The green tea diet has been around for a couple of years now. Some folks may find success, while others may not. Now, the important thing to realize about drinking tea as a diet supplement is to also include other key factors.
The reason most diets fail is because either folks give up too soon since they do not see their results immediately, or simply because they are not going about it the right way. Green tea and weight loss are no exception to this rule.
How Does Green Tea Aid In Weight Loss?
Green tea has many properties in it that help our bodies, like powerful antioxidants called catechins and polyphenols. However, only one of these antioxidants (along with caffeine in green tea), is what helps with calorie burning.
I say "calorie burning" because that is exactly what green tea is helping with. Folks need to understand that this tea is no miracle brew. It will not cause weight loss all by itself, and it won't happen overnight either.
The natural plant polyphenols in green tea, which are also found in greater abundance in oolong tea, are what contribute to weight loss. What they do is help dissolve fatty tissue substances called triglyceride by stimulating certain enzymes in our bodies. The action is also called thermogenesis, and is the act of the body "heating up", which causes more calories to burn.
Combining this with exercise and proper eating habits are what actually make you lose weight. A green tea diet, or oolong tea diet accompanies these everyday activities that also, in time, shed off pounds. Those are very important factors to consider if weight loss is your priority!
So, now that we've covered why and how green tea helps us lose weight, let's look at another factor.
Any green tea will help, as will any variety of oolong tea, and although some varieties may contain more of those polyphenols than others, the difference isn't major. No, the important thing is how you prepare and consume your tea!
If you browsed through some of the other pages on this site, you probably know what I'm talking about, but if not, I'll repeat it here.
Loose Leaf Tea
Loose leaf tea is always a better choice no matter what benefits you hope to obtain from tea. All tea bag brewed tea does is add color to your cup, not much of the great flavor and benefits we're after.
If you are interested in trying a green tea diet, then give loose leaf tea a shot. Here's why...
1. It tastes better, not bitter and fuzzy like tea bag green tea.
2. It offers more polyphenols and other goodies per cup since the leaves are larger and contain more of their essential oils responsible for health and flavor.
Some greens may take a couple of cups to get accustomed to, but you will, and it tastes great after you do! Also, remember that even loose teas go dry after 6 to 8 months, so be sure and buy it fresh!
So, as far as green tea and weight loss is concerned, studies show that it helps learn more details here.
Just remember to add a proper diet and exercise as well, and green tea will cetainly aid in burning those calories!