Yes, green tea makes you lose weight. No, having it in the form of ice cream or noodles does not count. Neither does wearing green tea perfume. Or dropping green tea scented bath bombs in your ‘tub. That’s because the weight-loss benefits are in the epigallocatechin gallate (a.k.a. EGCG, a health-boosting antioxidant) found in green tea. Not the green tea flavour.
A fact that makes you wonder what other myths surround this potent superfood? Like whether green tea extract is effective? Or whether temperature affect its potency? Time to round up the health and wellness experts to spill the real scoop.
Green tea vs black tea: Why does it matter?
To begin with, all kinds of tea – black and green – are picked from a leafy green shrub in the same family as Camellia plants (Camellia sinensis). However, to make black tea, the new leaves are fermented and cured. This breaks down most of its active compounds.
Green tea, on the other hand, is prepared by lightly steaming the leaves after picking. This not only preserves the active compounds, it also destroys the enzymes that would break them down rapidly.
Why go green?
Green tea has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to facilitate digestion, help heal wounds, promote heart health, stabilise blood sugar, improve digestion and boost mental function.
Now, this ancient tradition also has a strong scientific grounding with thousands of studies proving that green tea contains antioxidants (that are up to eight times more powerful than vitamin C) and other substances that help lower cholesterol and protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, gum disease, and bacterial and viral infections.
It also helps calm the nervous system by reducing levels of the stress hormones Cortisol and epinephrine, while countering the toxic effects of smoking.
What about weight loss? Is there any science behind this claim?
Yes. Several actually: green tea has been shown to inhibit lipolysis, the process by which dietary fats (triglycerides) are broken down in the body. Inhibition of the breakdown of triglycerides prevents absorption of the fat, thereby ensuring you don’t gain much weight.
Besides this, the catechins in green tea inhibit an important enzyme – catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) – that speeds up the metabolism, thereby stepping up the calorie burn.
Do you get the same benefits with flavoured green teas?
The addition of flavours like pomegranate, apple, cranberry etc do not reduce the benefits of green tea. However, if the flavouring includes sugar, the additional calories will certainly cancel out the green tea’s weight loss potential.
What about iced green tea?
Chemically speaking, there is no difference between hot green tea and its iced version. However, keep in mind that iced teas are usually over-diluted with water, which impacts their effectiveness.
Does the brand or variety of green tea matter?
Absolutely! There can be a difference in the quality of tea leaves and the number of additional, unnecessary ingredients that may mess up your green tea’s powers. To reap the maximum benefits, look for brands that use all-natural ingredients and have no artificial preservatives. Also, try and opt for these 2 varieties of green tea whenever possible:
- Matcha: The green tea leaves are ground into a fine powder, which you can whisk into water for tea. Since you consume the actual leaves, you get more antioxidants than from other green teas.
- Hojicha: Made from green tea leaves that are roasted until they’re dark brown. Because it’s picked at the end of the season and roasted at a higher heat than other teas, hojicha contains lower levels of caffeine.
Can green tea go bad?
It won’t really spoil but the fresher the better. Loose tea and tea bags usually hold their antioxidant potency for up to 6 months.
What’s the best way to brew a cup of green tea?
Ideally, skip the tea bag and opt for fresh leaves. That’s because, with green tea, you want to pour hot water directly over the leaves to extract their essence. Using a tea bag reduces the potency of the chemical reaction.
If bagged tea is the only option, cut open the bag and pour water over the contents directly. As for the brewing bit itself, don’t let the water come to a full boil. Instead, pour the water over the tea right before it boils and then let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes.
How much green tea should I have every day?
According to scientists, the optimal “dosage” is 3-5 cups of green tea daily.
If I’m not in a “tea mood,” will a green tea extract do the trick?
Yes. In fact, depending on the concentration of the formula, 1 ml of green tea extract can equal the benefits of drinking 8-10 cups of antioxidant-rich green tea.
Also read: The right way to drink red wine for weight loss
Are you a green tea drinker? Which variety do you prefer?
Miranda @ Slashed Beauty says
Thanks for sharing this post! I’m such a tea junkie and recently discovered the goodness of loose leaf teas. I’m definitely going to be picking up some Matcha soon!!
