Asians have had some sort of knowledge of the benefits of green tea for ages, as a matter of fact, Asians have been known to drink the miracle beverage for at least 4,000 years. They have long enjoyed green tea and also regarded it as more than just a beverage. It was used as an herbal medicine and treatment for everything from depression to headaches and even to weight loss.

As green tea’s popularity has risen over recent years, researches have been looking into this mystery beverage more and more. Studies have been conducted over the last few years to identify what exactly it was that makes it such a potent health drink. Scientists found that green tea contains several antioxidants that contribute to many of green tea’s health benefits, including its role in weight loss.

A research study done by American and Swiss scientists had conclusive results that were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Urology showing what it was that made green tea so exceptional. During the course of their study, they found that green tea contains certain compounds that help contribute to weight loss.

D. Abdul Dulloo, a lead researcher, said in a press release that there are only two ways to achieve weight loss: to either reduce energy intake or to increase energy expenditure. Sounds simple, right? It’s something that most everyone already knows; yet something that’s still hard for everyone to accomplish – eat less and burn more. Well, what if a substance could help you accomplish both? That’s exactly what green tea does - it has compounds that can increase the body’s normal metabolism rate, as well as suppress the appetite.

Dr Dulloo conducted this study at the University of Geneva, where he and his colleagues experimented on ten healthy young men. Their theory was that the main contributor to green tea’s weight loss benefit was because it contained caffeine. To test this hypothesis, they placed the participants of the study on a typical “Western” diet, which is comprised of about forty-seven percent carbohydrates, forty percent fat, and thirteen percent protein. Then some were given green tea, some caffeine, and some placebo.

Three times a day, the researchers measured their subjects’ energy expenditure (the measurement used in determining the number of calories burned in 24 hours) and monitored their respiration quotient to find out how well they utilized their carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

When they evaluated the data they collected, they found out that the men receiving regular dosages of green tea extract showed a significant increase in their 24-hour energy expenditure and a reduction in their respiration quotient (which means that more fat is burned, thereby achieving maximum weight loss). On the other hand, those men who were only given caffeine or placebo with every meal showed only minimal increases in their metabolism rates.

The scientists found that the substance catechin polyphenol present in green tea contributes to its weight loss effects. These substances may alter how the body uses the hormone norepinephrine, which is responsible for increasing the metabolism rate, thus leading to weight loss.

In their conclusion, the scientists inferred that green tea owes its weight loss benefit to the presence of both antioxidants and catechin polyphenol. Elements that help increase fat and calorie burning and optimize weight loss

Keep in mind that as wonderful as green tea really is, it is not magic. While it can help with weight loss, a healthy lifestyle should include exercise and proper nutrition.

"Tea first. Then be ready."

-Twin Peaks
Episode 5