Can Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Here Is What Science and the Experts Say
Green tea has been known as one of the healthiest drinks on the planet for thousands of years – but can it help you lose weight? According to endless people on social media, green tea can be a catalyst for burning fat and dropping pounds. Body Network dives into the research and also enlisted the help of two experts to weigh in on drinking caffeinated beverages to lose weight.
Green Tea Is Said to Offer Lots of Health Benefits
According to the NCCIH, green tea is often promoted for "improving mental alertness, relieving digestive symptoms and headaches, and stimulating weight loss," in addition to having "possible protective effects" against heart disease and cancer. However, they note that none of these claims can be backed up by science.
However, the Science Isn't Conclusive
However, there is research finding that it may aid in weight loss. One animal study found that the catechins (polyphenols) in green tea may help trigger thermogenesis and fat oxidation, which helps decrease appetite and speed calorie burning.
Green Tea Can Contribute to Weight Loss, Experts Say
"Green tea can contribute to weight loss as it contains catechins (especially EGCG) and caffeine. These compounds may help boost metabolism, enhance fat burning, and improve insulin sensitivity," Los Angeles Personal Trainer Jason Kozma, aka Mr. America and Mr. Muscle Beach, a champion bodybuilder who trains clients at Santa Monica-based High-Performance Personal Training, explains.
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Your Metabolism May Slightly Increase
However, the amount of increase in metabolism is quite small, notes Body Network's Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. Because of this, drinking green tea "may not produce weight loss by itself," she says.
You Will Need to Drink 2 to 3 Cups to Reap Weight Loss Benefits
According to Kozma, if you do want to reap weight loss benefits, plan on doing more than sipping on a cup. "2 to 3 cups per day will deliver enough of the nutrients to take effect," he says.
There Is Caffeine, So Drink With Caution
However, you should be aware of the caffeine, stresses Collingwood. "You can drink several cups per day, but just know that each cup has about 25-40 mg of caffeine, depending on how strongly it is brewed," she says.
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There Are Other Benefits to Drinking Green Tea
Even if green tea isn't the secret to losing weight, it boasts many other health benefits. "Green tea is high in antioxidants, so there is still benefit to drinking the tea even if you do not experience weight loss as a result," she says.
You Need to Exercise Too
And, while green tea can aid in weight loss, "its effects are modest and should be seen as complementary to other strategies like a regimented diet and vigorous exercise routine," Kozma says.
And, Add More Muscle
"The best way to accelerate weight loss is by moving your body through daily movement and exercise in addition to adding more muscle," agrees Collingwood. "Muscle burns calories at rest, so the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolism.
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Pay Attention to Diet
Also, you can't overlook your diet. "In addition, eat regular meals and don't skip meals, which causes your body to conserve energy," says Collingwood. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