Ethang93 says
Where can I buy matcha?
Christy says
I like to buy it from amazon. Just make sure the matcha is from Japan and not China. Chinese matcha tend to have high lead content. Also, make sure to buy ceremonial grade and not culinary grade or else it will be really bitter to drink.
This is the brand that I’m currently using: amazon.com/shops/harumatcha
Helen says
Thank you for the tip, I looked it up and ordered it. I can’t wait to try it. I read everything about this brand and seems like a really good high end quality brand and all the reviews were 5 star perfect helpful reviews.. I am actually interested in trying this to help me in weight loss.. Do you drink this for weight loss purpose or just for the natural nutrient properties? I have been searching for a really good organic green tea but looks like I got lucky in finding your comment on here and got something even better than what I was looking for. Thanks again for sharing….;)))
ashwini says
Is the green tea helping u to lose weight ???
Merle Symonds says
So, I’ve actually found a bit of success with herbal teas. Hibiscus is a good one you can find at your local grocery store most likely. I know mine has it and for cheap. Another one I came across is Red Tea. It actually tastes good. I’ve always been partial to fruit teas and once you acquire a liking for them, you’ll prefer it over juice (cut that sugar out).
A good brand of red tea you can actually find here –> http://bit.ly/30Si43a
Ilori Oyinkansola says
So I can’t add sugar or milk
anubha says
You can add both but they will contribute to the calorie count… that’s all.
Niloufer says
I don’t really like green tea, but I can see that it has numerous benefits. What do you mean by Green Tea extract. Where would I get it, and how do you imbibe it?
TJ says
Hi Anubha!
I have to agree with you. Green tea really is great, not jut for weight loss.
I already know most of what you have written (because I wrote a post myself a few days ago), but I didn’t know about Hojicha and Matcha. Thanks for sharing!
meredith says
is there a matcha brand you recommend?
anubha says
One of my favorites is Do Matcha (www.domatcha.com)… it’s really good 🙂 🙂
Helen says
Thanks for the product referral but a bit too expensive for my budget. However, I do have a question….What is the difference between matcha tea and regular green tea? Isn’t it the same thing but in different form?
Marva pearson says
Can I get the correct way to drink green Yea for weight loss. I used a little sugar with lemon juice. Is this the correct way
Pravallika says
No, Sugar will have fat in it. If you want to lose weight try using honey[be careful and watch-out for added sugar] or just plain tea.
Emlilia says
Sugar is a carb, So no fat at all in sugar, But carbs are 4 calories per gram.
Honey isn’t great for weight loss, it’s very on par with sugar (there are 6 grams of sugar per teaspoon honey), I’d try an artificial sweetner if you need to take the edge off! 🙂
Helen says
FYI, carb is suger.
Helen says
My first comment was in error that isn’t what I meant to say in reference to ” no fat in sugar”? That is incorrect, sugar is a carb and of course both sugar and carb turns into fat. However, there are also such thing as a good fat but if you’re talking about sugar, that is bad fat. Sugar and carbs both do turn into bad fat.
DR. Aledare says
how best can i use lipton green tea for weight loss
SBOBET says
I drink green tea and relax.
green tea and a smoothie- wow i love this!
springlin says
Thanks for sharing some easy tips to help me in losing my weight. As doctor suggested me to lose my weight because i am having some health issues due to my weight and after reading your post i am happy to know that by green tea will help me more in losing my weight. So from now onward i will start drinking 3 cups in a day.
Thanks once again and keep posting.
richa says
How about organic by fab India ,Lipton and twinning. As they are easily available
Lesa Thomas says
This blog is very nice. You shared very informative story about green tea.
Really, green tea helps for weight loss.
Those want a losing their weight, your story helps them.
Thanks
Shoneka Banfield says
What brand of Green Tea Extract should I buy and where could I purchase it also how much to take daily? How to prepare it, could it be mixed with other beverages?
Jerry says
I’ve been drinking three cups of green tea daily. What I do is dilute one cup of green tea with a half gallon of water … well 8oz of green tea (Bigelow) into a 59oz container (almost half gallon) and fill the rest with filtered water.
I also add one teaspoon of sugar, not artificial sweeteners.
Anyway, this has been my way to make drinking a gallon+ of water a day more palatable.
