Bodybuilding Fat Loss

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Add Green Tea to Your Weight Loss Program

Green tea is rich in epigallochatechin gallate or EGCG. EGCG is an antioxidant which destroys free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause aging and disease. The EGCG in green tea also helps to lower cholesterol levels and increase the metabolic rate of the body.

Research conducted at the University of Geneva in Switzerland by American and Swiss scientists show that green tea is effective in weight loss programs. The study was conducted with ten young men as subjects. The scientist compared the difference in energy expenditures of green tea and that of caffeine or a placebo. The energy expended using green tea was a four percent increase. This result has led to the belief that green tea can have an impact on weight loss.

Green tea can also lead to a healthier lifestyle. Drinking coffee with cream and sugar is high in calories and caffeine. Substituting green tea adds healthful substances like polyphenols and flavornoids to the body. Green tea does contain a small amount of caffeine, significantly less than coffee. Caffeine is an appetite suppressant which aids in weight loss.

The formation of fats in the body lead to weight gain. By drinking green tea, the fat is reduced by inhibiting the effect of insulin in the body. Insulin converts glucose into energy which is stored in the body as fat. A weight loss program with green tea as a component causes sugar to be sent directly to the muscles. This prevents fat from forming.

Green tea also promotes thermogenesis. Thermogensis is the process which burns fat and releases calories in the body. The caffeine content and catechin polyphenols create thermogenesis. This process stimulates metabolism in the body.

There are other components in weight loss. However, it is proven that if energy intake is reduced or increased energy is expended, weight loss will occur. Green tea has many benefits for those involved in weight loss programs.

Sandra is a researcher and writer with a special interest in health related topics that affect our daily lives. For more information on green tea, visit http://www.a-green-tea-guide.com