There’s no arguing about the fact that weight loss is a subject that attracts hordes of hucksters making a variety of extravagant claims. In many cases they are profiting quite nicely from it, which is probably why it continues. Unfortunately, tea is not immune to this sort of thing. If you have any doubts, trying doing a Google search for something like tea and weight loss and see some of the wacky claims that are being put forth for tea.
What makes the situation kind of tricky is that there have actually been some studies that show that tea might be of some benefit in this area. However, there is no shortage of people eager to overstate these benefits for their own gain.
One of the most recent studies on the topic of tea and weight loss found that the epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the many beneficial compounds in tea, could have significant effects on weight gain associated with a high-fat diet. The study was conducted by researchers at Penn State University and published in the online journal Obesity.
The participants (presumably on an involuntary basis) in the study, were obese mice being fed on a diet of fatty foods. Mice given EGCG gained weight 45 percent more slowly than a control group who weren’t given the supplement and seemed to absorb about 30 percent less fat. As one of the researchers noted, “first, EGCG reduces the ability to absorb fat and, second, it enhances the ability to use fat.”
Researchers admit that there is not much data on how green tea affects weight loss in humans but suggested that tea drinkers who drink one or more cups a day may be likely to see beneficial effects. It’s important to note, however, that the amount of EGCG given to mice for study purposes was equivalent to the amount found in about ten cups of green tea.
See also:
Weight Loss and Tea — A Practical Approach
Tea & Weight Loss
Tea and Weight Loss
Tea and Weight Loss
Green Tea and Weight Loss
Oolong Tea and Weight Loss
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Yes, unfortunately mouse (and other non-human animal) physiology differs significantly from human physiology. All the animal testing in the world cannot extrapolate accurately how a given substance will react in humans. I’m still waiting (and hoping) to see significant and compelling data of tea’s effects on human health. Until then I’ll continue to ignore most of the health claims and drink my tea for one simple reason: enjoyment. (And if anyone wants to do a legitimate study of tea and human health, I’d probably be willing to participate — as long as the tea is tea, not a supplement! ;-))
Interesting information but you lost me with the picture of the mouse. Sorry to mice lovers out there.
Hi, Michele, our spam filter caught this comment for some reason. Sorry about the mouse. Hope you will keep reading. I try to find the cutest photos to go with our posts. 🙂