Not sure if anyone else has done this, but the tea doesn’t loose much flavor at all, and I get the benefit of drinking a lot of water. What do you think? Good idea, pros, cons?
Great article, I will try brewing without the teabags next.
KINZA says
i want to whether teabags have same benefits or not as i have started using Lipton Mint green tea bags.? please let me know that will help in reducing weight or not?
thanks
Hetal says
Thanks for the information. Wanted check if husband does is right or not.
I make green tea in the morning he consumes half of it in morning and other half, once he is back from work in the evening.
Any harm in this behavior?
Barbara says
I hsve been sourcing my green tea leaves from a supplier in Pakistan its s lovely loose leaf tea ..and have been drinking it rekegiously for over a tear now..together with watching my diet snd lits if exercise I have lost almost 100lbs.. I swesr my thd overall health brnefits of Green Tea btw I turn 50 this year and so far no illnesses…Thsnk You God
shannon says
What is the name of this tea? and how do you prepare it to drink?
Shannon says
@ Barbara
what is the name of the green tea you use?
Sukhneet says
Hi Barbara, can you tell us what the name of tea and what is best timing to drink tea ?? Thx
reid says
where to get
Anupama @ Healthy Mortal says
Green Tea is not the yummiest of drinks but I made a variation out of it.
Added Cranberry Spitzer version to it and I am drinking it almost everyday now. Here is what I used:
Green Tea Bags- 4
Cranberry juice- ½ cup
Seltzer (Chilled)- 3 cups
Sugar- 1/3 cup
Water- 1/3 cup
I would love to know if you liked it too!
Naveenkaushal says
I used Lipton tea bag with half lemon and half teaspoon of honey and I take it with empty stomach. Is it good to add Honey and lemon?. Plz suggest.
prachi rajput says
Hello,
i am beginner for green tea… i want to know what is the right time to drink green tea , i googled green tea can drink 3 times in a day….but what time before breakfast or after break fast, before lunch or after lunch before dinner or at sleeping time ….i am totally confused please suggest me what is right to have green tea i want to use for weight loose. which green tea is best
Sukhneet says
Hi prachi, as mine opinion if you looking weight loose though out , green tea we have to drink 3 time it’s correct,, after meals , make sure after dinner drink before 2 hour off to bed , coz might it’s effect your sleeping time !!
Debirah says
I’m INTRESTED in trying Matcha
My question looking to loose a few pounds how much do I have to drink daily which products do I need and how long before I would see results??
hamayun says
your article is so informative thanks
Mell says
Like you all know green is not the tastiest of teas, I enjoy drinking Mint Green tea. If you have not tried it please do, its like a match made in heaven, the mint takes off the edge of harsh tasting green tea and also provides you with extra benefits. I’m hoping to drink up to 4 cups a day to see if i can lose some inches around the waist LOL (please work please work)
Jen says
I have minimum 5 cups of green tea, everyday for the last 3 months and have lost kg thus far. I read in order to maintain your ideal goal weight, kne should have 3 cups daily. I use the Lipton green tea brand, the one with lemon. I don’t havd sugar or milk. Your taste bhds takes 17 days to sdjust, so hang in there if it tastes yucky at first.
Jen says
Sorry I lost 10kg in 3 months
Demi diva says
Hi Jen, do you also watch your diet and exercise regularly? Would love to know! Thanks!
Pooja says
Is it 10 Kgs, in 3 months? Wow…with 3 cups daily. I will also go for it.
Sandy says
Hi Jen
We have something in common. I also drink Lipton green tea and I just discovered this morning that I had lost 7kg in 5 months. so we must be doing something right.
Vinita says
Hii….
Can you please tell me what is the right time to take green tea
it should take after meal or before meal
Sona says
You should take green tea Atleast 1 -2 hour after having meal . Otherwise it interfares with iron absorption.
Lana says
I have never tried taking green tea, although it’s always been on my mind as something that I should add in the stack to help with anxiety and depression. Time to stop procrastination and take massive action.
Greta says
What about green tea pills do they work instead of drinking tea?
Enamul says
Green tea is best for weight loss?
Marianela says
I love green tea =) It’s packed with immune boosters and antioxidants. It’s weight loss effects is even greater when paired with proper exercise.
