Understanding and drinking green tea correctly can help you lose weight.

Epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG, is an antioxidant found in green tea leaves that may help burn fat for weight loss.

Yes, green tea helps with weight loss. This is because green tea contains Epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG, an antioxidant that can burn fat.

However, even though green tea can aid in weight loss, you need to understand how to consume it properly. You shouldn't drink more than three cups of tea a day to avoid affecting other parts of your body.

Green tea and black tea: Which is better?

All types of tea – green tea or black tea – are derived from the leaves of a green shrub belonging to the camellia family (scientific name: Camellia). However, to make black tea, the tea leaves are fermented and dried. This significantly reduces the beneficial compounds in the tea leaves.

In contrast, with green tea, after being harvested, the tea leaves only need to be steeped in boiling water. This not only preserves the beneficial compounds but also destroys the enzymes that can quickly spoil the tea leaves.

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Benefits of green tea

For centuries, green tea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian herbal remedies to aid digestion, heal wounds, improve cardiovascular health, stabilize blood sugar, enhance digestive function, and promote nerve function.

Today, this traditional method also has a strong scientific foundation with thousands of studies proving that green tea contains antioxidants (8 times stronger than vitamin C) and other substances that help lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gum disease, and the risk of viral and bacterial infections.

It also helps soothe the nervous system by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and adrenal hormones while counteracting the harmful effects of tobacco.

What about its weight-loss effects?

Scientists have proven that green tea inhibits lipid breakdown, the process by which dietary fats (triglycerides) are broken down in the body. Inhibiting the breakdown of triglycerides prevents fat absorption, thus ensuring that your body will not gain excessive weight.

Additionally, catechins in green tea can inhibit a key enzyme – catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), which speeds up metabolism and therefore increases calorie burning.

Do flavored green teas offer the same benefits as regular green tea?

Adding flavors like pomegranate, apple, or strawberry does not diminish the benefits of green tea. However, if the flavoring contains sugar, the added calories will negate the weight-loss benefits of green tea.

How about some chilled green tea?

Chemically speaking, there's no difference between hot and cold green tea. However, you should note that cold green tea is often diluted with water, which can affect its effectiveness!

Do all types of green tea have the same effects?

Variations in the quality of the tea leaves and the amount of unnecessary additives can alter the quality of green tea. To reap the maximum benefits, look for brands that use only natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives.

What is the best way to brew a cup of green tea?

Skip the tea bags and opt for fresh tea leaves instead. With green tea, you'll want to pour hot water directly over the leaves to extract its full potential. Using tea bags reduces the effectiveness of the chemical reactions.

If tea bags are your only option, cut open the bag and pour hot water directly over the dry tea leaves. To brew a pot of tea, avoid using water that has been boiling for too long. Instead, use freshly boiled water, pour it directly over the tea leaves, and let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes. This will bring out the best effects of the tea.

According to Family.net