What distinguishes the green tea weight loss program is the increase in thermogenesis, or the body’s creation of energy and heat, attributed to the tea’s polyphenols (antioxidants) or catechins, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG ), and the alkaloid, caffeine. One factor considered by the medical community as basic to any weight loss program is burning fat. It is estimated that drinking five cups of green tea can burn 80 calories a day. One cup of tea contains approximately 50 milligrams of caffeine and between 50 – 150 milligrams of polyphenols, depending on the strength of the tea and the size of cup. Even with the caffeine removed from the tea, studies have shown similar results, and decaffeinated green tea products contain concentrated polyphenols.
Although green tea, black tea, and oolong tea are harvested from the same perennial evergreen bush, Camellia sinensis, they are processed differently. Oxidative fermentation destroys most of the EGCG and other catechins. Green tea is not fermented, but rather withered and then dried immediately after picking to stop oxidation, and a higher level of polyphenols results. When grown in Japan, up to four harvests a year are possible, with the earliest crop being the most potent. The tea is also selectively grown in sun or shade. There has been so much interest in green tea in recent years, that the Discovery channel produced a documentary on the industry. Green tea use can be traced back to 5000 BC in China, however India and Sri Lanka are some of the largest producers of green tea today.
Green tea extract weight loss products are available in liquid or powdered form. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends standardized extracts, which are made by soaking the green tea leaves (and at times, buds) in a liquid that isolates the polyphenols. The resulting solution can be used as is or evaporated to make a dry extract for use in capsules or tablets. The ingredients list will showing the name ‘green tea’ or ‘Camellia sinensis’, with the percentage of polyphenols or Green Tea Catechins (GTC). Products on the market have a range from 15% to 90% polyphenols.
Green tea weight loss pills also may act as a diuretic, a use of the tea that can be traced to ancient times. This water loss has not drawn attention in studies on the green tea weight loss diet, as this method of water loss through urination is healthy only for excessive water retention. (406)
The benefits of green tea weight loss programs must include the element of quality for any green tea weight loss supplement. In 2007, the U.S Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for dietary supplements. Large companies are subject to immediate compliance, and the smallest companies by June 2010.
Consider green tea weight loss for yourself or a loved one in conjunction with an overall fitness regimen. You will find that the various products are helpful and easy to integrate into your quest for balance in mind and body.