Vini says
I have not tried green tea yet……what flavour i have use for glowing skin…..pls can anybody telll
Sonu says
Can we drink green tea and normal tea
esther says
adakusther@gmail.com. I love this post. Pls can I use Lipton green tea. for weight loss. I don’t know where to get matcha here in Nigeria. thanks
Jennifer garcia says
When do i drink green tea for weight loss?before breakfast or after breakfast?before meal or after meal?thank u to those who can help me answering in my question
swarnali das. says
It is good for healthy @glowing skin.also helps about weight reduce.☺sorry to say,i am not totally release from my heavy weight.
MsGayathri says
Tea with lemon is good for healthy glowing skin. Avoid sugar and honey. Or mix a bit of sugar, instead of honey in a large thermos or bottle of water to make iced tea. Ice dilutes the strength of the green tea.
Lipton and other name brands are ok, but cut the bag open and filter the hot water on top of it for more potency.
I drink a black tea with honey and lemon at 4:30 for a pick me up drink. No snacks. Avoid snacking all together, as it looses the need to loose weight. Good luck to all. Plain green tea with lemon is tolerable. Plain green tea is slightly bitter.
Lorraine says
Is green tea as effective if you add milk?
Nidhi says
No dear if you will add milk then it will resuce the effectiveness of green tea to much extent it won’t be called gree tea then but just tea.
zareen rani says
I’m just starting to use green tea and I guess I can really feel my weight loss is lost my dimples because of being fat but I finally got them back thanks to green tea.
noreen says
green tea should be drank 20 min after each meal
sai says
sir, what is the right time to drink green tea in night bed time?? ..just before bed time or 1 hour before bed time??
Diksha says
Thanks for the tips! I was curious about having green tea but didn’t knew whether it is really that much helpful or not especially the cold tea. But, you made me get rid of this confusion.
Thanks
ankitha says
will green tea helpful for weight loss if it is taken with sugar ?
Mukesh says
I can easily drink up to 1-2 cups a day, I haven’t seen any weight loss but I feel energetic and feel more focused.
Mekhla says
I get super confused with green tea brands. I have like 3 types of green tea leaves gifted by my friends and all taste a little different. All are authentic yet so different.
Merjim Rivero says
Hello Good day!
I am a beginner of a green tea drinker’s , I just want to ask if what is the best time of drinking a green tea , since I am a beginner and I want to lose my weight specifically to lessen my belly fats. I read a few comments here in this post and I am thinking to try this easy way. I am so depressed for having my belly problems now 🙁
I am looking forward for those upcoming comments and It will such a highly appreciated to me.
THANK YOU AND GODBLESS.
Lovelyn says
tanks for al d information.I Wil try green tea but I doubt if I will get mitcha here in Nigeria.will look for lipton green tea.
if u pour hot water on d empty bags 4 more potency,Wil u filter it or drink it like that.
Ammad Ali says
Thanks for sharing such a great post. Yes this is perfect and right way to use Green tea.
I love green tea. I also recommend others to use green tea for wait loss.
ramakrishnan says
Thanks for sharing such useful tips for weight loss.
Arya says
Knowing about green leaf is a knowledge scope for me. I am visiting your blog for the first time and really liked your work. Very informative article. I would try on myself.
Shirley says
When you want to lose without doing much exercise, Green tea is the best option. Plus it helps you to boost your immunity. My suggestion just add a tea spoon of honey and lemon for faster results.
Milon Kumar says
Does this need to be made with a specific matcha powder?
I have Tenzo Tea’s organic matcha but a lot of them look the same
https://tenzotea.co/pages/wholesale-matcha-green-tea-bulk
Ankita Srivastav says
I have to agree with you. Green tea really is great for weight loss. Green tea has numerous benefits. Thanks for sharing such useful tips for weight loss.
Kavita Mevada says
How Many cups of green tea a day is a common question for everyone who likes this tea.
Kavita Mevada says
How Many cups of green tea a day is a common question for everyone who likes this tea. thanks for sharing, appreciate it.
Daniel Voyles says
There has been a lot of talk about the reasons why you should be using green tea to help you improve your health, but a lesser known fact is that is that green tea can actually help you burn calories as well. Before you decide to stop your diet and quit exercising, you must realize that green tea alone is merely an aid to help you lose weight.
