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.