Green Tea: Boost Energy & Support Weight Management - Benefits & Science

Green tea has long been used in alternative medicine as a part of ceremonies and meditations. More recently, researchers are studying green tea for its health benefits including weight loss and cancer prevention.

Identification

• Green tea is made from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis. It is available as a tea drink or in a concentrated green tea extract.

Benefits

• The active ingredients in green tea for energy and weight loss are caffeine and catechin polyphenols. The caffeine provides energy, and the combination of caffeine and catechins has thermogenic properties that demonstrate fat-burning ability.

Dosage

• A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1999 evaluated 270 mg catechins per day. A standard dosage has not been established. When determining the dosage, make sure the caffeine level is appropriate.

Results

• The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study shows that green tea extract has positive impact on weight loss and abdominal fat. Since that time, other studies have had mixed results, and the scientific community generally recognizes that more research is needed.

Side Effects

• Side effects are minimal and primarily related to caffeine, including jitters and trouble sleeping, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.