Dried green tea leaves (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
There are numerous diet fads that claim to get rid of extra kilos and shed the fat. Also, there are certain foods and drinks that are either implicated in weight gain or in weight loss. However there is no way you can ascertain such claims unless you try them yourself. Green tea is one product that has stood the test of time and has proven efficacy in not just weight loss, but also has host of other health benefits.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
It is an excellent natural antioxidant and fights cellular damage caused by free radicals. it is easily absorbed and metabolized by the body. Regular consumption of this concoction inhibits cancer formation, irrespective of its stage. It helps to boost immunity and regulates cholesterol levels and weight. It is also a very good anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral agent. That’s not all. The tea further helps to lower the risk to type 2 -diabetes, protects teeth from plaque formation and boosts cognitive function.
Green Tea and Weight Loss
It contains a compound called as catechins, which induce fat oxidation and thermogenesis by inhibiting the enzyme catechol O-methyl-transferase. The enzyme inhibition has a direct effect on Norepinephrine (NE), which is a stress hormone and causes its breakdown. Also, there is a significant inhibition of glucose and lipid uptake from intestines. This mechanism finally results in mobilization of stored fat to release energy. It is this action because of which it is one of the important components of all diet and weight pills.
What Should you Expect?
Obesity and weight increase are a result of wrong lifestyles that are followed for many years. There is an energy imbalance wherein the energy consumed is much more that utilized. Regular consumption of this tea although will provide lots of health benefits but do not expect it to work a miracle unless a substantial lifestyle change is implemented. Also, excess consumption of green tea has known to produce insulin resistance in the body, a state that obese and diabetic people must avoid.
Green tea should be consumed for overall good health and not just for the sole purpose of losing weight.
References
1. http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/web2007/greentea.htm
2. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429114739.htm
3. http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/uncovering-the-truth-can-drinking-green-tea-help-with-weight-loss.html#b
4. http://www.wikihow.com/Drink-Tea-to-Lose-Weight
5. http://www.naturalnews.com/032128_green_tea_body_weight.html
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