How Tea Can Help With Weight Loss

Green tea can help reduce body fat by 1.6 percent, according to a recent study published by the National Institute of Health's National Medical Library. In this study, fourteen men were divided into two groups, the control group and the group taking 571 milligrams of green tea extract without caffeine.

One should note that the study was conducted on men with an average age of 21 and that they were required to be on a regular basis throughout the study period.

But the real question is, how does tea help in weight loss?

We keep hearing about tea as a good drink for those who want to lose extra pounds but what is the science behind this claim?

Experts say that green in particular contains catechin - an antioxidant that has a high fat burning properties. A study conducted in 2009 said green tea catechin and caffeine in beverages help regulate weight.

It has been emphasized in this specific study that both components function synergistically. But what about the studies on green tea without the caffeine mentioned above?

Evidence for green tea and the effects of fat burning are mixed and often, one will read some scientific claims that contradict each other or at least have different or contrasting details.

According to an article published by Penn State in April 2014, green tea and exercise aids in weight loss and combination also improves one's overall health.

High Fat Diet, Decaffeinated Green Tea, And Exercise

A study conducted by the Penn State College of Agricultural Science says that rats who were on a high-fat diet but were also given caffeine-free extracts experienced weight loss and overall health improvements.

During the 16-week study, mice were also routinely monitored. Weight loss was 27.1 percent with abdominal fat reduction of 36.6 percent.

In terms of other health benefits, studies show a decrease in insulin resistance among mice - a major benefit for people with diabetes. Previous studies on green tea have shown that the compounds found in this type of tea also have the ability to destroy cancer cells.

This compound, scientists say, is epigallocatechin-3 gallate also known as EGCG.

Human trials with green tea have shown an average weight loss of 1.31 pounds, according to Penn State - giving weight gain a more frequent reason for drinking tea.

If you remember the study conducted on 14 people, in which caffeine-free green tea was used, findings from a Penn State study show that the absence of caffeine improves the effects of regular exercise.

This is confirmed by food scientist Joshua Lambert, who leads us to the conclusion that decaffeinated tea works well for people who exercise regularly.

Other Types Of Tea And Weight Loss

Tea and its effects on body mass reduction have been studied in several universities around the world but what about other types of tea? Is there any other tea you can drink to lose weight?

A variety of Oolong tea called Wuyi is considered a good weight loss supplement but according to experts, science does not support this claim.

Pu-erh, a type of black tea, on the other hand, is said to prevent weight gain based on animal studies. It also reduces LDL cholesterol according to the same study.

Tufts University scientist Diane L. McKay, PhD says although it is important to include healthy drinks in one's diet regularly to achieve health benefits.

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