Green tea is only a weight loss aid, it’s merely meant to help you shed pounds, it’s not going to do all the work for you so how can green tea help you lose weight? It’s really pretty simple. Green tea contains caffeine as a stimulant because caffeine naturally helps you burn extra calories. Most drinks that contain caffeine are usually full of calories of their own.
Ryer says
Thank you Daniel,
The weight loss from green tea is probably immeasurable. But if you replace green tea from other high calorie drinks you will see the pounds shed from a calorie deficit. 70 percent of your diet determines if you are either over weight or under weight. I have lost 20 lbs and today is the first time I decided to drink green tea.
I feel sorry for people who are over weight and trapped. Don’t think that green tea is a magic drink that will get you there. Just healthy choices and discipline. There are a ton of diet programs to go and try. You just have to find the right one for you.
Weight Loss says
I really like the article shared by you about green tea. My sister has used green tea and it helped her to achieve her weight loss goal. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Bruno Pereira says
You’ve really got it all covered with this article! Did you know that green tea may help improve your lifespan as well? So, not only do you get to look great, but you may just get to live longer as well. How cool is that?
Rabi Adan says
Yes, rich anti oxidants improves longevity of human life.
Rabi Adan says
Why no benefits of green tea for skin?
I know this is an article for weight loss. In a beauty site without beauty tips of green tea scratched my mind.
This is a super good guide for green tea. Explained everything from basic. Cool !
thecrafty-woman says
Can green tea really help you lose weight?
Birmingham weight loss clinic says
Thanks for the inspiration, and giving us girls some hope. Very information article.
Paige says
I really enjoyed your article on drinking green tea for weight loss. I haven’t been drinking green tea as much since I am more of a chai/cinnamon kind of tea person, however after reading about its weight loss, detox, and health purposes I may need to do the switch! I have seen some green tea matcha mixes before and I really enjoy matcha, do you think that will give the same weight loss results as well?
Pinki Patel says
I think this can help!!
Start your day with hot lemon water & Workout.
Drink daily 5 liters of water With Vegan Meal Plan.
Eat healthy home items only With Vegan Meal Plan
Day 1: Vegan Meal Plan with Hot Water and Fruits only
Day 2: Green Tea and Vegetable With Vegan Meal Plan
Day 3: Vegan Meal Plan with Both Vegetable and Fruits
Day 4: Vegan Meal PlanWhole day Banana and Milk
Day 5: Brown Rice with Vegetable and Fruits Only Vegan Meal Plan
myra says
really too good information sharing.
thanks!!!
Talitha Twilight says
Wow. This has so many comments! I just wanted to add my own little advice for people who don’t enjoy green tea without sugar or honey: firstly get a GOOD QUALITY tea and second, make sure Jasmine (flowers, not extract or flavoring) are added. It’s fine if it’s from China if it’s truly organic (many advertised as such are not). I recommend Butterfly brand, I’m loose leaf only. Also, white tea (including white jasmine tea) is really lovely and has less caffeine and a lighter flavor and is good for evening and for those who don’t tolerate caffeine well. You can get white jasmine tea in rolled “pearls” which I personally love. A brand that’s not too high that I get is Harney and Sons. They come in bags but you can cut them open. As for matcha, I have tried many brands and so far I stick with Ocha and Co. They’re the best I’ve found! Make sure the water isn’t too hot or it will be bitter and you’ll damage the tea in all aspects. I lived in Fujian province, PRC, the tea – and especially Jasmine tea – capital of the world! I learned to love tea there. 🙂 Cheers. Oh, and for bottled jasmine tea, I love Master Kang’s brand.
Abdullah says
Really it was so useful information thank you so much. I’m really impressed with your writing abilities.
Jennie says
For weight loss , you need to do lots of exercise and follow many diet plans and lots of hacks which you are following. But you know what is the most powerful hack for weight loss is that you need to drink warm water at least 5 litre per day than you will get a good result. We have try to give you the good product which is hot water bottle which will help you to drink warm water for the day .
sugmy says
Thanks for Sharing
Nadeem Sajjad says
well said, Caffeine is helpful in burning fat and improving exercise performance,