Asians have known of the health benefits of green tea for centuries, and westerners are just now catching on to the benefits of its powerful antioxidants, including cancer-fighting properties and its ability to lower the risk of heart disease, to name a few. But who knew that green tea could contribute to weight loss as well?

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a recent study published showing that green tea extract can increase the metabolism as well as the fat oxidation of the body. Previously, scientists believed that green tea raised the metabolism because of its caffeine content, but this study proves otherwise. It showed that there is another element in green tea that contributes to its weight loss effects.

In their study, the researchers administered caffeine alone to its subjects - the same amount of caffeine that green tea extracts contain, but found that it did not make any significant changes in the body’s overall energy expenditure. This experiment led them to conclude that green tea extracts have ingredients in them that interact with each other actively, promoting increased metabolism and fat oxidation, both factors that lead to weight loss.

Further findings indicated that particular compounds found in green tea, called Flavonoids, might be the ingredients that cause weight loss. These green tea extract compounds may alter the way the body uses a hormone called norepinephrine, which monitors how calories are burned. When flavonoids interact with other green tea extract components, more calories are burned, thus contributing to weight loss.

Another ingredient that actively contributes to the weight loss benefits of green tea extracts is the compound called catechin polyphenol. These compounds also interact with other green tea ingredients that help promote weight loss by burning fat and by a process of losing energy by daytime heat called thermogenesis

A study conducted by the University of Geneva on the weight loss benefit of green tea extract implicated that green tea extract could also help thyroid patients. According to dietitian Lynn Moss, M.S., R.D., green tea extract is a healthier choice for people with thyroid who may be too sensitive to stimulants. Green tea extract can promote weight loss by increasing metabolism without over stimulating the adrenal glands.

The great thing about the weight loss benefit of green tea extracts is that it does not have any adverse side effects. Unlike prescription drugs for obesity and other herbal products like ephedra, green tea extract does not increase the speed of heart rates nor raise blood pressure. In this regard, green tea extract is not only an effective, but also safer alternative to other weight loss products which may cause harm to the user.

With its abundance of natural benefits, it's no wonder that green tea is one of the most popular beverages the world round, and now perhaps you’ll consider having your daily cup just like I am!

"Tea first. Then be ready."

-Twin Peaks
Episode 5