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FEATUREGREENTEA
Green
GOING
C
onsumption of green tea in the UK 30%. Three months of supplementation used in research. Before you rush to
has almost trebled since 2002. Many of green tea alone, without any diet or brew up, also consider that the evidence
consumers, however, are still confused exercise, has been shown to accelerate linking green tea to fat loss was gained
over the benefits of this tea, when to take weight loss and reduce waist size. Studies in studies using green tea extract rather
and how much to take. If you want to such as these have suggested that as well than tea itself. Providing a more
accelerate your fat loss and support good as boosting the metabolic rate, green tea concentrated source of the active
health, then green tea is certainly a good extract can help block the absorption of ingredient EGCG, ideally standardised to
choice. Lynn Clay explains… fat. In other words, not only does green 90% polyphenols as found in products
tea extract help you to lose fat, it also such as Promax Diet, Promax Diet bars
What is Green Tea? reduces the amount of fat you digest and and Thermobol (available from all good
Green tea is derived from the same plant store on your waist, thighs and hips. health food shops), will allow you to get
as ‘everyday’ black tea (Camellia Sinensis). the best results. Aim for 200-300mg of
It differs in how the leaves are prepared A wealth of Benefits Green Tea extract per day, split into three
and fermented, providing benefits not The benefits of green tea don’t stop divided doses.
seen in Black tea. Portions of the active there! Green tea has been studied for a New research indicates that combining
compounds are destroyed in black tea, range of health benefits, believed to be the effects of green tea with additional
but remain active in the green variety. due to its rich polyphenol content, caffeine, cayenne and tyrosine, as found
These active constituents have a including cholesterol lowering, increased in Thermobol, can elevate metabolism
significant effect on body fat, accelerating protection from cardiovascular disease further than green tea alone.
both the loss of stored fat and reducing and a reduction of fat accumulation in
fat storage itself. the liver. The benefits of drinking normal Getting it into perspective
tea are regularly stressed because of the Although Green tea and other fat burning
Focus on Fat Loss high level of antioxidants - but green tea ingredients can accelerate fat loss, they
Green tea contains vitamins, minerals and possesses 6 times this antioxidant activity! are not an excuse to have a bad diet.
caffeine, but the primary constituents of These natural ‘fat burners’ should be seen
interest are the polyphenols, particularly a How much do I need? as an accelerator once you have organised
catechin called epigallocetechin gallate You can gain the antioxidant benefits of your diet and training programme for
(EGCG). This catechin has been shown in green tea from drinking it in tea form, best results, but once you have done so,
a trial to speed up the rate at which but at least 10 cups daily (of a quality they can certainly leave you in great
stored fat is burned for energy by over brand) are needed to reach the dosages shape to bare on the beach.
MAY/JUN2008GOHEALTHY 21
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