Here is why green tea is an elixir for weight loss
Are you looking to shed weight but clueless about how to start? Green tea may come to your rescue. The growing health consciousness in the past few years has pushed green tea consumption to the centre stage of a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, the global health concern of obesity has led to a surge in the consumption of green tea. Tea connoisseurs are much more well-informed today than in yesteryears and are replacing sugary versions of black tea with healthier options. What was perceived as just one flavour is today a treasure trove of unique flavours and concoctions. Hence green tea is not just a beverage; it is an elixir for weight loss and the key to wellness.
According to a legend, green tea originated in China during the reign of Emperor Shennong. It became popular in Japan in 1190 AD when a Zen priest who returned to China after studying Buddhism brought tea plant seeds and bushes to his homeland.
Like all teas, green tea is also derived from the dried leaves of the tea plant- Camelia Sinensis. However, it is the least oxidised tea type due to its shortest drying period of 1-2 days. This results in it being a bounty of nutrients and antioxidants, which are known to confer a plethora of health benefits.
Green tea has several properties which aid weight loss. It contains 30% polyphenols such as catechins and antioxidants, including flavonoids and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which break down fat cells and release them into the bloodstream to generate energy. They also burn belly fat and improve metabolism by limiting the amount of carbohydrates absorbed by the body. Green tea is also rich in caffeine, a stimulant that speeds up fat burning, minimising the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. One cup of green tea contains approximately 24-40 mg of caffeine.
For gym enthusiasts, green tea is a perfect beverage before a workout which revs up your metabolism and helps you stay on track to achieve your fitness goals. For instance, if you are losing 1800 calories a day, consuming green tea as part of your weight loss programme can help you burn an additional 54-72 calories daily.
Consuming green tea before bed boosts the metabolism rate by as much as 4%. It also regulates hormones and blood sugar and curbs late-night cravings. As it is said, excess of everything is bad; the same goes for green tea. Consuming excess of this beverage can damage the liver. So, how many cups of green tea in a day is ideal for weight loss? On average, consuming 3-5 cups of green tea daily should suffice to reap its benefits.
Social media is inundated with fancy green tea concoctions, such as green tea ‘lattes’ and iced green tea soft drinks, which also find a place in the menu of the finest restaurants and cafes. However, they may not be the right choice if you want to lose weight. Instead, go for a whole-leafed organic green tea without artificial preservatives or additives. Green tea infused with natural extracts is a suitable option for those who prefer the spiced version of green tea.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR GREEN TEA
Today, there is no dearth of brands to choose from. But you must make a prudent choice based on several factors such as sellers’ credentials, preferences, budget and accessibility. We, at CelesTe offer a wide array and varieties of green tea and green tea blends. Unlike most green tea brands, our green tea contains no artificial colours or preservatives. At CelesTe, we specialise in loose-leaf green tea, which offers a wholesome aroma and taste. CelesTe green teas are handpicked from the finest tea gardens across India and meticulously crafted to provide a unique flavour and taste. Whether it is Gold Rush infusing the fruity aroma of Chamomile with the woody pine scent of rosemary or Green Rhapsody, which combines the sweetness of vanilla with the edgy tartness of Goji Berry, each green tea concoction has a unique flavour and therapeutic significance of its own.
How to make green tea at home for weight loss?
- Take a cup of water in a glass bowl and heat it to around 85 degrees Celsius.
- Brew it for about 3 minutes
- After 3 minutes, the colour will change to brown. Pour it through a strainer.
- Your cuppa of green tea is ready
Adding honey to green tea is a healthy way of sweetening the beverage if you find its taste bland. Moreover, honey speeds up the metabolism rate and aids weight loss. Adding a few drops of lemon or ⅙ teaspoon of clove powder will help if green tea makes you feel nauseous.
So, what are you waiting for? Add CelesTe green tea to your weight loss plan. Remember that green tea alone cannot help you lose weight. But a holistic program, including the consumption of green tea, a balanced diet and a daily workout, will help you stay ahead of the fitness curve and ensure your holistic well-being.