Several lines of evidence point to
green tea as a potential aid to help people lose weight.
Studies have shown the
catechins in green tea have important effects on raising metabolism and increasing pathways favoring fat oxidation.
A number of randomized controlled trials in people have been published in recent years. Results from 15 of these studies were combined in a meta-analysis to determine in a more robust manner whether green tea catechins and caffeine enhance
weight loss. Collectively, these studies represented 1243 people that were studied from 8 to 24 weeks. The results showed that green tea catechins with caffeine was associated with a significantly greater weight loss when compared to a control group taking caffeine. The average difference in weight loss was about 3 pounds.
These findings provide convincing evidence that green tea catechins can assist people achieve greater weight loss. The dosages studied in this analysis were in the range of 576-714 mg per day of catechins. Consider making green tea a staple in your diet to help manage your weight and improve your health.
Reference:
Phung OJ, Baker WL, Matthews LJ, Lanosa M, Thorne A, Coleman CI. Effect of green tea catechins with or without caffeine on anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Jan;91(1):73-81. Epub 2009 Nov 11.
