Green tea contains bioactive substances like caffeine and EGCG, which can help boost metabolism and break down fat cells. The catechins and caffeine in green tea are believed to have a role in increasing energy metabolism, which may lead to weight loss. However, most studies on weight loss have focused on green tea extracts, which are a concentrated source of catechins. Here are some details on the positive and negative effects of green tea:
Positive effects:
- Green tea contains potent antioxidants called catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can boost metabolism.
- Green tea may increase metabolic rate and increase fat burning in the short term, although not all studies agree.
- Green tea’s ability to improve fat burning is improved when paired with exercise.
- Green tea has functional ingredients that may combine to improve brain function and cognitive health.
- Green tea may have protective compounds against cancer and heart disease, which may help you live longer.
- Green tea consumption has been linked to a lower chance of cognitive impairment in middle and older age.
- Green tea has been found to have beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Negative effects:
- Green tea ingestion over a long period decreases the apparent absorption of zinc and increases that of copper.
- High intake of green tea might cause oxidative DNA damage of hamster pancreas and liver.
- EGCG acts as a pro-oxidant, rather than an antioxidant, in pancreatic β cells in vivo.
- Any benefits of green tea for weight loss are likely to be very small, and the impact of green tea is not as beneficial as other healthy weight loss methods, such as exercise, that have far greater metabolic benefits.
In summary, green tea can increase metabolism and help with weight loss, but the effects are likely to be small. Green tea also has other health benefits, such as improving brain function and reducing the risk of certain diseases. However, high intake of green tea may have negative effects on the body, and it is important to consume it in moderation.
