Using Green Tea to Lose Weight

Green tea weight loss supplements are becoming more popular because they reportedly assist people with their weight loss goals.  Most experts agree that supplements can significantly help to curb appetite and decrease intake, both of which are needed to lose weight.

Obesity is a significant problem in Western civilization where the Standard Western Diet is full of too much protein, too many fats, too many sugars and not enough fruits and vegetables.  Most people don’t have an accurate understanding of an appropriate serving size.  A serving of meat is usually 3 oz of lean meat.  Measure 3 oz of lean meat.  It’s pretty small, about the size of a deck of cards.

The three most commonly used supplements for weight loss are green tea, ephedra and protein.  Weight loss products that are purchased over the counter usually contain at least one of these supplements.  Protein is used to increase the protein intake of a person and stop using carbohydrates.  This puts the body into ketoacidosis which increases the metabolism but places a strain on the kidneys.

Increased protein diets are also fad diets and shouldn’t be maintained for any length of time as they can cause damage to the kidneys and cannot be prolonged for a lifetime.

Ephedra is a common supplement that has been proven to speed metabolism and decrease appetite but it also is linked to significant side effects.  Patients have suffered heart attacks and strokes resulting in death using this supplement.

Green tea weight loss supplements have both caffeine and the chemical EGCG. When these two chemicals (part of the production of the supplement) react to each other the metabolism in the body will increase.

There have not been long-term studies using green tea weight loss supplements to document the effectiveness and side effects.  Whenever you take any supplements you should consult your doctor to ensure that the supplement will not interfere with any other medications, over the counter medications or health issues you might have.

Green tea weight loss supplements are also full of anti-oxidants that cause an increase energy use in the body, thus burning more calories. Green tea weight loss supplements also stimulate the body to burn fats faster.  People who use these supplements in studies will loose approximately 2 ½ pounds per month. (1,2)

Green tea weight loss supplements can also help us to stay healthy by fighting free radicals – oxygen containing molecules that are a by-product of digestion.  Free radicals can damage cells, DNA and lead to diseases such as heart disease and cancer. (3)

Although green tea supplements also contain caffeine this does not seem to have the negative effects found in other products with caffeine.  Green tea  supplements do not usually cause the jitters or speed the heart rate.

Green tea weight loss supplements also contain catechins, an anti-oxidant.  These catechins are unfermented in green tea and in their natural state and are believed to suppress fat absorption from the diet. (1)

Theanine is the main amino acid in green tea supplements.  Theanine is able to induce relaxation and the release of dopamine which helps to provide a feeling of well-being.  Theanine minimizes the effect of caffeine.  This might be why green tea doesn’t cause the jitters and increased heart rate.

Green tea weight loss supplements are an option to help people suppress their appetite and eat less while trying to loose weight.  Although people who take supplements to lose weight have a higher success rate than those who don’t, people who receive support also have a higher rate of success.  The decision to take supplements is yours.  Be sure you have all your facts straight before using any supplement.

(1) The Journal of Nutrition: Green Tea Catechin Consumption Enhances Exercise-Induced Abdominal Fat Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults

(2) The University of Chicago Medicine: Green Tea Derivative Causes Loss of Appetite, Weight Loss in Rats

(3) University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea