Green Tea Extracts

Chinese medicine practitioners have long used green tea to treat body aches and improve overall health and well-being. Green tea extract is rich in bioflavonoids and is used primarily for fighting free radicals. It contains a potent antioxidant, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), which is more than two hundred times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing certain free radicals. Research suggests that green tea extract protects against digestive and respiratory infections, helps to block the cancer promoting actions of carcinogens, protects against high total and LDL cholesterol levels, prevents liver failure and blocks the attachment of bacteria associated with dental cavities.

Green Tea Extract and Weight Loss

Green tea extract is a common ingredient in fat burners because it helps with thermogenesis and aids in the metabolism of fat. The benefit of a green tea-based fat burner is that there is no increase in heart rate, which is commonly associated with diet aids. Dieters get the weight loss benefits without any of the jittery effects, especially in obese individuals with hypertension and other cardiovascular complications.

General weight loss guidelines suggest that significant weight loss can only be achieved by burning more calories than we consume. Studies suggest that green tea extract performs the energy expenditure required in dieters to lose weight although the specific actions behind the process are unclear.

Green tea is not linked with any significant side effects or toxicity. It does contain caffeine so those individuals sensitive to the typical stimulant responses associated with caffeine may wish to avoid green tea extract.