Green tea and weight loss
The health-boosting properties of tea captivated people across Asia thousands of years ago. This delicate tea infusion was popularised by Japanese Zen monks, who discovered and came to value its beneficial effects on both body and mind. Today, we understand the source of these properties found in the green leaves. Green tea is a natural treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. It contains, among others, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron and magnesium, along with many other valuable nutrients. Analysis of the leaves has revealed another important quality as well. Green tea and weight loss is a topic that has attracted considerable attention, as drinking it regularly can support weight reduction.
Why does green tea help with weight loss?
Green tea supports weight loss in two ways.
Firstly, it significantly speeds up the metabolism. This process is driven by the catechins found in green tea. These are chemical compounds from the polyphenol group, among the most powerful antioxidants known. Thanks to their antioxidant properties, they support the activity of digestive enzymes, speeding up metabolic processes. Catechins also inhibit the absorption of fats and glucose from food, which has a beneficial effect on weight loss.
The second way green tea supports weight loss is by improving the process of burning fat tissue. This effect comes from its high content of theine (the form of caffeine found in green tea) and tannins. Tannins are plant compounds with antibacterial properties that also inhibit the development of free radicals. Theine and tannins owe their slimming effect to their ability to support thermogenesis – a set of physiological and metabolic processes through which the body burns calories while generating heat.
Is using green tea for weight loss effective?
Japanese researchers observed that drinking three cups of green tea a day for three months resulted in a loss of 1.5kg, without any need to change diet or physical activity levels. Because of these slimming properties, both leaf green tea and powdered matcha tea have become a key element of the Sirtfood diet – the famous diet credited with transforming Adele's figure.
And is regular consumption of green tea safe?
Green tea is one of the safer and healthier alternatives for supporting weight loss and maintaining your figure. It is fully natural, plant-based and gluten-free. To ensure safety when consuming green tea regularly, it's worth following a few simple rules. Above all, avoid drinking it on an empty stomach, as it can irritate the stomach lining. It is also not recommended for children or pregnant women, due to its caffeine content and active compounds.
