In the constant search for natural methods to lose weight, green tea has become a very popular choice. But how effective is it really? Let's see what green tea really has to offer, its health benefits and the best ways to consume it.
What is green tea?
Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and unlike black tea and oolong tea (which also come from the same plant), it is not fermented. Skipping the fermentation process allows it to retain a greater amount of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. There are several varieties of green tea, such as sencha, matcha, and gyokuro, each with their own unique characteristics and flavors, but all with the same properties that make drinking them a good choice for your health.
What are the benefits of green tea?
Green tea is known for its many health benefits, backed by scientific studies. Among its most notable properties are:
- Antioxidant: Green tea is rich in catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants, as the name suggests, prevent oxidative damage in the body.
- Helps cardiovascular health: It is recommended to help improve heart health, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Complements weight loss: It can stimulate metabolism and help in fat burning.
- Boosts brain function: Improves cognitive function and protects against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- May reduce cancer risk: This is related to its antioxidant content. Eating antioxidant-rich foods may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
- Improves dental health: Helps prevent bacterial infections and reduces bad breath.
Does green tea help you lose weight?
Green tea may help in weight loss primarily through two mechanisms:
- Stimulation of metabolism: Due to its components, which include caffeine and the substance called catechin, it can increase caloric expenditure and improve fat oxidation. It has been shown that green tea can increase energy expenditure by 4% and fat oxidation by 17%.
- Appetite reduction: Although some studies contradict each other, it is suggested that catechins may reduce fat absorption and increase the feeling of satiety, leading to lower calorie consumption.
How to drink green tea?
To get the most out of the benefits of green tea, it is important to consume it properly. Here are some recommendations:
Infusions
Drinking two to three cups of green tea a day can be an effective way to incorporate its benefits into your daily routine. It is ideal to drink it in the morning or between meals. To maintain its benefits, it is best not to add sugar or milk to green tea, as these can reduce its antioxidant effects.
Supplements
Green tea extracts in supplement form can offer a concentrated dose of its antioxidants, which you can conveniently consume at any time of day that suits you.
Recommended products
At our health food store, we offer a variety of green tea products to help you take advantage of its benefits:
Matcha Tea Powder 200 g Kenzo
$ 220.00 MXN
Green tea is an extraordinarily healthy beverage with multiple benefits. Drinking green tea on an empty stomach can help hydrate you and replace other high-calorie beverages, but it is not a magic bullet for weight loss. The same can be said for consuming it in supplement form. Integrating it as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle is key to seeing significant results.