There has been a lot of talk about the benefits of Green Tea and weight loss. In fact it is used in many weight loss supplements. What makes this ingredient help to increase metabolism and burn fat? Why has it become so popular for not only weight loss but a variety of other health benefits?

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a report that found out that men who were given a combination of caffeine and the tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine. Furthermore the study concluded: "Green tea has thermogenic properties and promotes fat oxidation beyond that explained by its caffeine content per se. The tea extract may play a role in the control of body composition via sympathetic activation of thermogenesis, fat oxidation, or both."

This type of  tea contains high levels of polyphenols, commonly called catechins particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).  The catechins ...   more »