When the pounds are not coming off and our willpower is not strong enough, we often try to look for a shortcut. This is when you start asking yourself “do green tea supplements work for weight loss?” The answer is no!
So save your money, and don’t fall into the marketing ploy that claims that green tea supplements are “fat burners.” If you want to lose weight, there’s nothing better than good old-fashioned diet and exercise!
However, if you decide to take green tea supplements for their other health benefits, continue reading as I’ll go over what those benefits are. And I’ll break down what exactly is in green tea that makes it a superfood!
Do Green Tea Supplements Work For Weight Loss?
Studies do not show green tea supplements to be very effective. Green tea pills are not a miracle supplement. If they were, everyone would be taking them and still indulging in cookies and ice cream daily.
“Green tea preparations appear to induce a small, statistically non-significant weight loss in overweight or obese adults.”
National Library of Medicine
In other words, you are not going to see a massive change on the scale by just taking green tea supplements. And more is not better. There have been cases reported of people having liver damage from taking them. These supplements can contain unsafe amounts of milligrams(mg) of green tea extract.
However, just like most things, when taken in moderation it should be fine. Consult your doctor for a dosage that is safe for you.
How Do Green Tea Pills Actually Work?
Did you know that 3000 years ago, people in Southeast Asia chewed leaves for enjoyment and benefits? The use of green tea dates back that far and remains one of the most common teas in the world.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients first to understand how green tea pills work and if they fit into your wellness plan.
- B Vitamins – B1, B2, and niacin help your body process carbohydrates. B vitamins promote better digestion, too!
- Vitamin C – Green tea has tons of vitamin C. It is the ingredient that helps fight disease and prevents the formation of melanin.
- Caffeine – We all know about this one. It gives our coffee a kick and provides energy. However, while it is a stimulant, caffeine gives green tea its calming properties.
- Vitamin E — It is the vitamin that fights the aging process.
- Saponins — Green tea have these natural anti-inflammatories.
- Tannins — It is what gives green tea its taste. Tannins also have antioxidant and antibacterial properties that detoxify, too.
- Alkalinity — Potassium, calcium, nickel, and molybdenum are all properties of green tea and have plenty of benefits.
While weight loss is not a benefit of green tea supplements, they have tons of ingredients that promote wellness and do good things for your body.
Download this cheat sheet to learn the secrets to go from busy and out-of-shape to energetic and fit!
Are Green Tea Capsules As Effective As The Tea?
When it comes to weight loss, green tea supplements might have an edge. The first thing to understand is that green tea supplements don’t have added sugar or cream that we sometimes put in our liquid tea. And if you are having several cups of tea in a day, those calories alone can put a damper in your weight loss schedule.
Secondly, research points to the fact that you absorb more antioxidants from taking the supplement than drinking the tea. The difference is not huge by any means, but every little bit helps when using them in tandem with workouts and a healthy diet.
But before you run out to buy a green tea supplement, I recommend that you take the time to research the specific brand you are considering. The truth is, not all of them are equal, and you want to avoid those with unnatural ingredients.
What Is The Best Time To Take Green Tea Extract For Weight Loss?
The best times to take green tea extract depends on what you are using it for. I also advise that you check the label of any supplement for directions.
The general recommendation is that you take the green tea extract a good bit before you eat because it can interfere with the nutrients you absorb from your meals. Although some brands recommended that you take the capsule with a meal.
It is also great before a workout because its anti-inflammatory qualities go a long way towards reducing muscle damage.
Keep in mind that it does have caffeine, so you want to avoid taking it near bedtime. You need plenty of sleep on your weight loss journey, too.
What Is The Best Green Tea Supplement For Weight Loss?
Most green tea extracts claim to do the same things, such as:
- Metabolism support
- Super antioxidant (supports healthy cells and healthy fat oxidation)
- Brain function
- Easy energy (No one likes the jitters!)
When choosing a green tea supplement, you might have additional requirements. For example, gluten-free and vegan-friendly capsules are not always a choice; or you might have specific allergies that may cause adverse reactions.
Remember to consult your physician and read the labels to understand which is the best green tea supplement for you. Here are some brands that you might want to try:
- Bulk Supplements Green Tea Extract
- Hard Rhino Pure Green Tea Extract
- NutriGold Green Tea Gold
Conclusion
It may be tempting to turn to supplements for weight loss, but they just don’t work in the end. If you want to lose weight, stay in a calorie deficit by exercising more and eating a healthy plant-based diet.
However, you might still want to take green tea supplements for their other benefits. Just be careful about how much you consume because they can have negative side effects.
For my general take on supplements for weight loss, check out my blog post “Are Supplements Necessary For Weight Loss? 9 Do’s And Don’ts!”
Have you ever tried green tea supplements before? And if so, did you notice any health benefits?
Lily
Hi, I'm Lily! Like you, I have struggled with my weight. It was not an easy journey but I was able to lose 40 pounds and have kept it off for 14 years. My goal is to share with you all the research, tips, and tricks that I have learned over the years to help you lose weight also.Download this cheat sheet to learn the secrets to go from busy and out-of-shape to energetic and fit!