Tea is full of powerful antioxidants that can improve your health in a number of ways, including helping you lose weight, prevent cancer growth, and control blood sugar levels. Most of us think of tea as something to drink, but you can obtain the same benefits by taking a green tea extract supplement. Green tea extract can be found in pill, powder, or tincture form.
Tea comes in many different types and flavors. About 80 percent of tea consumed in the US is black tea, and 16 percent is green tea. All tea contains antioxidants, but because green tea is not exposed to the oxidation process that black tea is, it is particularly rich in beneficial polyphenols that can have profound effects on health.
What is green tea extract?
Green tea extract is a concentrated supplement, that typically contain a higher dose of antioxidants. The recommended dose is 250 mg a day, which is equivalent to 3-5 cups of green tea. Green tea extract should always be taken with food to reduce the risk of liver damage.
Whether you drink it or take it in extract form, making green tea a regular part of your diet can have widespread and significant health benefits.
1. Aids weight loss
Green tea extract contains both caffeine and catechins — a type of antioxidant also found in chocolate, red wine, and many fruits. This combination can help your body burn more calories and boost your metabolism, which can lead to weight loss.
Green tea also contains some caffeine, but lower levels than coffee, meaning it can help boost your energy without the ill effects of too much coffee.
2. Reduces cancer risk
The polyphenols in green tea ― known as EGCG, EGC, ECG, and EC ― have been shown to both inhibit tumor growth and promote the death of existing cancer cells.
The antioxidants found in green tea extract may help balance your cell production, protecting you from producing dysfunctional cells before they can turn cancerous. Various studies support findings that those who drink green tea or take it in a supplement form have a lower risk of developing cancer.
3. Kills unwanted bacteria
Green tea extract can help fight harmful bacteria and protect you from viruses and infections.
The catechins in green tea extract are also said to improve dental health. This helps decrease your chances of getting cavities or tooth decay. You’ll be left with fresher breath, and maybe even less time spent in the dental chair!
4. Improves mental function
The caffeine in green tea acts as a stimulant, but its ability to make you feel more alert extends even farther. According to research published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, due to the combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, green tea can actually improve brain function and mental alertness.
Taking green tea extract may also provide long-term cognitive benefits. Green tea’s ability to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation may help protect against Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
5. Improves heart health
Studies have shown that green tea can help lower cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
One particular study examined the effects of green tea extract on a group of patients who were both overweight and had high blood pressure. Participants took 379 mg of green tea extract in capsule form every day for 3 months. At the end of the study, patients saw improvements in blood pressure, insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
6. Promotes clearer skin
Green tea extract can also aid in keeping your skin clear and blemish free.
Skin problems such as dermatitis, warts, acne, and rosacea may be reduced by applying green tea extract directly to the skin. Some shampoos, face creams, and face masks now contain green tea extract as a key ingredient.
When taken as a supplement, green may also help your skin retain its elasticity and youthful appearance by combatting the effects of free radicals.
7. Helps control diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects many adults and children worldwide. Green tea extract may naturally help regulate blood sugar levels and even lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Garcia Weight Loss and Wellness centers offers green tea extract in our Pro-Trim dietary supplement, which contains 300 mg of green tea extract per capsule. Pro-Trim is designed to increase energy and fat oxidation while burning calories, all leading to improved weight loss and higher levels of antioxidants. Visit our online store to order Pro-Trim today!