Considerable research has confirmed green teas’ ability to reduce the odds of developing heart disease and hypertension, while minimizing stroke risk. Moreover, green tea appears to help prevent Type 2 diabetes by promoting healthy glucose metabolism. Clinical studies conducted by Dr. Abdul Dulloo, of the University of Geneva in Switzerland concluded that green tea appears to support weight loss by raising metabolic rates and speeding up fat oxidation. Weight loss benefits were not linked to the relatively small amounts of caffeine found in tea, since the study subjects receiving amounts of caffeine similar to those found in green tea displayed no change in daily calorie output.

The researchers asserted that green tea extracts high catechin polyphenol content may increase levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (fat burning), where the body burns fat to create heat. Also, green tea’s weight loss benefits—a significant 4% increase in daily calorie expenditure—did not include increased heart rates, unlike many fad products currently available. In short, catechins in green tea appear not only to help burn calories and lower LDL cholesterol, but may also be able to mildly reduce body fat. Try regular or decaf green tea, or green tea extracts, some of which are caffiene-free.

This entry was posted by Kiki Powers, MS, CNC on March 31st, 2008 under Health and Wellness with keywords .