The Truth About Green Tea And Weight Loss

There's recently been a LOT in the weight loss news concerning green tea.

Green tea's weight loss effects have been causing more and more people to start sipping the ancient Japanese brew.

But just how does green tea help you lose weight? And does it really work or is it all just hype? This article gives you the real facts about drinking green tea to lose weight.

Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss:

1) Green tea revs up your metabolism

A study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism 'boost').

The researchers also concluded that that over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4àThese effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in green tea. These work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).

2) Green tea inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulation

Experts tell us that the catechins in green tea help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells. Green tea may also act as al glucose regulator. It helps to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and the subsequent fat storage.

3) Green tea may help reduce appetite

Scientists at the University of Chicago found that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a green tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after seven days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea.

4) Green tea can help you save calories on your morning brew.

We are a nation hooked on our java. Be it the regular double-cream, double-sugar standard or that mocha, dappa, frappucinno, the calories we ingest just to get our morning caffeine is wreaking havoc on our waistlines.

If you want to save mega-calories in the morning but still get your caffeine fix, try substituting green tea for coffee. Or have a green tea in the afternoon instead of that 700 calorie mocha-chillate dream. You'll definitely notice the difference in your waistline after a few weeks.

So there are 4 ways that green tea can help you with weight loss. But how much do you actually have to drink to get these amazing metabolism boosting effects?

Experts vary but the general consensus seems to be that 3 - 5 cups of green tea per day is optimal. Doing this can help you burn an extra 70 calories per day which amounts to 7 pounds per year. Pretty good for not exercising or cutting calories, right?

However, 3 - 5 cups can be a lot for some people, so you might also want to consider green tea extract, green tea pills or a green tea patch.

Disadvantages of Drinking Green Tea For Weight Loss:

#1) Green tea is not a magic bullet

While some people will tell you that green tea is the be-all-end-all for weight loss success, I think the keyword here is balance. You're not going to eat 5000 calories a day, drink a cup of green tea and make it all go away - it just isn't going to happen. A healthy diet and increased exercise will go a long way in helping you lose weight and keep it off.

#2) Be cautious of the caffeine if you have health problems

For some people that have heart troubles, high blood pressure or stimulant sensitivities, the caffeine in green tea may not be the best idea. If you're worried about the caffeine from green tea, try taking green tea extract. Most green tea extract is made from decaffeinated green tea so you can still get the weight loss benefits without the caffeine.

If you think the caffeine may be a problem, make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea for weight loss. Also make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Bottom Line: Green tea helps you with weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate, regulating your blood sugar, suppressing your appetite and giving you something else besides that high calorie, high sugar coffee beverage to drink in the morning. While it's not the magic bullet, it can definitely give you a boost in weight loss and in your overall health!

For tips on contraception facts and adhd facts, visit the Health And Nutrition website.

By JULIAN SLOWE

USANA RESET - A nutritional approach to weight loss

In a world that offers fad diets as short term solutions for long term problems of excessive weight gain, USANA RESET is a new approach to starting a new, healthier lifestyle. Its 5-day program completely reverses the body’s momentum of gaining weight and puts it on the track of attaining a healthy weight loss.

The main cause of weight related health problems is indulging in the wrong kind of diet. Food items with a high glycemic index tend to create a short burst in blood sugar levels. Once the burst subsides, you start feeling hungry again. This makes you eat even though the body does not need it, leading to weight gain.

One of the most commonly tried approaches for weight loss is starving. However, if you consistently eat less than what the body needs, then the body counters by reducing the metabolism rate and you stop losing weight. Starving also leads to other complications.

Usana’s RESET program is a scientifically designed nutritional plan, which replaces high-glycemic foods with low glycemic ones without compromising the energy needs of the body. This stops unnecessary cravings and creates a calorie deficit without feeling hungry, thus leading to weight loss.

The RESET program comprises of Usana’s Macro-optimizer shakes and bars. A program guide and a DVD explain the details of the new diet to be followed for 5 days. Apart from the diet, the program also includes a simple exercise program and suggestions on the consumption of fruits, vegetables and water.

Most overweight people lose interest in losing weight after trying programs that do not work. However, in just 5 days, Usana’s RESET program will make you look lean and feel great. This positive effect will encourage you to continue with a lifetime of healthy habits.

After the 5-day intense program, you can switch to a relatively milder program called ‘Transform’. This will help you to maintain the momentum of weight loss and prevent you from getting back to your old dietary habits. You will continue to replace your normal meals with the nutritious Usana supplements but can eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Once you attain your ideal weight, you will feel more than happy to continue your healthy diet of Usana foods. You can choose to follow the ‘Maintain’ program that includes snacks, shakes and meals. Beginning with Usana RESET, you can then start a lifelong commitment to a healthy body and a healthy life with healthy food.

Angela Giles is a firm believer in personal growth and manifestation. She believes that health and wealth are tied together. More Info on Usana

By ANGELA GILES