Green Tea-A little something to add to your diet

     Catechins are a group of antioxidants which have been shown to help burn fat cells.  In a 2012 study from the Journal of Functional Foods (an official scientific journal of the International Society for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods which "aims to bring results of fundamental and applied research in functional foods ie: those containing various factors to ensure or enhance health and their development and commercialization in food products") it was shown that green tea enriched with catechin "may' reduce fat levels.  

     Polyphenols are a chemical that act as antioxidants and Green Tea contains between 30 and 40%, black tea contains only 3 and 10% and Oolong, a combination of both, falls somewhere in the middle.  The more fermentation of the tea the less Catechins, making the order highest to lowest Green, Oolong then Black, Black having the highest amount of caffeine as well. 

   The 2012 study showed drinking 1 and a half cups of "enriched" Green tea lowered visceral fat levels significantly, not seen in the control group.  The amount of Catechins in Green tea is 609 milligrams where as store bought Green tea "not enriched" is less than 1/2 so you would need to double your intake. 

     Remember a healthy diet and regular exercise are necessary for lasting weight loss adding Green tea doesn't mean add the donut and cake, and it's benefits go beyond just the shown visceral fat loss.   
So adding a little Green tea to your diet may just help you more than you thought but make sure to read what you buy, looking for "enriched Green tea" to get the full benefits. Now that's its summer make an Iced Green tea and enjoy!