Green tea can help reduce body fat by 1.6 percent, according to a recent study published by the National Institutes of Health National Library. In this study, fourteen men were divided into two groups — a control group and a group that took 571 milligrams of caffeine-free green tea extract.
It should be noted that the study was conducted for men with an average age of 21 years and that they should regularly cycle through the study duration.
But the real question is: how does tea help in weight loss?
We continue to hear about tea as a good drink for those who would like to lose those extra pounds, but what is the science behind this statement?
Experts say that green, in particular, contains catechins - a type of antioxidant that has fatty properties. A study in 2009 says that the green tea catechins and caffeine in the drink regulate body weight.
In this particular study, it was confirmed that these two components work synergistically. But what of the study of caffeine-free green tea mentioned above?
Evidence of green tea and its fat effects is ambiguous, and you can often read a number of scientific statements 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 help in weight loss, and the combination also improves the person’s overall condition.
High fat diet, decaffeinated green tea and exercise
A study by the Pennsylvania College of Agricultural Sciences says mice that were on a high-fat diet, but also received caffeine-free extracts, experienced weight loss and overall improved health.
During the 16-week study, mice were also regularly practiced. The decrease in body weight was 27.1% with a sharp reduction in abdominal fat by 36.6%.
As for other health benefits, the study shows a decrease in insulin resistance in mice - a significant benefit for people with diabetes. Earlier studies of green tea show that the compound found in this type of tea also has the ability to destroy cancer cells.
Scientists say this compound is epigallocatechin-3-gallate, also known as EGCG.
Human trials with green tea showed an average weight loss of 1.31 kilograms, according to Penn State, which gives weight observers a good reason to drink tea more regularly.
If you remember a study done on 14 men using unrefined green tea, findings from a Pennsylvania study show that the absence of caffeine causes the effect of regular exercise.
This was 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 weight loss have been studied in a number of universities around the world, but what about other types of tea? Is it possible that there are other teas that you can drink to lose weight?
A variety of Oolong tea, called Wuyi, is considered a good supplement for weight loss, but according to experts, science does not confirm this statement.
Pu-erh, a type of black tea, on the other hand, prevents weight gain based on animal research. It also lowers LDL cholesterol according to the same study.
Scientist from Tufts University Dian L. McKay, Ph.D., says that it is important to regularly include healthy drinks in the diet to reap the benefits of health.
