Health benefits that have always been associated with green tea are many and it is incredible that it also helps in weight loss. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study carried out recently which revealed that extract found in green tea increases fat oxidation and metabolism in the body. Scientists believe that theoretically extracts in green tea lead to weight loss since they contain caffeine, but the study had results, which indicated that the extracts lead to greater weight loss than caffeine. As part of the experiment, the scientists administered nothing else but a dosage of caffeine similar to the one in the tea extracts and noted that it made no significant change in how the body spent its energy. They therefore concluded that the extracts in green tea contain ingredients, which help them to interact and increase fat oxidation and metabolism resulting in weight loss.

Additional findings showed that green tea extract contained a particular compound known as flavonoid. These compounds, as it was noted were the ingredients that led to weight loss by altering how the body makes use of norepienphrine, which is a hormone responsible for monitoring how calories are burnt. Interaction between ingredients from green tea extracts and flavonoids results in more calories being burnt which increases weight loss.

Catechin polyphenols is another ingredient, which leads to weight loss. This compound interacts with several ingredients from other tea extracts and promotes weight loss through burning of fat and thermogenesis (the process where daytime heat causes energy loss).

Weight loss, which comes because of using extracts from green tea, has no side effects. Unlike some of the herbal products such as ephedra and common prescription drugs used to treat obesity, extracts from green tea do not affect the blood pressure or heart rate. The extract is therefore a safer and more effective alternative to other products, which are used for weight loss but are harmful to the user.

This study carried out at Geneva also showed that thyroid patients also benefit from using extracts from green tea. Lynn Moss a dietician discovered that these tea extracts are a healthier option for those suffering from thyroid and are over sensitive to stimulant use. The advantage of tea extract over other products is that it increases metabolism promoting weight loss but does not lead to over stimulation of adrenal glands.

Green tea is a common beverage throughout Asia but in recent times, it has become popular in western countries. Further researches were done to verify if extracts from green tea had additional health benefits apart from those related to weight loss. The scientists found out that some compounds contained in green tea extracts reduce significantly risks of cancer, ulcers and heart disease.