Have you seen those booths at the mall advertising green tea and how it can help lose weight? Well, I wouldn’t rely totally on drinking green tea to lose those 20 pounds to fulfill your new year’s resolution, but there is some truth on how it may complement your diet plans.
Green tea has an antioxidant called epigallocatechins-3-gallate (EGCG). Green tea, unlike other teas is not fermented, so it retains its EGCG and neutralizes free radicals, which may reduce the risk of cancer. It also inhibits the proliferation or growth of cancer cells.
How green tea may help with weight loss is through its ability to boost metabolism. Studies have shown that this is probably due to the combination of EGCG and caffeine. Don’t forget about this tea’s antioxidants that help reduce levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and improve blood flow. It also shows antibacterial properties that prevents gum disease and tooth decay. I have also used green tea in helping patients with intestinal bacterial infections. Try to choose organic if you can and drink at least 3 cups a day to get full benefits.