For those who prefer to get the health benefits of green tea in another form, or for those who want a supplement to the tea they already drink, green tea extract is a convenient addition to any diet.
Look at the ingredients in many diet products and green tea extract is frequently listed. As with green tea itself, green tea extract is an effective weight-loss supplement because of its thermogenic properties. But green tea extract is not just for dieters!
Adults of any age can enjoy greater health by supplementing with green tea extract. The extract is a concentrated form of green tea that retains the potent free radical-fighting antioxidants – polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins and EGCG – known to reduce or reverse harmful processes in the body. In pill or liquid form (with a dropper), green tea extract is safe, convenient and as effective as the tea from which it comes. Green tea extract is as effective as drinking the tea itself in its protection against viruses and harmful bacterias. As listed in the section “The Benefits of Green Tea,” the extract can:
Reduce cholesterol
Shrink tumors/cause cancerous cells to die
Improve blood vessel function
Slow the passage of glucose in diabetics and regulate insulin levels
Lower blood pressure
Reduce triglycerides
Provide protection against heart attack and stroke
Act as an anti-inflammatory and promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestine
Staves off Alzheimer’s – investigations taking place suggest it may work on Parkinson’s as well
Inhibit viral infections
Fight bad breath
Prevent aging
Trigger weight loss
The extraction process may be chemical or water based. In the case of the former, extraction involves the use of acidic solutions comprised of erythorbic acid or ascorbic acid and citric acid to separate the powerful combination of antioxidants from the green tea matter. The extract is then mixed with gelatin and treated with a nitrogen bath to filter out any solids that result from chemical reactions. The extract that’s produced is colorless (making it more palatable in clear drinks), less bitter than the tea, and precipitation resistant.
Some extract brands use a water-based extraction process to eliminate the use of chemicals while still achieving high levels of polyphenols. In both cases, modern methods ensure standardization so that active ingredients are retained.
The pills can be taken with or without food and the liquid is taken by mixing a number of drops into beverages.
It is recommended when buying green tea extract that you look for 275 milligrams EGCG and 90% polyphenols. Dosage and tea equivalent information is listed on the bottle.