Yes, we have heard that green tea helps in losing weight because it contains epigallocatechin gallate (a.k.a. EGCG, a health-boosting antioxidant). But are you wondering what you might be doing wrong because you haven’t your waist slimming when everyone else is raving how toned they have become?
So is it a myth about this superfood? Or is green tea really effective or you are not drinking the right green tea, instead a ‘green’ tea?
I have gathered all the facts about green tea and let me spill the scoop on this wonderful tea.
What’s the Main Difference Between Green Tea and Black Tea?
All types of tea, whether black or green, are picked from a leafy green shrub in the same family as Camellia plants (Camellia sinensis). But to make black tea, the new leaves are fermented and cured, breaking down most of its active compounds.
Whereas, green tea is prepared by lightly steaming the leaves after picking. This helps in preserving the active compounds and destroying the enzymes that would break them down rapidly.
Why Should You Go Green?
In traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, green tea has been used for centuries to facilitate digestion, promote heart health, help heal wounds, stabilise blood sugar, improve digestion and boost mental function.
There has been exhaustive research and thousands of studies which have proved that green tea contains antioxidants (that are up to eight times more powerful than vitamin C). Other elements in green tea calm your nervous system by reducing levels of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. They also help in lowering the cholesterol and protect you against cancer, diabetes, heart disease, gum disease, and bacterial and viral infections.
Does Green Tea Really Help You Lose Weight?
Yes, green tea has been shown to inhibit lipolysis, which is a process by which dietary fats (triglycerides) are broken down in the body. Several studies have shown that the breakdown of triglycerides prevents absorption of the fat, thereby ensuring you don’t gain much weight. Also, the catechins in green tea speed up the metabolism, thereby stepping up the calorie burn.
Will It Work If I Use Flavoured Green Teas?
Yes, because the addition of flavours like apple, pomegranate, cranberry etc. do not reduce the benefits of green tea. But don’t use sugar in it because the additional calories will certainly cancel out the green tea’s weight loss potential.
Will Iced Green Tea Work?
Basically, there is no difference between hot green tea and its iced version. Do not over dilute your iced tea with water because it will impact the effectiveness of green tea.
Does the brand matter?
Absolutely Yes! Different brands of green tea serve various qualities of tea leaves. And unnecessary ingredients may mess up your green tea’s powers. Go for the brand that uses all-natural ingredients and has no artificial preservatives.
How Do I Brew a Cup of Green Tea?
You should opt for fresh leaves and pour the hot water directly over the leaves to extract their essence. A tea bag is less messy but reduces the potency of the chemical reaction. But if you have tea bags then cut open the bag and pour water on the leaves.
As for brewing the tea, don’t let the water come to a full boil, instead, pour the water on the leaves before it boils and let them steep for 3-4 minutes.
How much green tea is good for health?
You should drink 3-5 cups of green tea daily for maximum health benefits.