Green Tea Anyone? It Could Help Your Diet
By Teresa Ambord
You may have been hearing a lot about green tea lately. Fans of the drink will tell you, it has been credited with numerous health benefits including helping to fight cancer, and other diseases and helping to prevent cavities. Green tea is said to help reduce heart disease by strengthening capillaries and decreasing the chances of blocked arteries. Now studies indicate it that consuming green tea might help you fight fat as well.
How is it possible that one little tea can be attributed with so many health benefits?
The Culprit is Catechins
A common ingredient in most teas is a plant substance called polyphenol, that is known to have properties that are anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-oxidant.
Green tea is especially rich is a type of polyphenol called catechins. Catechins are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. And recently, research shows that catechins may also affect cholesterol levels and the accumulation of body fat.
The Test
Recently a research study of a group of 35 Japanese men focused on the effects of catechins on body fat reduction and weight reduction. Each of the men in the study was of similar weight, waist size, and body mass index, or BMI.
In a three month study, the men were divided into two groups. All of the men had nearly identical fat and calorie intake. In addition, one group drank oolong tea with green tea extract and 690 milligrams of catechins, while the other group drank tea fortified with 22 miligrams of catechins. At the end of three months, the men who drank green tea lost an average of 5.3 pounds, whereas the other group lost an average of 2.9 pounds each. The green tea drinkers also experienced reduced waist size and BMI. They also saw a reduction in the LDL, or bad cholesterol.
If drinking green tea does not appeal to you, supplements are available. There is little agreement concerning how much green tea is the right amount, plus steeping time causes the strength to vary. Those who sell green tea recommend up to ten cups per day, while some experts say two is enough. Keep in mind, that green tea contains caffeine, so plan accordingly.
