Green Tea And Weight Loss
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1. Where it comes from: The tea tree (Camellia sinensis) is an evergreen tree native to China, from the same family as the camellia. In the wild, some varieties can reach up to 30 meters in height. The trees are pruned to facilitate the harvest of the highest leaves that have benefited from the best sun. It is from the leaves of the tea tree that we obtain tea.
2. Health benefits: Tea is stimulant and diuretic, beneficial against bad cholesterol. The main antioxidant properties of green tea come from flavonoids and more particularly from EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) which belongs to the family of catechins. Catechins also play a role in protecting DNA. The consumption of green tea is associated with a reduction in heart attacks and a reduction in the risk of certain cancers. Green tea contributes to slimming thanks to its diuretic properties and also because of its high content of catechins and caffeine (also called theine). In addition, green tea stimulates the metabolism, which in turn increases energy expenditure! Alongside a balanced diet, it's the perfect weight loss ally.
3. How to consume green tea: There are hundreds of varieties of green tea, especially in China, which is the main producer. However, Japanese green tea is the most concentrated in catechins and therefore recommended for its effect on weight, but also on health in general. Japanese green tea is not fermented, unlike Chinese green tea, which allows it to further preserve the properties of the plant. Sencha, Bancha, Kabusecha, Tamaryokucha, Tencha (including Matcha) and Gyokuro are all varieties of Japanese green tea. Matcha tea has a reputation for being very concentrated in catechins.
To maximise the extraction of catechins in green tea, it is recommended to brew it at 90°. The longer the tea is infused, the more it will be rich in catechins. But the more bitter it is likely to be because of the tannins that will be released. It's up to you to dose according to your taste.
4. Side effects of green tea: Tea is harmful to iron absorption, especially if it is rich in tannins. Also, it is advisable to drink tea outside of mealtimes.
