Doctor explains whether green tea really helps with weight loss
Does green tea help with weight loss? (Photo: Freepik)
Green tea is being marketed on social media as a "natural Ozempic" — a weight loss drug. A Ukrainian gastroenterologist Yevheniya Belinska explained that this is not entirely accurate.
What is known about green tea
Green tea contains epigallocatechin, which accelerates fat oxidation and affects metabolism. It also stimulates the synthesis of the gut peptide (GLP-1), which influences the pancreas by increasing insulin production after meals and lowering blood sugar levels.
This peptide also affects areas of the brain responsible for hunger sensations, which can help control appetite.
Unlike medications based on semaglutide, the effect of green tea is very short-lived (lasting only a few minutes). Therefore, green tea alone is insufficient for weight loss.
Does it help with weight loss
Green tea indeed has beneficial properties due to the polyphenols in its composition, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but it also contains caffeine.
Therefore, pregnant women are advised not to consume more than two cups per day, while others should ideally not exceed a dose of 3-5 cups.
It's important to remember that excessive consumption of green tea can lead to decreased absorption of iron and other micronutrients.
"While green tea has beneficial properties, it certainly won't have the same effect as weight loss medications," added the gastroenterologist.
Moreover, many claims about green tea and weight loss mention two components of the beverage: caffeine and antioxidants.
Caffeine, in theory, can slightly boost metabolism. However, it's unlikely that this effect will lead to significant weight loss.
As for antioxidants, green tea contains compounds called polyphenols, which may help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. These compounds can improve metabolism and decrease fat absorption in the intestines.
Drawbacks of green tea
Green tea can be harmful when consumed in excess or if you have chronic hypertension, exacerbation of liver, kidney, or gallbladder problems.
The norm for a healthy person is 3-4 cups per day.
Avoid green varieties when taking blood-thinning medications, as this can reduce their effectiveness. Do not combine tea with coffee or energy drinks to avoid putting extra strain on the heart.
This beverage has a diuretic effect; it cleanses the kidneys and helps eliminate excess moisture. However, it also "washes out" micronutrients such as calcium, iron, and magnesium through urine. If tea is consumed excessively, the electrolyte balance can be disrupted, and the body may not be able to replenish losses in time. Therefore, it is important to maintain balance.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
