Is Green Tea Beneficial for Weight Loss?

Reaching for your morning cup of coffee? If you’re trying to lose weight, you may find it more beneficial to reach for a cup of green tea instead. Green tea is well-known as a weight loss aid and numerous studies point to the fat-burning powers of this antioxidant-rich beverage.

The Connection Between Green Tea and Weight Loss

When it comes to losing weight, green tea packs a double punch thanks to caffeine and other natural compounds. Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes thermogenesis, the body’s process for generating heat from dietary sources. Thermogenesis helps burn calories. Another reason that green tea’s caffeine content promotes weight loss is because it suppresses the appetite.

The compound responsible for most of the health benefits in green tea is a catechin known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This powerful antioxidant-like compound can improve metabolism and increase fat oxidation. Just like caffeine, EGCG induces a thermogenic effect. The act of thermogenesis in turn speeds up metabolism. This process makes green tea a calorie-burning powerhouse.

There is also evidence to suggest that green tea can increase fat oxidation at rest and during exercise. This means that more of the fuel source is converted to energy as opposed to being stored as excess fat. In order for fat oxidation to occur, stored fats must be broken down and released into the bloodstream. Norepinephrine is one of the hormones responsible for jumpstarting this process, and EGCG increases levels of norepinephrine. In the end, more fat is available for energy so that it’s burned up instead of stored. This may result in reduced body fat over the long term.

How Much Green Tea Should I Drink Per Day?

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking 2-3 cups of green tea per day to get the most benefits from its active nutrients. Green tea can support your weight loss goals, although it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t rely on green tea alone to lose weight.

What Kind of Green Tea Should I Drink for Weight Loss?

Look for varieties of green tea that are free of added sugar or sweeteners. It’s best to avoid green tea lattes because they are filled with additives like cream and sugar. The best source of fat-burning antioxidants comes from 100% Matcha green tea powder. It is grown in Japan and considered the highest quality of green tea available, thanks to its rich source of EGCG. It’s easy to make a hot cup of Matcha, even without fancy equipment. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of Matcha green tea powder with a small amount of hot water to form a paste. Then add more hot water as desired. Alternatively, you can blend up a refreshing Matcha green tea smoothie.