What is green tea?
This is a product made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis plant. Camellia Sinensis leaves are processed through low oxidation process. The origin of green tea is China where it was traditionally used and processed as medicine for treating depression and headaches. Today, it is processed and used in other parts of the world. There are many varieties depending on production, harvesting and processing factors.
Various facts and myths have been fronted on the benefits of green tea; it is regarded as super food that helps in weight reduction.
What is known about this product: Facts and Research
Green tea is processed through non-oxidization process and this makes it a great antioxidant. So what does research indicate? Studies indicates that tea contains various nutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, caffeine, minerals and amino acids.
Traditionally, green tea was recognized for its ability to enhance good health due to its rich chemical composition. Today, the Chinese and the Indians still believe that there are medicinal properties associated with green tea. In particular, the popular believe is that it slows bleeding, enhances wound healing, aids digestion, regulates body temperature regulation, improves mental and heart health.
So what are the health benefits?
In the modern society, there are many health advantages associated with green tea. Recent studies indicates that it has positive effects on human body such as enhancing weight loss, treating Alzheimer and type 2 diabetes condition. However, more studies are required to assess and confirm the claimed health benefits.
Green tea has vast nutrients and antioxidants; these have significant positive effects on human body. In part, it improves brain function, lowers risks associated with cancer and enhances body weight loss. According to recent studies, green tea helps in:
1. Cancer ‘prevention’
A recent study by National Cancer Institute found that polyphenols found in green tea slows tumor growth. Other studies have found that cancer cases are fewer in countries where green tea is consumed regularly.
2. Reduces incidences of heart diseases
A study conducted in 2006 among 40, 000 Japanese participants found that individuals who consumed more tea each day had reduced heart diseases risks. Tea contains polyphenolic chemicals that have protective effects against heart diseases.
3. Regulates Cholesterol levels in the body
Increased consumption of tea in beverage or capsule form was found to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body according to a meta-analysis of studies done in 2011. By regulating cholesterol levels, tea helps in regulating body weight.
4. Enhancing weight loss, reducing type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Weight loss enhancer- what are the facts and myths?
Myths
Various articles have been written about green tea and its premise of enhancing weight loss. The popular myth propagated by these articles and various firms processing weight loss supplements is that green tea extracts hastens body fat burning and the eventual weight loss in human bodies. However, this myth is wrong since most of the existing studies on weight loss were conducted on mice and not humans.
Facts
So far, researchers have cautioned people against interpreting studies done on animals and applying the findings on human beings. However, some scientific studies indicate that tea contains catechins that suppresses body fats accumulation. Catechins interfere with the absorption of lipids in the body. Catechins suppresses lipids absorption in the body thereby regulating body fats and weight.
Another fact is that, green tea increases thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is a process through which energy is used up and heat generated during fat oxidation. The results of thermogenesis is weight reduction as more fats are burned.
Although green tea is premised to enhance weight loss, the pressing question is the amount needed to enhance sufficient weight loss. Studies reveals that in order to achieve sufficient weight loss, more consumption is required every day; roughly 270mg. Daily consumption of 270mg to 300mg of tea provides sufficient and safe caffeine content required for weight loss.
So what is the overall meaning?
Green tea has higher potential of being a natural weight loss enhancer. In addition, it suppresses absorption of fats and increases body metabolism; this leads to regulation of body fats and weight. However, it should not be construed that consumption of tea leads to significant weight loss. A combination of exercises, proper dieting and green tea consumption enhances safer and effective weight loss. Nonetheless, green tea is a great natural supplement for weight loss.
