How Does Green Tea Help Aid Weight Loss?

Introduction

There have been many scientific studies conducted on the weight loss effects and other health benefits of green tea on mice and humans. Consumption of green tea in high doses, at least 7 cups a day, has been found to cause less weight gain, less fat gain, lower cholesterol and less fat in the liver. Although the conclusions as to green tea's efficacy as a weight loss aid vary, there are some common explanations for green tea's health benefits.

EGCG

Green tea contains high levels of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is a type of antioxidant. EGCG increases thermogensis, the rate at which energy in the form of calories is converted into heat, by affecting enzymes in the metabolic process. This means consumption of green tea makes the human body burn calories at a slightly higher rate, aiding weight loss. If energy in the form of calories from food is burned, it's not stored on the body as fat. So with a higher rate of calorie burning, fewer calories are stored in the body as fat.

Caffeine

Green tea contains caffeine, which also increases thermogenesis. This means the effect of drinking green tea is a higher rate of metabolism from different two chemical components.

Green tea regulates blood glucose, which regulates cravings for food. It slows the action of a digestive enzyme that breaks down starches, reducing the spike in blood sugar levels after eating.