Green tea is frequently talked about in relation to weight loss. But there’s so much more to it than that. As one of the most popular teas worldwide, green tea can help improve your overall wellness in multiple ways. And it’s for this reason that green tea extract is commonly found in supplement aisles. The quality of the extract is also an important consideration. So, should you consider taking it?
In this article, we explore 10 benefits of green tea extract. How can it help with weight loss? What other health advantages does it offer?
10 Green Tea Extract Benefits
It’s important to note that the consumption of excessive amounts of green tea extract is linked to some undesirable symptoms. These include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Thus, it’s always a good idea to discuss the addition of any new supplements with your doctor before diving in headfirst. With that in mind, here are the top 10 benefits of green tea extract.
🍃 Improves Heart Health
Research suggests that green tea may have protective cardiovascular effects. This is largely due to the high catechin content in green tea, which gives way to antioxidant effects; antioxidants help lower inflammation in the body by preventing harm caused by free radicals, a natural byproduct of metabolism.
Now, this can be particularly beneficial for women, specifically those in menopause or post-menopause. For many women, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases post-menopause. In other words, incorporating green tea extract into your daily routine may potentially lower your risk — keeping your heart healthy and happy.
🍃 Reduces Inflammation
The big hype around green tea extract lies primarily in its high antioxidant content. As previously mentioned, antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the body. In turn, this can protect against various diseases, especially those associated with aging.
Scientific studies even go as far as to state that green tea extract may help improve the quality of life of those already diagnosed with an inflammatory disease (or prevent these altogether). Researchers also suggest that inflammation may play a role in the eventual development of breast cancer. So, what does this mean?
Well, taking green tea extract may help keep inflammation at bay. As a result, it may prevent various diseases and illnesses, extending your longevity and health.
🍃 Enhances Cognitive Function
Brain fog is a common complaint for many women during menstruation and menopause. Undeniably, this can be really disruptive, impacting your performance and daily life. However, green tea extract might just help enhance memory and attention capabilities. This is mostly thanks to the caffeine found in this supplement.
On top of this, it may also protect our brain cells from oxidative stress. This means it could help prevent cognitive decline and even Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Lastly, research indicates that green tea may lower the incidences of depression, contributing to overall better mental health, too.
🍃 May Help With Weight Loss
There are no two ways around it: Weight loss requires some form of calorie deficit. And this usually means that sustainable and healthy weight loss often means creating permanent lifestyle and habit changes. However, green tea extract may complement these efforts due to its high catechins and caffeine content.
In particular, green tea extract may enhance a process called thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is when our bodies burn calories to digest food, producing heat. In turn, this can help you burn more calories, creating that necessary calorie deficit.
Additionally, the caffeine in green tea extract may provide you with the energy boost you need to create new habits — such as exercising or eating healthier meals.
🍃 Improves Liver Function
Optimal liver function is important for not just detoxification but also several other necessary processes within our bodies. As we know by now, green tea extract has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. And this can extend to the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Various research further demonstrates how green tea extract may reduce liver enzyme levels, indicating improved liver health.
At the same time, excessive amounts of green tea catechins may be harmful to the liver. Thus, dosage is important. Always follow the instructions on the label. With any other concerns, seek out the advice of your primary healthcare provider.
🍃 May Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Cancer is a scary and, sometimes, devastating diagnosis. As research continues to nail down a cure, using preventative strategies and looking after your overall health is key. Surprisingly, the antioxidants in green tea extract might be part of this strategy — primarily due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
🍃 Enhances Skin Health
Green tea extract can help prevent skin conditions like dermatitis, rosacea, warts, acne, and more. Yet, it can also help prevent skin aging, including reducing inflammation, decreasing damage caused by UV rays, improving skin moisture, and enhancing skin elasticity.
🍃 Improves Exercise Performance & Recovery
Green tea extract may promote improved exercise performance recovery through its antioxidant effects (thanks again to catechins!). The best part? Studies show it has zero side effects. This can be particularly beneficial for those striving to put on muscle, lose weight, or train for a specific event or sport.
🍃 Manages Blood Sugar Levels
Insulin sensitivity can become particularly problematic with age and excess weight. However, catechins in green tea may actually help enhance insulin sensitivity. In turn, this helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the dreaded blood sugar rollercoaster.
This further means it could also help manage mood fluctuations and potentially prevent those mid-afternoon crashes.
🍃 An Easy Addition To Your Daily Routine
Whether you want to improve your general health, lose weight, or reduce your risk of disease, green tea extract is an easy way to add health-boosting antioxidants to your diet. Coming in liquid, powder, and capsule forms, you can mix it into smoothies or take it with a glass of water.
However, always make sure to research a supplement before purchasing. Not all green tea extract supplements are created equal. In particular, check if the green tea extract contains EGCG such as the supplement PAPCLEAR, as this antioxidant is frequently linked to the above health benefits.
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