Green tea has steadily been growing from a fitness fad to a respected part of a healthy lifestyle. Its high level of antioxidants has fans claiming it has anti-ageing properties.
But can drinking green tea help you lose weight and hit your fitness goals? We’re here to find out.
Jump to:
- How does green tea help you lose weight?
- Should you drink green tea before training?
- Should you drink green tea if you're bulking?
- Should you drink green tea or just take extracts?
How does green tea help you lose weight?
Green tea is packed with powerful plant compounds called polyphenols. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants with many health benefits. A combination of the catechins (a specific type of polyphenol) in green tea and its caffeine content have been linked to weight loss.1 While caffeine gives energy that can lead to burning more calories and more effective workouts, catechins have been shown to significantly increase fat loss.2
Should you drink green tea before training?
Drinking green tea around an hour before a workout will give your body enough time to feel the beneficial effects. As well as breaking down fat for more energy, green tea will give you a dose of caffeine to give you a boost throughout your workout.2 Green tea is popular because it’s much lower in caffeine than many alternatives such as coffee or preworkout. So, for those wanting a more natural push with little risk of a slump when the caffeine wears off, this is a good choice.
Another difference in the green tea caffeine effect compared to other caffeinated drinks like coffee is the lower risk of anxiousness. If you find that high caffeine drinks leave you feeling almost too alert and a little uncomfortable, green tea could be a good alternative. Green tea contains amino acids that affect the brain. They help the body to release dopamine and increase GABA neurotransmissions.
So, not only will you have more fat broken down and primed to be burned and turned into lean muscle, you’ll also have more caffeine to do more fat burning exercises.
Want more info on the benefits of green tea?
Should you drink green tea if you’re bulking?
You can still reap the benefits of green tea even if you’re not looking to lose weight. The natural caffeine levels in green tea can be used pre-workout to power through resistance and strength training.
As long as you’re giving your muscles adequate calories and protein to grow, you can preserve muscle mass while still benefiting from the fat burning effects of green tea.1
Should you drink green tea or just take extracts?
This one is totally a personal choice. You’ll benefit from both options. If you don’t like the taste, for example, extracts will be the obvious choice. Extracts also have the added benefit of being easily portable and easy to consume on the go.
If you’re the type who craves a snack when you’re bored rather than hungry, then drinking green tea will provide the extra benefit of distraction. Plus, the water content will help to ward off any thirst/hunger mixed signals.
Alternatively, you could mix the benefits of green tea with other specially selected products. Look for green tea content next time you are choosing a pre-workout mix or replenishing your supplements stock.
Take Home Message
The benefits of green tea go beyond a refreshing drink; they provide caffeine, powerful antioxidants, and can support fat burning. The increased focus and energy can help you push through your last set.1 When you’re working hard at the gym, natural products like green tea can benefit your workouts and help you hit the results you’re looking for.
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you’re concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
Want more info on supplements?
READ THESE NEXT:
Claire is a registered dietitian and a certified health and wellness coach. She holds a master's degree in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh. With a strong background in both nutrition and coaching, Claire is passionate about using her expertise to help others achieve their health goals. In addition to her professional work, she is a certified indoor cycling instructor who enjoys running and yoga. When she’s not keeping active, she loves to cook for her family and cheer on her favourite sports teams from her hometown of Pittsburgh.
- Hursel, R., Viechtbauer, W., & Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S. (2009). The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis. International journal of obesity, 33(9), 956-961.
- Nagao, T., Komine, Y., Soga, S., Meguro, S., Hase, T., Tanaka, Y., & Tokimitsu, I. (2005). Ingestion of a tea rich in catechins leads to a reduction in body fat and malondialdehyde-modified LDL in men. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 81(1), 122–129.
