Green Tea Supplements - Benefits of green tea extract for weight loss and safety of green tea supplements
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is credited with a variety of heath benefits including reducing the risk of some types of cancer and heart disease. Lately, green tea extract is also heavily advertised as helpful for weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing metabolism. Dr. Nicholas Perricone, author of number of health and diet books has even told the viewers of Oprah Winfrey Show that they can lose up to 10 pounds in six weeks by drinking green tea instead of coffee.
Like in case of the vast majority of “miraculous” weight loss substances there is little evidence to support the benefits of drinking green tea for weight loss. For that reason it may be helpful to learn more about the plant - Camellia sinensis and its properties. Its leaves and leaf buds are used to produce green tea as well as for making black tea, Indian tea and some other types of teas. Consumption of green tea and other types of teas from harvested leaves of Camellia sinensis has a long tradition in Asia reaching back thousands of years as well as use of the plant’s leaves for medicinal purposes and the results of scientific studies of green tea extract published so far are encouraging: superb antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and potential anticancer capacity.
How about weight loss and safety of weight loss products containing green tea extract? Some clinical studies suggest that green tea extract may help to boost metabolism and burn fat but at the moment of writing there is too little evidence to support the benefits of green tea extracts for weight loss. Green tea supplements are relatively safe but excessive intake of green tea extract containing larger amount of caffeine can cause bloating, vomiting, indigestion and diarrhea. You are highly recommended to not exceed the recommended dosage and consult with your health provider if having a medical condition before using green tea supplement.