resting metabolism.  Increasing one's rate of metabolism is one major factor that contributes to weight loss. 

Another study conducted by Japanese researchers suggested that drinking five cups or so of tea every day would burn an additional seventy to eighty calories through thermogenesis which is the heat production process.

The preliminary research that has been conducted has contributed to our body of knowledge or green tea weight loss facts.  Although there are no definitive answers it seems clear that drinking green tea or consuming green tea extract combined with eating a low fat diet and exercise can help you to lose weight.