Using green tea for weight loss has become the latest hot weight loss trend. Although green tea has been used for its health benefits for thousands of years, it is only recently that the dieting community has become aware of the superior weight loss benefits of green tea and green tea extracts. Green tea contains a high amount of antioxidants called polyphenols. These polyphenols activate an enzyme in the body which targets the triglycerides (triglycerides are an energy source derived from our consumption of fatty foods. An elevated level of triglycerides in the body will lead to fat accumulation). These antioxidants have also been proven to detoxify the body, protect it from free radicals and lower cholesterol. There is also evidence that properties in green tea will boost the immune system, increase mental function and decrease instances of acne outbreaks. There are also unverified claims that drinking green tea will reduce the risk of acquiring some forms of cancer; that it will help prevent strokes and; that it helps to prevent heart disease.
Recently, it was discovered that another type of antioxidants in green tea, called catechins, have fat burning properties. These catechins have been shown to increase the rate at which the body burns calories (it increases the metabolism) and specifically, these chemicals have been shown to target and increase fat oxidation (a fancy way of saying green tea burns fat).
Not only do the chemicals contained in green tea directly increase the body’s ability to shed fat, these chemicals also increase the body’s ability to maintain hydration. Dehydration is a huge factor in obesity. When the body is dehydrated (and the majority of people are in a constant state or partial dehydration), it sends signal that it needs water. These signals are often confused for hunger and, therefore, we eat when we are not really hungry. Sufficient hydration also allows the body to more efficiently burn calories and as well as a myriad of other necessary functions.
The fat burning properties of green tea make it a truly magical addition to any diet plan. However, when you couple the weight loss properties of green tea with the proven (and claimed) health benefits of drinking green tea, you are almost committing a crime against your body by failing to add it to you daily routine. Using green tea for weight loss, coupled with its health benefits makes adding green tea to your diet one of the smartest things you can do for your body.