Many people who aim to shed some pounds have tried various weight loss methods. So, does drinking Chinese green tea actually help with weight loss? The answer is yes, daily consumption of green tea can indeed contribute to weight loss. Green tea preserves natural substances found within fresh tea leaves. It contains dietary fiber, an indigestible component that can remain in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness and appetite control. Green tea also contains a substance called tea polyphenols, which are known to have fat-burning properties. It is effective in anti-aging, cancer prevention, and has special benefits in terms of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, all of which contribute to the weight loss process.
For example, the caffeine in tea and green tea extracts, as well as chili extracts, can potentially increase your daily calorie expenditure by about 2%.
As an ancient Chinese text, “Bencao Shiyi,” describes tea: “Long-term consumption of tea makes people slim and removes excess fat.” This suggests that there has been a long-standing belief that drinking tea can lead to weight loss. However, if we look around at people who regularly consume tea, we can find individuals with various body shapes, including those who are overweight.
From a scientific perspective, tea contains some components that promote intestinal movement and aid in digestion. This accelerated digestion process may give the impression of “burning fat.” Nevertheless, the tea polyphenols within tea do have a regulatory effect on lipid metabolism in the body, although this effect primarily pertains to blood lipids and is limited in terms of subcutaneous fat.
In summary, drinking tea can have some effect on weight loss, but it should not be solely relied upon for weight reduction. It’s essential to pay attention to the quantity of green tea consumed and to be mindful of the timing of consumption to avoid any potential adverse effects, such as disturbances to sleep. It is advisable to prioritize diet control and complement it with physical exercise as a more effective approach to achieving weight loss.
