The reputation of green tea for weight loss has been a solid one for many years now. This natural beverage has been associated with a spectrum of health benefits. The thought that all you need to do to drop a few pounds is sip a cup or two every day is very appealing. After all, it tastes great, it’s easy to get and it’s affordable.
That said, just because drinking green tea for weight loss is popular, it doesn’t mean it actually works. Sure, you’re likely not doing any harm by drinking it, but are you benefiting yourself the way you’re hoping?
Does Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss Work?
When it all comes down to it, science doesn’t know. There is research to say that it can be advantageous in a number of ways. There is also research to show that drinking this beverage doesn’t provide enough of its ingredients to have a measurable benefit.
The claims surrounding the use of green tea for weight loss are mainly associated with metabolism boosting. Green tea contains a type of antioxidant called catechins, also known as EGCG. It also contains caffeine. These have been shown in clinical studies to boost fat oxidation. This means that it raises your metabolic energy, or, in English, it boosts your calorie burning.
What About Drinking Matcha Green Tea for Weight Loss?
The International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism recently (June 19, 2018) published a study that showed that women who drink matcha green tea following a half hour walk can boost their fat oxidation.
That said, even the authors of the study underscored that when it comes to actual weight loss, “the metabolic effects of matcha should not be overstated”. It can help, but not as a miracle cure.
What About Green Tea for Weight Loss Through Other Products?
The answer to that question isn’t obvious, either. Drinking flavored green tea should provide the same benefits as drinking it without the added flavoring. Diet pills containing the ingredient will vary in their benefits depending on how much of the ingredient it contains. Those with less green tea for weight loss may have a smaller effect than those containing a higher amount – to a certain limit, of course.
Overall, if you plan to drink or otherwise use this ingredient to help you lose weight, it’s recommended that you do so as a part of a healthy complete diet and fitness strategy.
