Green Tea

The leaves used in green tea are from the camellia sinensis shrub, also known as the tea plant. This evergreen shrub is native to China and southeast Asia but can now be found growing throughout the world. Green, Oolong, and black tea are all made from this same plant, the difference being the level of processing each tea undergoes.

Green tea is rich in anti-oxidant chemicals called polyphenols which help guard against cell damage. Four potent polyphenol catechins in green tea include: epicatechin (EC), gallocatechin (GC), epigallocatechin (EGC), and the superstar itself epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG). The anti-oxidant properties of EGCG is said to be more than 25 to 100 times more powerful than that of vitamin C and E. Also present in green tea is the amino acid theanine which has a tranquilizing effect on the brain. This amino acid is good for reducing stress as well as controlling cortisol, a hormone believed to be responsible for weight gain related to stress. Other notable substances contained in green tea include fluoride and tannins.

Supplementing with green tea either by drinking the beverage or through capsule form may help prevent various types of cancer, guard against heart disease, promote longevity, prevent hardening of the arteries, lower cholesterol & triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, enhance immune function, promote weight loss, prevent tooth decay, as well as provide a plethora of other health benefits. A cup of green tea has also been shown to ease indigestion and diarrhea. Such benefits of green tea can be realized with as little as one cup of green tea per week, however to fully realize the benefit of green tea the recommended dosage is 3 to 4 cups per day.

Green Tea & Weight Loss

A number of studies have been completed looking at the possibility that green tea may be an effective weight loss aid. One 1999 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that overweight men taking high doses of green tea extract in combination with other potent stimulants, such as caffeine, burned more calories than that of the placebo group. In a separate study mice who where fed with high doses of green tea extract showed a significantly lower food intake, suggesting that green tea may be a successful appetite suppressant and effective at regulating body weight lower.

There is also some early research suggesting that supplementing with green tea may produce a mild thermogenic effect, increasing caloric expenditure. While it's still unclear, there are suggestions this mild thermogenic effect can be attributed to green tea's caffeine content as well as its high concentrations of polyphenol catechins.

Is Green Tea Safe?

Consumption of green tea has not be associated with any significant side effects, even with doses as high as 20 cups per day. Side effects that do occur are usually attributable to the caffeine content which can be as high as 40mg per cup, by comparison a cup of drip coffee may contain ~100mg of caffeine. Caffeine side effects include irritability, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and loss of appetite.

To fully realize the benefits of polyphenols in green tea the recommended daily dosage is three to four cups daily. Each cup of green tea will contain anywhere from 10 to 40mg of polyphenols and have anti-oxidant effects greater than a small serving of fruits and vegetables. If taking green tea extract in capsule form look for those standardized to 100mg or more polyphenols, particularly EGCG.

For those who are allergic or otherwise react negatively to caffeine or zanthines, it's strongly advised that you do not consume products containing green tea..

Diet Pills Containing Green Tea

Diet Pill Ingredients

Caffeine - Powerful metabolic stimulant and appetite suppressant.
Calcium - May play a key role in fat storage and breakdown.
Chromium - May help to maintain blood sugar levels & suppress appetite.
Garcinia Cambogia - Rich in hydroxycitric acid, a natural carbohydrate inhibitor.
Green Tea - Packed full of potent anti-oxidants for optimum health.
Guarana - Potent source of caffeine and natural stimulant.
Hoodia Gordonii - The slimming cactus.
L-Tyrosine - Mood enhancing & metabolism boosting amino acid.
L-Carnitine - Essential for increased fat oxidation.
Niacin - Vitamin B3, lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Scutellaria Root - Drought hardy perennial native to southwest China.
Thiamin - Vitamin B1, the "brain energizer" vitamin.
White Willow Bark - Traditional pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
Yerba Mate - A medium sized evergreen plant native to South America.