The scientific community now widely accepts that green tea is a powerful tool to improve metabolism in a way that is supportive of weight loss. Numerous human studies over the past decade have proved the point. I have reviewed these in two earlier articles, The Effects of Green Tea on Weight Management and Green Tea Extract Supports Weight Loss. Scientists are continuing to unravel exactly how green tea works its magic and several new studies shows that it activates genes associated with fat burning while also helping to reduce absorption of fat from the digestive tract.

In an animal experiment it was found that green tea polyphenols (epigallocatechin-3-gallate - EGCG) was able to significantly reduce the amount of weight gained by eating a high fat Western junk food diet that was void of important nutrients. It helped lower blood sugar and triglyceride levels while protecting the liver from damage and fat accumulation. It helped reduce a variety of inflammatory markers that typically elevate during weight gain and tend to fuel the perpetual gaining of even more weight. It helped prevent the onset of the metabolic syndrome.  These findings on reduced weight gain were confirmed in a human study of sedentary overweight men aged 40-69.

Another animal study showed that green tea (EGCG) activates multiple fat burning genes in muscles, helping your cellular engines (mitochondria) dispose of calories more efficiently. This study also proved that green tea binds fat in your digestive tract and helps excrete it, a benefit similar to higher fiber intake.

The science behind green tea as a weight management nutrient is solid. Researchers continue to pinpoint how green tea works to improve metabolism, and the news is all good.

Posted by Byron J Richards at 04:14 PM.

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