Green tea is well known for its many health benefits related to its high content of antioxidant components. Although we will always recommend that you enjoy the experience of having a good tea and, incidentally, take advantage of its benefits, you should know that green tea extract can offer you those same virtues.
Now, do you know what exactly green tea extract is and what people usually take it for? Is it also good for losing weight? Find out in which situations to take green tea extract and why more and more people are using it as a food supplement.
What is green tea extract?
Green tea extract as a mixture prepared from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is rich in antioxidant components. It is worth noting that all teas, that is, infusions that are prepared from the leaves and other parts of said plant, contain polyphenols and flavonoids, two substances with antioxidant properties that fight against oxidative stress, preventing different degenerative diseases.
In this way, it is easy to infer that green tea extract is a concentrate of antioxidants and other beneficial substances present in green tea, which is used to prevent and treat different conditions.
Generally, a dose of the extract provides the same amount of nutrients as a cup of green tea. Without a doubt, it is really concentrated.
What is green tea extract used for?
As you can imagine, the extract provides the same benefits as green tea, although much less consumption is needed to enjoy these properties. Below, we list its main health effects:
1. Helps lose weight
Green tea is famous for its properties to help lose weight. A study pointed out that the catechins and caffeine in green tea help speed up metabolism, facilitate fat synthesis and fat burning.
On the other hand, various studies have found a positive relationship between green tea extract supplement consumption and weight loss. In article found that men who ingested green tea extract before exercising burned 17% more fat than those who did not. This suggests that green tea could maximize the effects of physical exercise.
2. Control cholesterol
Did you know that it has been shown that green tea and its extract can help reduce LDL cholesterol (the “bad”) in the blood? This is important for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, since both high cholesterol and hypertension are two of the main markers of heart attack risk.
For this reason, if your cholesterol levels are high, your doctor will probably advise you to incorporate green tea extract into your daily life.
3. Improves glucose metabolism
Another of the most common uses of green tea extract is to control blood glucose values. As it is a concentrated substance, a smaller intake regulates blood sugar levels in the same way as several cups of green tea a day.
4. Relaxes and allows you to fall asleep more easily
Natural medicine recommends the consumption of this extract to those who suffer from anxiety, stress and insomnia, due to the relaxing properties of L-theanine. This green tea amino acid has antidepressant and neuroprotective activity.
Also, it is good to know that caffeine-free green tea extract exists. If you are sensitive to this substance, you will be interested.
5. Prevents premature aging
Green tea extract has a proportionally higher percentage of antioxidants, including catechins, substances that prevent premature aging of the skin and organs.
6. Eliminate bacteria
Green tea is also often recommended to eliminate bacteria, for example those that live in the mouth and cause cavities or gum problems. Green tea concentrates are used to prevent and treat these diseases.
7. Diuretic effect
Green tea extract is also recommended in the case of fluid retention since, according to experts, it increases the elimination of fluids and toxins.
8. Improve concentration
Another benefit of consuming green tea extract is its positive impact on concentration and memory. This is due to the combination of theine and L-theanine.
Both components allow long-term neuronal stimulation, which increases concentration time, thus being a good idea for exam times or when extra energy is needed.
When to take green tea extract?
It is best to consult your doctor before starting regular use of any supplement to find out how it suits your situation and if there are any possible contraindications.
In particular, green tea extract is recommended in cases of:
- Lack of energy and drowsiness.
- Insomnia (caffeine-free versions)
- Anxiety and/or depression.
- High cholesterol and/or blood sugar values.
- Fluid retention.
- Weight loss or adequate weight control.
- Prevention of diseases and premature aging.
If you want to benefit from all the properties of green tea but you do not have the possibility of preparing it at work, do not hesitate and ask about the consumption of its extract. It’s as easy as taking a capsule!