Does Green tea help in weight loss? How much green tea for weight loss? These are a few questions about Green Tea. Green tea has over 2.5 billion servings consumed daily, making it the world’s most popular beverage. Moreover, many people believe that drinking it may aid in their weight reduction. While some evidence supports this claim, it’s important to remember that green tea isn’t a miracle cure-all. You need to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to lose weight. However, drinking green tea may help you reduce belly fat and improve your overall health.
Types of Green Tea
There are three main types of green tea:
- Sencha: This is the most common type of green tea. It’s made from whole, rolled leaves and has a grassy flavor.
- Gyokuro: This type of green tea is made from shade-grown leaves. It has a sweeter, more intense flavor than sencha.
- Matcha: Matcha is made from ground, shade-grown green tea leaves. It has a bright green color and a slightly sweet taste.
The best type of green tea for weight loss is matcha, as it contains the highest concentration of catechins. Catechins are an antioxidant that boosts metabolism and promotes fat loss.
How much green tea you should consume for weight loss?
The quantity of green tea you should consume varies based on your goals. Aim for two to three cups daily if you’re drinking green tea for weight loss. One to two cups daily is a good goal if you’re drinking it for general health. How much catechins you get from green tea also depends on how it’s prepared. For example, matcha powder has more catechins than loose-leaf Green Tea.
Below are some general guidelines for brewed Green tea. These guidelines can vary depending on the type of green tea you’re drinking and how it’s prepared.
Brewed green teas contain about 25-40 mg of caffeine per cup (240 ml). This amount can vary depending on the green tea type, the time the leaves are brewed, and how much water is used.
To get the most catechins from your green tea, brew it using these tips:
- Use freshly filtered water that’s just off the boil.
- Steep for two to three minutes. If you steep it for longer, your tea will be bitter.
- Use one teaspoon of tea per cup of water. This is a broad rule, but you may need to modify it depending on the type of green tea you’re using.
- Drink your green tea plain or with a small amount of milk or honey. Avoid adding sugar, as this can negate the health benefits of green tea.
When To Drink Green Tea For Weight Loss?
The best time to drink Green tea for weight loss is in the morning, before breakfast. Research shows that green tea increases thermogenesis, the body’s heat production mechanism to lose weight. This boost in metabolism helps you burn more calories throughout the day.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants that may help protect your cells from damage. These antioxidants may also improve your overall health by reducing inflammation and lowering your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Green tea also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which aid concentration and focus.
How Green Tea Helps You Lose Weight
Green tea is high in tannins. Tannins are a type of polyphenol that can bind to catechins and reduce their absorption. This is why it’s essential to consume green tea with food, as the tannins will bind to the nutrients in food and increase their absorption.
Green tea may help you lose weight by:
- Boosting your metabolism
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving your gut health
- Enhancing fat burning
- Reducing your risk of chronic diseases
Are there any side effects of green tea?
Green tea is generally safe for most people. However, it can cause side effects in some people, such as headaches, upset stomach, and constipation. It can also cause iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. If you’re pregnant or have health concerns, talk to your doctor before drinking green tea.
Which is better- green tea or black coffee and why?
There is no definitive answer as to which is better- green tea or black coffee. It depends on your personal preferences and goals. For example, suppose you’re trying to lose weight. In that case, green tea may be a better option as it contains substances that boost metabolism and promote fat loss. However, black coffee may be a better option if you’re searching for an energy boost since it has more caffeine. You are free to pick any drink you like.
Is it true that I will lose weight immediately if I start drinking green tea?
No, green tea will not cause you to lose weight immediately. However, it may boost your metabolism and promote fat loss over time. But, again, it is essential to note that Green tea isn’t a cure-all for weight loss and can’t be used as a substitute for a nutritious diet and exercise plan.
Green tea has several special precautions and warnings that must be considered:
- Green Tea contains caffeine. The caffeine in green tea might induce sleep disorders, increase anxiety or depression symptoms, and cause other side effects.
- Green Tea contains L-theanine. L-theanine can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medications. If you take any medications, talk to your doctor before drinking green tea.
- Green Tea is possibly unsafe for pregnant women because of the caffeine content. Caffeine may pass through the placenta and impact the fetus, especially if you consume large amounts of green tea. If pregnant, limit your intake of green tea to no more than one cup per day.
- Green Tea is possibly unsafe for breastfeeding women because of the caffeine content. Caffeine is a stimulant and can enter breast milk, causing adverse effects in nursing babies. If you are breastfeeding, limit your intake of green tea to no more than one cup per day.
Green tea should not be mixed with the following items:
Green tea contains caffeine. Mixing it with other items that also have caffeine can cause dangerous side effects. Moreso, if you have a medical problem or take drugs, never combine green tea with the following substances:
- Alcohol
- Antidepressants
- Stimulants
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- Birth control pills
- Medications for high blood pressure
- Medications for diabetes
If you have the following conditions, avoid drinking green tea or limit your intake:
- Anemia
- Bone problems
- Diabetes
- Heart problems
- Kidney stones
- Stomach ulcers
Since green tea is high in tannins, it can interact with iron in the body and cause anemia. So if you have iron deficiency anemia, limit your intake of green tea.
Finally, belly fat is a common problem area for many people. Green tea is just one of many possible solutions. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for weight loss. Still, green tea may be a healthy addition to your diet and exercise program. It should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle. Cheers!
Mike Dorfman is BS in Biochemistry from the University of Colorado. Mike’s has worked as a personal trainer for Gold’s Gym and helped many clients achieve their weight-loss and fitness goals.
To health first, weight-loss second. Mike and Tetrogen are here to help you make the transition to the healthier, happier, and thinner you!
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