OUR VOICE

One of the major health issues our society faces today is obesity. In fact, more than half of the American population is overweight or obese. But did you know that one of the most commonly recommended and used herbal supplements to help with weight loss is green tea.

Obesity is associated with several chronic health conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, not to mention diabetes.

Many dietary supplements make use of herbs that have been proven to help with weight loss. One such herb is green tea.

For thousands of years, the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant have been valued by the Chinese as an herbal and medicinal drink. Green tea, according to legend, was believed to be first discovered by no less than an emperor. Chinese Emperor Shennong was reported to have been boiling water when the leaves of a nearby tree fell into his pot. The result was the first pot of green tea.

Like all three of the major Asian teas available, green tea comes from the plant called Camellia sinensis. However, green tea is said to have more potent herbal benefits compared to black tea or oolong tea. This is because the antioxidants naturally occurring in green tea leaves remain intact when it is processed as a tea. Unlike black tea, where the leaves are boiled, green tea leaves are steamed, preventing the full oxidation of the leaves and preserving the natural antioxidants in its original form.

Outside of weight loss, there are other health benefits associated with green tea. One of these benefits is preventing cancer. According to scientific studies, certain substances present in green tea are said to help in the destruction of cancer cells without harming any of the neighboring tissues. This substance is called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, an antioxidant.

Green tea’s EGCG is also helpful in increasing the 24-hour energy expenditure of the body. In a University of Geneva study, green tea was shown to increase the body’s natural energy expenditure by 4%.  People who took green tea in capsules were more likely to use more fat than those who took caffeine or placebo.

Furthermore, green tea is said to greatly help in lowering cholesterol levels in humans. In China, 240 people with high cholesterol levels were given one green tea capsule — equivalent to seven cups of green tea —  everyday for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, those who took green tea reduced their cholesterol levels by 16%, compared to those who took a placebo.

So, whether you’re looking for a way to lose weight or simply increase your good cholesterol, green tea is something you need to consider adding to your diet. Of course, please check with your doctor before adding any supplement (even tea!) to your routine.

Tom Casey
Amy Clark
Angelika Torres
Anthony Zolezzi
Chelsea Vurciaga
Dave Carter
Elizabeth Chatellier, MA, RDN
Linda Bonvie
Liz Latham
Sebrina Zerkus Smith
Guest Voices

Is Hydroponic Farming Organic?

Here at Wild Oats we’re all about organics and informing our community on how to nourish their bodies and minds with the best. In most recent news, it’s hydroponic and aquaponic farming, in fact, this alternative method of producing fruits
READ MORE

Five Thanksgiving Sides Dishes You Need to Try

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and although the talk is all about Turkey, sides might be my favorite part of the entire meal. While on the hunt for some new favorite side dishes, I found these delicious recipes that
READ MORE

Wild Oats Announces Next Step in Affordable Organics Movement

First off, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our amazing customers for their ongoing support as we continue to lead the effort to make affordable organics available to all. As many of you know, Wild Oats has
READ MORE

Eating Versus Drinking Calories: What’s the Difference?

According to researchers, your brain registers liquid calories differently than it does from eating solid foods. For example, say you were to drink a tall glass of orange juice. OJ is naturally high in sugar, and sugar contains calories. An
READ MORE

Lovely White Beans with Rice

Over fifteen years ago, the mother of my first boyfriend taught me how to make the most delicious white beans with rice. White beans add a wonderful body to any rice or pasta dish. This recipe is based on her
READ MORE

Email Signup

Follow Us Online

Latest Posts

Our Bloggers