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Using The Green Tea Supplement

The Chinese have a long tradition of drinking the green tea dietary supplement. It is claimed that some of the many health benefits of green tea supplements include joint health, better digestion, weight control, and the strengthening of the immune system.

It is scientifically known that green tea extract supplements are rich in catechins which are strong antioxidants. Green tea supplements are 20 times more potent than vitamin C in fighting free radicals and 50 times more effective than ginkgo biloba.

Green tea herbal extract comes from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub. In China and India people traditionally drink green tea to stay alert during long meditations. Because it is a stimulant some believe it reduces the risk of heart attack and helps prevent liver failure. The American College of Nutrition published a 2007 study showing that green tea supplements may boost blood vessel health.

Green teas is also used as a weight loss supplement. The green tea extract has found its way into sports nutrition products because it may increase metabolism and help build muscle. There is a drive to combine B vitamins and a green tea supplement to increase energy without resorting to high fructose corn syrup.

Green tea extract is considered by some as the green weight burner. It is believed to help with thermogenesis, which means increased metabolism that kills off fat. Many products that help burn fat also raise the heart rate. Green tea does not.

The great benefit of these weight loss properties is that there are no side effects. Drugs like ephedra and prescription drugs for obesity tend to increase heart rates or raise blood pressure.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition further confirmed that green tea extract can increase metabolism and fat oxidation of the body. This was not due to the content of the caffeine. In a blind test, it was conclusively shown that green tea extracts have ingredients that interact with each other to promote increased metabolism and fat oxidation. It resulted in weight loss.

Compounds called Flavonoids possibly affect how norepinephrine is used up. It is a hormone that regulates the burning of calories. The combination of these ingredients working together lead to weight loss.

The University of Geneva in its own study of green tea extract on weight loss concluded that green tea weight loss supplement is a healthy choice for anyone sensitive to stimulants or with an afflicted thyroid. The beauty of green tea extract is that it can promote weight loss without over stimulating the adrenal glands.

Green tea extract is usually taken as a brewed tea. One cup contains approximately 50 mg of caffeine and 80 to 100 mg of polyphenol. This is the antioxidant ingredient. When taken in capsule form the concentration can increase between 100 and 750 mg of caffeine. In other words one capsule equals five cups of tea.

A daily value has not been established. The daily suggested dose is 300 to 400 mg. Excessive intake can act as a pro-oxidant that damages the DNA. However less expensive green tea extracts can have only 15% of the polyphenols.

Always consult with your doctor or a certified professional trainer before undertaking any exercises, treatments, or dietary supplements.

The previous article is on Herbal Supplements.

Other wiki resources:  herbal supplements; amino acid; raw food supplements; prenatal vitamins