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What is the Connection Between Green Tea and Appetite?
The connection between green tea and appetite is that green tea has been shown to suppress the appetite while simultaneously boosting one's metabolism, among its other beneficial properties such as improving the immune system, lowering cholesterol, and even potentially preventing cancer because of its high concentration of antioxidants. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, particularly a type of polyphenols known as catechins, containing EGCG. Green tea contains more of these beneficial antioxidants because the tea leaves are not oxidized.
There are a number of companies that have attempted to capitalize on the connection between green tea and appetite, creating products such as green tea pills, a green tea diet patch, or green tea diet drink, among others. While these are unlikely to be harmful, they are usually also unnecessary, because simply drinking a few cups of green tea a day can have the same affect. Experts recommend that those trying to benefit from the connection between green tea and appetite should drink at least three cups of green tea per day. It may be hot or iced, and it is best to avoid adding sugar to the tea, simply because sugar can lead to weight gain.
The correlation between green tea and appetite is just one of the weight loss benefits of green tea. While green tea does help to decrease appetite pangs, it also increases metabolism, which helps to burn stored fat. This is an extremely beneficial combination when trying to lose weight, and can also help to prevent heart disease. The benefits of green tea are numerous, and there are many different versions of green tea that can be tried. The flavors of different types of green tea can vary widely, so it may be helpful to try a number of different kinds when beginning to use the connection between green tea and appetite.
It is important to follow any instructions that come with the tea when making green tea. It is more delicate than black tea, so it is generally best to use water that is not quite boiling to brew the tea, and to only allow the tea leaves to steep for approximately three minutes. Doing so for any longer could cause the tea to become bitter. One will generally find that loose tea leaves taste better when making green tea, rather than purchasing pre-made green teabags; however, loose tea can be more expensive and more difficult to come by, so any type of green tea will do in a pinch.
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By: NataliTerrGreen tea. -
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By: aleksandra_1981Green tea is known to increase metabolism while also decreasing cravings. -
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By: Fisher PhotostudioGreen tea that is brewed using loose leaves has high levels of potent antioxidants.
Discussion Comments
Green tea's benefits including weight loss and reduced cholesterol was not realized just recently. The Chinese who found and began drinking green tea before anyone else knew that it was beneficial for the body. They used green tea to treat arthritis, some immune deficiencies and cardiovascular disease. This also explains why green tea is such a major part of their diet. My Chinese friends drink a lot of green tea during the day but they also have snacks and sweets with green tea, like green tea chocolate and green tea ice cream. I don't know if they are as beneficial as drinking green tea but they are really tasty.
@ddljohn-- I like to think of the body as a balanced scale. If we overdo something, over-consume one food one example, the balance will eventually be lost. Of course, one cannot expect to lose all of their extra weight only by drinking green tea, but doing so in addition to a healthy lifestyle will certainly help lose weight. Green tea is proven to boost one's metabolism, but this doesn't mean it should be used as an excuse to eat ten brownies! It's all a balance and you have to eat smart and be as active as you can.
I also assume that some companies who are trying to market green tea tablets and other herbal tablets for weight loss are doing their own studies that support this. But there are entirely legitimate studies which have proven the positive effects of green tea. Green tea actually doesn't only decrease appetite and increase metabolism but also helps prevent some diseases. I read one study done in Japan which showed that the consumption of 3-10 cups of green tea per day decreases the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
From the articles I've read on this subject, I've learned that there are actually many studies that have been done on green tea and weight loss. Most of these studies were done on individuals who were also following a diet and exercise program to lose weight. How can we be sure that the green tea they drank during this period actually helped them lose weight? Can't they have lost weight simply because of a healthy diet and exercise? I'm sure there are more legitimate studies out there and if anyone has read any, I would love to hear about them. But so far, I am not too convinced that simply drinking green tea will cause me to loose weight, especially if I am eating unhealthy and not exercising. What's your view on this?
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