There are many different chemicals and compounds in all types of tea -- including black tea, green tea, and oolong tea -- but it seems that 3 substances in particular that are mostly responsibly for tea's strong weight loss effects. They seem to work synergistically to speed up the metabolism and influence the nervous system in a way that makes it easier to lose weight and keep it off over time.
Each of these 3 substances has the ability to help the body shed extra pounds. But in combination they pack a big weight loss wallop that competes with many of the "fat burners" and diet pills sold on the market. But unlike the expensive and untested pills, the 3 fat-burning substances found in tea are natural and occur in ratios determined by nature within the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). It really is amazing how nature is able to produce such a "perfect" plant, which provides both incredible health benefits as well as powerful weight loss benefits.
The three fat-fighting compounds found in tea are:
- caffeine
- L-theanine
- EGCG
Several studies have shown that the 3 chemical substances listed above, when taken in large enough quantities, can help a person lose a significant amount of weight. Amazingly, they seem to work together to speed up the metabolism, suppress the appetite, keep you feeling full, and boost energy naturally without the negative effects of coffee and other forms of caffeine.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that has been proven to boost thermogenesis, which is the generation of heat within the body. This is the process at the center of fat burning and weight loss. It's how the body "burns" all those ugly fat molecules it's kept stored around your belly, thighs, butt, arms, etc. Basically, caffeine increases the amount of energy your body uses, even when it's at rest. It's also been shown to help free up stored fat molecules to be used as energy, especially during intense exercise.
One of the big benefits of tea -- especially green tea -- over caffeine-based fat burners is that it doesn't seem to speed up the heart rate. One 1999 study showed that green tea extract promoted thermogenesis without increasing heart rate. Basically, it helps you lose weight without feeling jittery and without a potentially risky increase in heart rate.
L-theanine, which is only found in a few plants in the entire world, seems to stimulate changes in brain waves which counteract many of the negative effects of caffeine. It's been shown to create a state of "relaxed alertness"... making it an ideal stimulant. It can reduce stress levels and cortisol production... both very important for weight loss since cortisol increases appetite and causes the body to store more dangerous abdominal (belly) fat.
EGCG, or Epigallocatechin gallate, is a very powerful compound found in abundant quantities in green tea. It has been shown to increase metabolic rates, speed up fat oxidation, and improve insulin sensitivity... all important for fast, healthy weight loss. It may also be able to increase endurance by improving fat metabolism, allowing you to exercise at a higher intensity for a longer period of time (and burn a lot more fat in the process!).
It's obvious that, if you want to lose weight in a healthy way, you should definitely drink several cups of tea per day. Green tea is especially great as a coffee substitute. Just be sure not to add sugar or milk, as these may counteract many of the health and weight loss benefits of tea's "big 3" compounds.
Would you benefit from dining out tips designed to help you make wise food choices? The National Restaurant Association reports that American restaurants bring in a total of 500 billion dollars in sales annually! Imagine what that figure must be worldwide! With grocery prices soaring, the majority of mothers working outside of the home, and so many people working long hours and living hectic lives, is it any wonder that we don't cook anymore?
The growing obesity epidemic and other health-related issues don't seem to be keeping people out of restaurants, therefore we're going to have to learn how to make healthy choices when dining out. Just follow these quick and easy dining out tips to help you make wise choices and you will be successful on your weight loss journey.
Never show up famished! Saving up all day for your special meal is not good for your metabolism and sets you up for failure. Eat light but regularly throughout the day. If you are especially hungry, eat a small salad or a cup of soup before ordering the remainder of your meal.
Plan your meal out in your mind before going to the restaurant. You might not be familiar with their menu, but you'll be able to guess the basic choices. Go through step by step, from wine and appetizer to dessert, visualizing how you want the evening to unfold. When you sit down and look at the menu, remember your plan.
Split a meal with your dining companion or order an appetizer as your meal. Save money and have room for dessert. If that's not an option for you then eat half and carry the other half home.
Order all dressings and sauces on the side and use only a small amount. Order your food grilled, broiled, or roasted--never fried! Know that foods described as "smoked", "barbecued", or "teriyaki" are going to have high sodium and anything "breaded", "sauted", "au gratin", "scalloped", or "creamed" is going to be high in fat.
Limiting yourself to one glass of wine is an excellent dining out tip. When you overindulge, your defenses are compromised. Share one dessert with the whole table, or skip dessert entirely!
A good dining out tip is to ask the waiter to keep the breadbasket or chip basket. If your dining companions want these items, then decide ahead of time exactly how much you will have and stick to the plan!
Remember that it takes your stomach 20 minutes to realize it has had enough, so slow down your eating process! Eat slowly and really enjoy each bite. Put down your fork and wait a minute between bites. Focus on the conversation instead of your food. Be aware of your hunger and stop eating when you're no longer hungry. Don't wait to be full!
Buffets present their own special challenge. Use small plates to serve yourself. Stay away from the salad bar with the exception of lettuce and vegetables. The prepared salads are generally very high in calories and fats. Avoid creamy dressings on your salad and choose something light or just olive oil and vinegar instead. Don't add seeds, croutons, or cheese to your salad. Stick to steamed vegetables and the carving station. These will be your healthiest choices. Allow yourself only one small dessert.
Both Chris Jensen & Gailm.davis are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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