Green tea diet: What you eat

Green tea has been enjoyed for thousands of years, mostly in the eastern part of the world. In Asia, green tea is a common beverage, particularly in Japan, where it is so omnipresent that it is referred to simply as "tea". Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike many other teas, the tea leaves are not fermented prior to steaming or drying. Green tea contains one of the highest amounts of antioxidants, second only two white tea, which is considered beneficial to health.
In 1191, a Zen priest wrote a book on the health benefits associated with drinking green tea. Everything from eliminating indigestion, curing thirst, and the positive effect green tea has on vital organs was discussed. Today, green tea has faced a surge of popularity in the western part of the world, mainly attributed to the theories that its high content of antioxidants is beneficial to the body. Not surprisingly, with the increase of green tea's fame in the United States, it is being increasingly touted as a wonder of weight loss.

Many studies have been conducted to determine the actual benefits, or lack of benefits, associated with drinking green tea. A person attempting to find the conclusion of these tests and trials will probably be met with disappointment; each result is contradictory. One thing every trial has proven is the high amount of antioxidants in green tea. Antioxidants are chemicals commonly found in plants which prevent damage to cells caused by oxidization. In humans, consuming foods rich in antioxidants has been proven to be beneficial to the cells of the body, and even perhaps contribute to a reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body.
In terms of weight loss however, no test has positively concluded that green tea contributes to weight loss, although some have proven promising. A trial conducted by an Asian group concluded that green tea does in fact contribute to a reduction of body fat, as did a test conducted in Switzerland. No American tests however, have offered the same results, and it is difficult for consumers to put their faith in the results of tests conducted by two groups that make vast amounts of money in the green tea market.

The Green Tea Diet
How exactly, green tea contributes to weight loss is a question few seem to be able to answer. Advocates of green tea say that it is due to an increase in bodily thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the production of heat in the body, a process which requires a certain amount of calories. Others say green tea increases metabolism, while others contribute weight loss to the antioxidants, which is unlikely. It could be that dieters fill on up so much calorie-free, caffeine-rich tea they aren't hungry for anything else. Whatever the supposed cause, Green Tea diets are heartily advocated by their followers, and in their minds, contribute to weight loss.

Starting the Green Tea diet is as easy as heating water. It is suggested by Green Tea diet advocates that green tea to be used as a diet aid should be prepared in this way, to maintain maximum amounts of antioxidants:

1. Measure the desired amount of fresh green tea leaves into a tea strainer. The more tea leaves, the stronger the tea;
2. Heat water to be used for green tea to 80 to 90º. Water past the boiling point is believed to turn the tea bitter;
3. Warm the cup or mug to be used and set the strainer containing the leaves over the cup;
4. Pour the warm water over the loose tea and allow to steep;
5. Alternately, green tea can be prepared with a green tea bag. Simply place the bag in the cup or mug and pour the water over it. Allow the bag to steep.

The Green Tea diet has no set amount of green tea that needs to be consumed a day. Some drink two cups of green tea a day, while others drink as many as ten, this higher amount common in Asian countries. It is important to take into consideration the caffeine content of green tea, and consume a safe amount.

The Green Tea diet has no requirement of special eating, nor any recommendation of daily exercise. It is important however, to consult a doctor before starting the Green Tea diet.