Supplement Reviews
Green Tea Extract
What it is: Green tea is a leaf derived from the Chinese plant Camellia sinensis.
What it does: Green tea has potent anti-oxidant properties and is purported to produce a variety of health benefits as well as aid in fat burning.
Verdict: Green tea appears to be one of the few supplements that really lives up to the hype. The benefits of green tea are attributed to various bioactive compounds, particularly its high concentration of polyphenols. Studies seem to show that green tea does have positive benefits on cardiovascular function, including improved endothelial function and reduced plaque formation. Green tea also has been shown to have positive effects on bone health, helping to increase bone-building osteoblasts and suppress bone-ravaging osteoclasts. This is consistent with research showing those who regularly consume green tea report a greater bone mineral density and reduced risk of fractures. Although research is somewhat inconclusive, there is even some evidence that green tea decreases cancer risk, especially in the prostate and breast. And green tea shows promise as a fat loss aid. Studies on both animals and humans report reduced body weight and body fat as a result of green tea consumption, as well as improved glucose tolerance. The mechanisms for fat loss are not entirely clear, but it is believed to be due to a combination of caffeine and catechins. Catechins inhibit an enzyme called catechol-O-methyl-transferase, which is responsible for degrading noradrenaline, a potent hormone that promotes the oxidation of body fat. In combination, caffeine and catechins act synergistically to enhance resting energy expenditure beyond what is achieved by caffeine alone.
DISCLAIMER: The preceding review is meant for educational purposes only and should not be taken as advice on whether or not to use a particular product. Always consult your physician before taking any supplement.
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