Boost Your Metabolism with Green Tea: A Natural Way to Lose Weight

Green tea is one of the most beneficial beverages for your health. This true tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is often consumed by the Chinese and Japanese to promote a healthy lifestyle. Green tea has been shown to protect heart health, reduce high blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and boost the immune system with minimal side effects. Drinking green tea regularly can help you shed belly fat due to the presence of powerful compounds called flavonoids and catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which increase your metabolic rate, energy levels and reduce fat storage.

Research Results

A study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences revealed that consistent green tea consumption increases fat metabolism and leads to weight loss. Researchers divided 63 participants into three groups: the first was a placebo, the second group consumed 2 cups of green tea every day, and the third group consumed 4 cups of green tea every day. After 2 months, the group that consumed 4 cups of green tea a day showed a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index and waist circumference.

Another study found that drinking green tea can boost the body’s ability to burn fat, helping you to reach your weight loss goals faster. Participants drank four to five cups of tea per day and incorporated a 25-minute workout into their routine. The individuals who drank green tea in addition to regular exercise lost an average of 2 pounds more than those who simply exercised.

How to Consume Green Tea

To boost your metabolism, drink green tea before or during each meal. You can also add a green tea supplement to your pre-workout routine or drink a tall cup of green tea before heading to the gym. If you are craving a treat but don’t want all the extra sugar, brew green tea into a latte. Green tea is also excellent as an iced tea or cold green lemon tea, particularly during the summer heat or after endurance exercises.

Choosing Green Tea

There are several varieties of green tea to choose from, and most will offer the fat-burning qualities you desire. Japanese green teas such as matcha green tea, Sencha Fuji green tea and Genmaicha tea offer sweet, roasted and vegetal flavors. Chinese green teas such Formosa Gunpowder green tea are strong with bold flavor profiles. If you have a sweet tooth, herbal tea blends such as jasmine green tea and dandelion green tea are a good alternative to satisfy your cravings while boosting your metabolism.