Green tea may be a significant key to weight loss, according to new research conducted by Pennsylvania State University researchers. The study, published in the online journal, Obesity, reports that tea "(Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) has been shown to have obesity preventive effects in laboratory studies." How can green tea inhibit weight gain? These are some of the key findings:
EGCG: The "Secret" Ingredient?
Researchers Kimberly A. Grove, Sudathip Sae-tan, Mary J. Kennett and Joshua D. Lambert began with the hypothesis that Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, may have the ability to inhibit weight gain. To test their hypothesis, they treated obese mice with a .32% dosage of EGCG combined with a high fat diet for 6 weeks. At the conclusion of the study, the treated mice gained 44% less weight than the control group given the same diet without EGCG.
According to researcher Joshua Lambert, the study "suggests that EGCG inhibits an enzyme called pancreatic lipase (PL), which is secreted into the intestine when you eat and is the most important enzyme for the digestion of dietary fat." Faecal matter from the treated mice contained 29.4% more limpid (water insoluble) fats than in the untreated mice, suggesting that fats consumed by the treated mice were more effectively eliminated, thanks to PL inhibition.
Lambert goes on to say that while EGCG supplements are available, it is probably more advisable to drink green tea, since there may be harmful side effects, including liver toxicity, from concentrated dosages of the substance. He believes that the concentrations found in "a cup or two" of tea are sufficient to inhibit weight gain.
Drinking Green Tea to Inhibit Weight Gain
While the study was performed on mice, it is believed to have significance for humans trying to find ways to control their weight. Importantly, the researchers believe it may be a better weight control solution than many prescription weight loss remedies, having fewer side effects but being potentially equally effective. Study author Joshua Lambert points out that it is "pertinent" that PL is targeted in at least one clinically used weight loss drug.
While this is great news for anyone trying to control their weight, "moderation in all things" is always recommended. Green tea, like coffee, contains caffeine and other researchers suggest that its consumption should be limited to 3 or 4 cups per day. Also, as Teresa Mitchell-Paterson of the Australasian College of Natural Therapies warns the Sydney Morning Herald that pregnant and lactating women should limit their intake to one or two cups per day and that those individuals with heart or cardiovascular disorders should strictly limit their intake of all caffeinated beverages. However, since the Pennsylvania State University researchers believe that just a cup or two of green tea is sufficient, almost anyone may be able to benefit from green tea.
Green tea is refreshing, high in antioxidants and, as this study suggests, a potentially powerful weapon in the "battle of the bulge." With all it has to offer, why not try adding green tea to your diet? Used in moderation, there's nothing to lose and everything to gain (except weight).
Originally published on Oct 28, 2011
