Recent studies have shown that drinking green tea can have a significant effect on weight loss. How does green tea exert its effects on body weight? It's thought that the polyphenols, so abundant in green tea, have a thermogenic effect, allowing your body to burn fat at a higher rate. The most important of these polyphenols is the well known chemical, EGCG, which has been documented in numerous studies to increase metabolic rate.
Green tea polyphenols are thought to exert some of their weight loss effects by altering the action of insulin, effectively preventing the sudden insulin surge you get after consuming a meal. This, in turn, inhibits storage of fat. It's thought that green tea polyphenols may also have a slight appetite suppressant effect which could account for some of its positive benefits on weight loss.
What are the best ways to use the power of green tea and its polyphenols to promote weight loss? Here are some suggestions that really work if done consistently:
Replace High Calorie Soft Drinks with Green Tea
Replacing soft drinks with green tea serves two purposes. Soft drinks are notoriously high in sugar and calories. You'll be lowering your total calorie intake by reducing soft drink consumption. Plus, you're adding green tea to your diet which is known to have thermogenic properties and is calorie free.Drink 4-6 Glasses of Green Tea Each Day
In order to exert its positive effects on weight loss, green tea must be consumed in relatively high quantities. Carry a jug of fresh green tea around with you and drink it throughout the day. By constantly consuming green tea, you're likely to snack less and eat less with meals.Use No Calorie Sweetener or Drink It Plain
Don't add to your calorie and carbohydrate load by adding sugar to your green tea. Use a low or no calorie sweetener such as Splenda. Even better, learn to enjoy it without any sweetener. Never Add Milk to Your Green Tea
Milk has been shown to reduce or eliminate the positive effects of the polyphenols in tea. This occurs when the casein present in cow's milk binds to these substances, rendering them ineffective. Soy milk and almond milk which has no casein doesn't have this effect.Brew Your Own Green Tea
In general, when you brew your own green tea, your tea will contain higher levels of polyphenols when compared to bottled green tea. The amount of polyphenols in bottled green tea is quite variable and is usually significantly lower than what you'll get from freshly brewed green tea.
Drink Caffeinated Green Tea
If you can tolerate the caffeine, don't drink decaffeinated green tea if you want to maximize weight loss. The caffeine found naturally in green tea is thought to have a synergistic effect with the polyphenols present in green tea, This additive effect can further promote weight loss. Caffeine also has some independent thermogenic and appetite suppressant properties. Consider Taking a Green Tea Supplement
If you aren't able to consume at least four cups of green tea each day, consider taking a green tea supplement. These can be found at most vitamin and nutrition centers and can provide you with high enough levels of ECGC to promote weight loss, if used consistently.
It's nice to know that something as simple and inexpensive as green tea can help you in your quest to lose weight. Why not enjoy some today?
