Want to kick-start your metabolism? Drink green tea!

Green tea contains the following metabolic powerhouse compounds:

1. Catechins: The catechin, EGCG, in green tea inhibits fat storage and boosts metabolism.
2. Caffeine: Enhances fat burning and increases energy expenditure. Green tea differs than coffee in that it also has the calming amino acid, L-theanine, in it. So you get the benefits of caffeine without the anxiety-producing effects.

How Green Tea Boosts Metabolism:

• Thermogenesis: Green tea increases heat production, which improves metabolism and how many calories you burn. In fact, a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that green tea extract increased thermogenesis by 12%.
• Fat oxidation: EGCG helps your body break down fat. The same study mentioned above found that fat oxidation increased by 17%. Participants lost 4.6% body weight over 12 weeks.
• Improves glucose control and insulin sensitivity: Studies show green tea can decrease fasting glucose and HgBA1C and make your insulin work better.

How to Get the Most Out of Green Tea

1. Drink 2-3 cups daily. Matcha is my favorite. It contains at least 3x more EGCG than other types of green tea, and up to 137 times more than some brands.
2. Supplement with green tea extract (EGCG): One capsule of EGCG possesses the phytonutrient content equal to about 2-3 cups of green tea.

Green tea is a natural, sustainable way to boost metabolism, but remember:

• It’s not a magic bullet for weight loss
• Consistency with nutrition and exercise is key!

Resource:

1. Westerterp-Plantenga MS, et al. (2010). Green Tea Catechins, Caffeine and Body Weight. International Journal of Obesity, 34(5), 895–904.