The health benefits of drinking green tea have been making a lot of headlines lately. There is a body of evidence to suggest that individuals consuming large amounts of green tea live longer, develop less cancer, have healthier cholesterol levels and have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. New research suggests that green tea may also benefit those seeking to lose weight through exercise.
The secret to green tea’s health benefits lies in certain phytonutrients called catechins, and particularly epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. A recent study published in the well known Journal of Nutrition, examined the influence of green tea catechins on weight loss and fat distribution in overweight or obese adults. 107 individuals were given either 625mg of green tea catechins or a placebo daily over the course of 12 weeks. Participants maintained constant calorie consumption and engaged in at least 3 hours of moderate intensity exercise per week.
At the end of the study, individuals receiving green tea catechins experienced greater overall weight loss (an average of 2.2kg) than the control group (an average of 1kg). Furthermore, individuals receiving green tea catechins showed a 7.7% decrease in total abdominal fat area, a 6.2% decrease in subcutaneous abdominal fat area and an 11.2% decrease in triglyceride levels. These decreases were much greater than those seen for the control group (0.3%, 0.8% and 1.9%).
The results of this study are significant, especially with respect to the findings regarding abdominal fat. Excess abdominal fat has been shown to be a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The mechanism by which catechins enhance abdominal fat loss associated with exercise may relate to increased fat oxidation, increased energy expenditure and/or reduced fat storage.
Maki KC et al. Green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced abdominal fat loss in overweight and obese adults. 2009. Journal of Nutrition; 139: 64-270.
For more information see EGCG Max
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