Does Drinking Green Tea Actually Increase Your Metabolism?
We're always on the hunt for sneaky hacks to keep our waistline from blowing out and it seems that tea is our go-to drink, especially during the colder days. But is it all it's made out to be?
Turns out, it might just be as good as it sounds - evidence suggests green tea can help you lose weight.
Firstly, green tea has a thermogenic effect - through heat, the body can increase the amount of calories burnt.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that "average fat oxidation rates were 17 per cent higher after ingestion of green tea extract than after ingestion of placebo."
Green tea also contains potent antioxidants called catechins - research has found the these to be beneficial in boosting metabolism. Scientist tested the effects of tea rich in catechins on two groups of participants - one group had tea high in the antioxidant, the other a control group. Neither knew what they were taking.
Findings indicated that "body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat mass, and subcutaneous fat area were significantly lower in the green tea extract group than in the control group."
Interestingly, other studies have also pointed to green tea also an appetite suppressant, potentially stopping you from overeating.
If you're planning on using green tea for weight loss. the University of Maryland Medical Centre recommends drinking 2 to 3 cups per day.
There's no doubt that green tea is a healthy option, and if you replace sugary drinks with the soothing remedy, you'll certainly notice a change to your body.
