Over the years, green tea has increasingly become a popular beverage worldwide with its association with many health benefits, including aiding headaches, promoting weight loss, suppressing brain aging, and improving your metabolism by promoting fat oxidation.
Green tea is made from the considerably unoxidized leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, making it one of the least processed teas that preserve its antioxidant properties better than other teas. This famous antioxidant is polyphenol catechins, technically known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a substance that can boost your metabolism. So yes, there is something called “green tea metabolism.” But don’t forget! Its effect is not very substantial, and you need to support its effect with nutritional behavior changes and an active lifestyle.
Like other teas, green tea also contains caffeine. According to one study, a standard cup of brewed green tea (8 ounces) can contain 50-100 mg of EGCG and 30–40 mg of caffeine. However, the amount of EGCG in a cup of green tea varies depending on the type and the region from where the green tea came from, as well as the brewing method. So what is the right amount of EGCG to boost your green tea metabolism?
Well, further studies have also shown that people can lose significant weight and reduce their body fat when they consume 100–460 mg of EGCG in combination with 80–300 mg of caffeine for at least 12 weeks. Considering this, you will likely be in the clear zone if you drink two cups of green tea daily.
Read more:
What does green tea do to your body?
Green tea has a good reputation, and drinking it comes with many health benefits that have been proven by solid scientific studies. However, green tea is not a miracle that provides you with all the solutions to leading a healthy lifestyle. It can help only if you already have balanced eating habits, an active lifestyle, a stable mind, and a steady sleep cycle. So it is important to approach drinking green tea as a way to supplement an already healthy lifestyle and not place all of your bets on your wellness journey on green tea.
What are its famous health benefits? Let’s dive right in:
Green Tea and Metabolism – the EGCG and caffeine found in green tea are perfect for promoting weight loss and burning fat and stored energy, especially while you are exercising. Of course, this is only possible as a long-term effect after working out consistently.
Suppresses your appetite– A complex system regulates your blood sugar and appetite. One part of this system is a peptide hormone called cholecystokinin, also known as CCK, which decreases appetite cravings by sending a signal to the appetite center of your brain and slowing down the process in which your stomach is emptied. And not surprisingly, green tea has been proven to increase CCK levels in the body.
Boost brain functions and reduce stress: We’ve mentioned that green tea contains caffeine. However, the levels of caffeine in green tea are less than in any other teas or caffeinated drinks. When combined with a molecule called L-theanine, which is also found in green tea, this unique combination increases your cognitive functions, long-term memory, and reasoning and also reduces stress.
Additional Health Benefits of Green Tea
We’ve explained green tea's effect on metabolism, appetite, brain function, and stress reduction. Now let’s talk about the rest! There are a few more compounds found in green tea that can promote a healthier body. Some of these include:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B
- Folate
- Flavonoids
Without a doubt, these compounds present further health benefits and not only a positive impact on your metabolism. These include:
- Supporting in management of type 2 diabetes
- Improving the functioning of the heart
- Reducing cholesterol levels
- Containing some anti-cancer properties
- Reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that green tea can strengthen your metabolism, but not on its own. Try incorporating it into your diet and daily routine with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep! It is the perfect beverage to drink during the day, and we’re sure you’ll love it from the get-go! Start today with a freshly brewed cup!
Do you think that green tea can improve your metabolism? What are your thoughts on this? Do you want to learn more about green tea? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Want to learn more?
