Green tea is climbing the ranks as one of the most consumed beverages in the world. You’ve probably heard a lot about its unique health benefits and weight control capabilities, but how much is hype and how much is cold, hard science? Let’s take a deeper dive.
Not a Miracle Cure
Green tea has been used as medicine for thousands of years, and its chemical properties have impressive health benefits. Though it packs powerful antioxidants that enhance a healthy diet and active lifestyle, it’s not a miracle supplement for weight-loss, anti-aging and clear skin.
You’ll find green tea extract in many diet supplements and weight-loss pills sold over the counter or online. These products can be tempting, but nothing is more effective than green tea extracted directly from plant compounds without much processing or fermentation.
Green Tea Benefits
Green tea doesn’t guarantee weight-loss, but its health benefits aren’t to be overlooked. Check-out these ways green tea can give your healthy lifestyle a boost:
Metabolic Effects
Many studies show that nutrients found in green tea (most notably caffeine and antioxidants called catechins) can boost your metabolism and help you burn fat. It works by selectively burning excess fat stored in your body’s fat cells and releasing it into your bloodstream for energy.
Appetite Control
By helping you mobilize fat from fat cells for energy expenditure, green tea may help you feel fuller for longer periods of time. This effect might also help you fight pesky hunger cravings.
Physical Performance
Caffeine found in green tea, and perhaps other ingredients, may boost your exercise efforts by increasing endurance and decreasing reaction time. It can also enhance fat-burning efforts during physical activity and help prevent muscle tissue from damage caused by exertion.
Digestive Health
Some studies reveal that green tea can aid digestion by improving bowel health and reducing inflammation in the gut. Healthy digestion is a key element of weight management.
Disease/Illness Prevention
Green tea has many bio-active compounds that are anti-viral and anti-bacterial by nature. Polyphenols and antioxidants may also play a role in long-term cancer and disease prevention.
The Bottom Line
Green tea can be a “power beverage” of sorts that boosts the effects of a healthy lifestyle. It’s not a miracle cure for all aspects of your health, but it’s an excellent supplement to the healthy habits you’re already producing with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Just remember — don’t overload your green tea beverage with lots of sugar, cream and honey!
