It seems lately that I have come across a wealth of information about the benefits of consuming green tea. That is why I am inspired to compile some of the information, particularly concerning green tea and weight loss.

Green tea contains several things that are said to be very healthy for you. Among these are:

Tannins, phenols, polyphenols and flavanoid compounds, the amino acid theanine and catechins of which EGCG seems the most beneficial.

Some of the reported benefits you will see when researching green tea are:

• Protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation
• Protection against some different cancers
• Increased life span
• Protection of the brain
• Increased antioxidant levels
• It has been reported that theanine nullifies the nervous effect of caffeine and increases mental acuity, and some have even said to provide a relaxed but conscious state.
• Last but not least are increased fat metabolism

This increased fat metabolism is most interesting for people who want to lose weight. It simply means the speed at which you burn calories and the body’s ability to burn fat. The studies seem to indicate a link between the caffeine in green tea and the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that causes a boost in noradrenaline. Noradrenaline helps your body stimulate your metabolism and suppress your appetite.

Some experts recommend that you take a standardized green tea supplement that contains 90 mg of EGCG and 50 mg of caffeine. Of course, you should always consult your doctor before taking a supplement, especially one with caffeine.

Drinking green tea can be a pleasant experience. I have tasted some very good green tea and I have tasted some that taste like what I think mixed-grass would taste like. My favorites seem to be the mix of green tea and lemongrass. The tastiest I found have been in health food stores or online. Don’t give up your first taste. Experiment around and try different flavors of green tea. You can find one or more that you simply love. I generally microwave my green tea and drink it hot. I brewed several bags of boiling water at the same time and then placed them in the fridge for a nice cool drink.

Drinking green tea can also be an aid in losing weight if it occurs through a different habit such as coffee with sugar or cola. I know many people who start the day with a sugar-filled caffeine cola or sweetened iced tea. This is how they get their morning caffeine. Why don’t you replace this with green tea and enjoy the benefits of feeling and health? Replace that cup of coffee with a cup of green tea after lunch. You will do something healthy for your body and you will not experience the “drop” that coffee can leave you with an hour or so later. Also, enjoy a cup of green tea for your exercise routine, be careful and do not consume it late in the afternoon.

A cup of green tea contains about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. If you are sensitive to caffeine, be careful or avoid everything at once.

I am in favor of a healthy lifestyle to reach your desired weight. If you know me or read one of my articles, you also know that I am in favor of supplements – only as a tool for a healthy lifestyle. No magic solution. I see green tea as an effective tool in your weight loss arsenal.

Green tea seems to be a wonderful addition to your daily life, which can help you increase your metabolism, illness and give you a gentle caffeine lift.