A Cup a Day Keeps the Weight Away?: Green Tea for Weight Loss

Everyone wants to find it: That miracle drug, pill, concoction, diet, food combination, etc. that will banish fat cells from bodies everywhere forever. There are a multitude of diets out there, from Atkins to Weight Watchers and all of them promise the same results -- lose weight painlessly and feel great. Research has suggested that one way to add to the dieting process is to use green tea for weight loss. As with any diet and weight loss program, there are advantages and disadvantages. Read below for the pros and cons of using green tea for weight loss.

The Pros

It has been suggested that chemicals in green tea can increase a person’s metabolism. The two chemicals most widely investigated in this issue are catechin polyphenols and caffeine. These two components are thought to increase fat oxidation and thermogenesis. In other words, they assist the body in breaking down fats and burning more calories. This is why many people look to green tea for weight loss.

Another benefit of using green tea for weight loss is that green tea can so easily substitute for other hot beverages such as coffee consumed every day, and can be added to your daily routine. In addition to this, the essence of green tea has been captured in tablets and extracts and can be conveniently taken in those forms as well.

The Cons

However, there are many cons to relying on green tea and green tea alone for weight loss. The first is that some people do not like green tea, and may not want to drink the number of cups recommended to see an actual effect. In addition, many may find pills or liquid extracts a hassle to ingest.

While green tea may assist you in your weight loss campaign, there is no evidence to show that green tea can dramatically lead to dropping pounds on its own. There are numerous studies, on the other hand, that show the importance of diet and exercise in losing and maintaining weight loss. Hence, using green tea for weight loss may help, but it is not the ultimate cure for weight loss.

The Verdict

In conclusion, weight loss is not the easiest process, no matter how you go about it. Green tea offers the opportunity to boost your metabolism and help you feel energized all day. At the same time, it is not a replacement for eating right and exercise.