Copyright 2005 Arina Nikitina

Green tea has been highly valued in Asia for centuries for it's medical properties. In the recent years green tea benefits caught the attention of western scientists. Alongside with confirming many of the green tea benefits scientists indicated that green tea can also help you lose weight.

During their research they've made an amazing discovery. Even though green tea did contain caffeine it have not change the energy expenditure nor it have significantly change a heart rate.

That led to a conclusion that green tea helps to lose weight naturally and safely. In this respect, green tea or green tea extract is different from most of the prescription drugs for obesity or herbal products like ephedra, which can raise heart rates and blood pressure, and are not recommended for many individuals sensitive to stimulants.

The secret of such influence on the body lays in high concentrations of catechin polyphenols. These compounds work with other chemicals to intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis, where heat is created in the body by burning fuels such as fat. Green tea causes carbohydrates to be released slowly.

This prevents sharp increases of insulin in your blood (insulin stimulates the transformation of fatty acids into fat molecules which are stored as fat droplets). As the result fat is burned faster without being "locked" in the fat sells. I want you to remember that even a small effect can go a long way when you are dealing with your metabolism. For example, just by drinking one cup of tea a day or by taking green tea extract in the form of supplement you will burn about an extra 78 calories. This adds up to over 28,000 calories in a year. Which is about 8 extra pounds of weight.

There is also clear evidence that green tea's polyphenols (EGCG) helps depressing leptin (a protein produced by fats that plays an important role in how the body manages fat storage through brain signals). Lower leptin levels decrease the appetite. It means that you will get that "I'm full!" felling faster and as a result consume less food.

It is quite certain that green tea is now holding promise in various areas of weight loss. Drink a cup of your favorite green tea every day and lose those extra pounds easier and faster. Good luck!

Arina Nikitina is the owner of the website GreenTeaSecrets.com, where you'll find a lot of free information about green tea, learn how green tea can benefit to your health and how it can help you lose weight. Visit: http://www.greenteasecrets.com