Most people are aware of the connection between drinking water and staying hydrated, helping maintain a healthy body weight as a result. But did you know that there is a food equivalent to hydration, and it comes in the form of green tea? Find out more about how drinking green tea can help you shed those extra pounds.
The Promise of Green Tea
While there are various types of tea that offer various health benefits, green tea has risen above the rest. Consuming at least five cups a day, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by 23 percent and diabetes by 52 percent.
According to University of Minnesota research, those who drink at least four cups of green tea daily saw their body mass index decrease by 0.5 points, compared to those who did not drink the tea. This suggests that green tea may have the ability to boost your metabolism, leading to faster weight loss.
Because it is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea has been shown to bolster your body’s defense against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. The compounds in green tea that act as antioxidants help protect your body from the ill effects of free radicals.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are especially harmful in the presence of iron. When iron is bound to a molecule, it becomes stable and unable to cause much damage. However, when free radicals bind to iron, the molecule can become unstable and potentially harmful. Because green tea contains compounds that act as antioxidants and bind to iron, it is able to protect your body from the ill effects of free radicals, including premature aging and certain types of cancer. It also helps promote heart health, which is why green tea is often recommended for those who suffer from coronary heart disease.
Polyphenols
Just like antioxidants, polyphenols are food compounds that act as protective barriers against the harmful effects of free radicals and other toxins. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, and University of Minnesota research suggests that those who drank at least four cups a day had significantly higher levels of these compounds than those who did not drink the tea. Because of its high polyphenol content, green tea is often touted as a natural dietary supplement, and research has verified its ability to protect against disease and promote good health.
An Important Difference
While all types of tea are able to reduce your body’s oxidative stress, it is important to note that not all green teas are created equal. For instance, you should avoid any type of green tea that contains artificial ingredients, additives, and preservatives.
If you need to lose weight, you should opt for organic green teas that are unprocessed and grown in a sustainable manner. The more natural the product, the more beneficial it is in terms of health. The organic certification ensures that the product did not contain any harmful pesticides or fertilizers that were used in its growth.
How Does Green Tea Help With Weight Loss?
Let’s take a look at how drinking green tea can help you shed those extra pounds.
Increases Metabolism
Thanks to the compounds found in green tea, it is able to increase your metabolism, meaning your body burns calories more efficiently. According to University of Minnesota research, those who consumed the polyphenol-rich green tea for 12 weeks saw their metabolic rate increase by 18%, compared with the placebo group. Because of its ability to boost your metabolism and protect your body from disease, green tea is often referred to as a natural weight loss supplement. It also helps those who suffer from diabetes to better maintain a healthy weight.
Promotes Digestion
If you’re struggling to lose weight, you may experience constipation, which can make it difficult for your body to lose the waste it naturally produces. To promote digestion, you should opt for teas rich in caffeine, which will act as a natural stimulant to increase your daily metabolic rate. Green tea is also able to enhance the function of muscle tissue in your digestive system, making it easier for your body to eliminate the calories it consumes. In order to maximize the benefits of caffeine, you should drink green tea with a meal, or at least 30 minutes after taking your daily dose of the supplement. It also helps to mix it with milk and sugar to make a delicious cup of joe that will keep you alive until dinner time!
Suppresses Hunger
If you’re a daily coffee consumer, you may be familiar with the allure of a cup of joe in the morning. One cup can boost your metabolic rate and suppress your appetite, helping you to feel fuller for longer. Interestingly, research has also shown that green tea can have a similar effect. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, those who consumed a cup of green tea on a daily basis for three months reported a 41% reduction in their hunger ratings, compared with the placebo group. While many people may experience coffee’s appetite suppressing effects, green tea is more likely to help those who are looking to shed a few pounds.
Reduces Food Cravings
Cravings can be one of the most difficult aspects of dieting. To reduce your food cravings and stay motivated, you should opt for teas that are high in antioxidants and polyphenols. Because green tea has such powerful compounds, it is able to reduce your cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, while increasing your desire for healthy foods like vegetables and fruits. In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, those who drank a mug of green tea daily experienced a 28% reduction in their food cravings, compared with the placebo group.
Boosts Mental Attitude
“Attitude is everything” – this saying holds true in terms of weight loss. If you believe that losing weight is difficult, you’ll surely find the task more daunting. But if you believe that it is within your grasp, you’ll surely find the motivation to push harder. Studies have shown that those who drank a cup of green tea daily for 12 weeks experienced a significant increase in their self-esteem, compared with the placebo group. In addition, they reported feeling more relaxed and less stressed, which may explain why drinking green tea can help reduce anxiety and depression. These compounds in green tea have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, acting as natural antidepressants in your body. This could make green tea a good choice for those who are looking to treat depression or anxiety disorders alongside their weight loss efforts.
Which Type of Green Tea Is Best For Weight Loss?
While all types of green tea are able to increase your body’s daily metabolic rate and help to reduce stress and anxiety, it is important to note that not all green teas are created equal. You should always aim to drink organic and unprocessed green teas that are free from chemicals and additives. For best results, you should avoid any type of green tea that contains artificial sweeteners and caffeine, as these are the compounds that give the tea its stimulating qualities.
If you are looking for a safe and natural weight loss solution, then you should try organic green teas that are unprocessed and without these artificial ingredients, additives, and preservatives. The natural compounds in these teas are able to boost your body’s defense against damage caused by free radicals and other toxins, protecting you from the ill effects of these molecules and the disease they can lead to. Because of this, organic green teas are considered a natural dietary supplement, and research has verified its ability to promote weight loss and prevent disease.
As mentioned above, green tea is able to suppress your appetite and reduce your cravings for certain foods, which could make it easier for you to adhere to a diet prescription. However, if you’re looking to lose weight, you may have to switch to a higher concentration of green tea. The compounds found in 4 to 5 cups of green tea are able to increase your metabolism and reduce your body’s fat content by 14% over a period of 12 weeks. To get the most out of these amazing compounds, you should prepare a fresh pot of tea every day, and drink it immediately after preparing it. This way, you will maximize the benefits of the natural compounds and avoid any potential toxic effects that may be caused by heating the tea previously prepared.
The Bottom Line
As we’ve established above, drinking green tea is able to help reduce your body’s fat content and boost your metabolic rate. Because of this, it may be a good choice for those who are looking for a natural way to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Naturally derived compounds in green tea are able to protect your body from the ill effects of free radicals and other toxins, helping you to stay young and healthy.