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Willner Chemists: The Nutritional Supplement Professionals
Green Tea Antioxidant Improves Metabolism
and Boosts Energy Efficiency
I
n a recent study, doctors examined the role of ECGC, a
powerful antioxidant substance found in green tea, on
metabolism.
Now, green tea has long been used as a beverage. In recent
years, however, it is increasingly recognized that green tea may
also exert powerful medical and therapeutic properties. In
addition to being sold as a beverage, it is now widely available
as a nutritional supplement, in capsule, tablet and liquid
extract form.
Before discussing the specific actions and benefits looked at
in this study, let’s take a quick overview of the various
conditions green tea is currently used for:
“Orally, green tea is used to improve cognitive performance
and mental alertness. It is also used to treat stomach disorders,
vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Green tea is also used for
depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),
ulcerative colitis, weight loss, osteoporosis, breast cancer,
cervical cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer,
liver cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, and skin cancer related to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation (e.g., sunburn) and other
environmental causes. It is also used for human papilloma
virus (HPV), genital warts, perianal warts, cervical dysplasia,
Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease,
diabetes, hypotension, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), dental
caries, kidney stones, and skin damage.
“Gargling with green tea is used for the prevention of colds
and flu. Green tea extract is used in a mouthwash for
postoperative pain associated with tooth extraction. Topically,
green tea bags are used as a wash to soothe sunburn, as a
poultice for bags under the eyes, as a compress for headache
or tired eyes, and to stop the bleeding of tooth sockets. Green
tea in chewable candy is used for gingivitis. Green tea is also
used topically to prevent skin damage and cancer related to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation (e.g., sunburn) and other
environmental causes. A green tea footbath is used for
athlete’s foot.”
(Natural Medicines Database, Online)
That’s quite an impressive list, and it goes a long way
towards explaining the current popularity of green tea as a
supplement. In this study, the focus is on improving
metabolism, and enhancing energy–certainly an important
function. I think, however, that this may support another
important role of green tea, and I will elaborate on this after
the following recap of the study on metabolism and energy:
“In this review, doctors analyzed eight placebo-controlled
studies covering 268 people who took epigallocatechin gallate
(EGCG), a powerful antioxidant polyphenol in green tea.
Doses ranged from 300 mg to 800 mg per day, in studies
lasting from two days to 12 weeks.
Overall, compared to placebo, people who took EGCG saw
an increase in metabolic rate; meaning more efficient energy
conversion. Discussing the findings, doctors said EGCG can
increase the metabolic rate, even at doses as low as 300 mg
per day.”
(Reference: Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry; May, 2017, Vol.
43, In Progress, 1-10)
When I was associated with a large and reputable herbal
supplement company in France, years ago, I was impressed
with the research and clinical evidence they had accumulated
showing that green tea extract was effective for weight loss. It
was marketed by many companies, and gained a reputation as
an effective weight loss supplement. Additional research as
been published, but not every study has been positive,
perhaps because of variations in the types of preparations
used.
Typically, you will see statement such as the following in the
scientific literature: “There is conflicting evidence about the
effectiveness of green tea for obesity and weight loss. . .”
There is also the question of exactly what the mechanism of
action might be.
Well, maybe this current study sheds some light on that
question. This study seems to show that the ECGC in green tea
increased the metabolic rate, and enhanced the conversion to
energy. Perhaps this is the reason green tea extracts promote
weight loss?
Results May Explain Green Tea’s
Role in Weight Loss
Here are some examples of Green Tea extract
supplements in the PhytoTech™ line:
PhytoTech™ Green Tea Guo
A rich source of phyto-antioxidants, including
EGCG, the list of research-proven health
benefits of Green Tea continues to grow.
1 fl oz - Regular Flavor
Product Code: 56944
2 fl oz - Regular Flavor
Product Code: 57098
1 fl oz - Peach Flavor
Product Code: 56998
90 Veggie Caps
Product Code: 60126
The
Phyto-Tech™ Green Tea Guo
formulas
contain Whole Green Tea Leaf and Green
Tea Extract, standardized at 90%
polyphenols, 50% EGCG. such that one
dropper full has the same antioxidant content
as 10 cups of regular green tea. In addition,
the product is sweetened with natural stevia
and the popular Chinese herb, Luo Han Guo.
Luo Han Guo is considered a longevity
booster, and is commonly used for numerous
health problems in China
“
To sustain life, the body converts digested food into
energy to fuel the cells, build proteins and other
essential molecules, and eliminate waste. This conversion
cycle is called metabolism. An efficient, well-regulated
metabolism keeps the body in energy balance.”
