By now, most people have heard about the health benefits of adding a cup of green tea into your daily routine. In fact, green tea has been touted as possibly the healthiest beverage of all time. It comes to no surprise green tea extract has been increasing in popularity around the world.
With so many options available, it can be hard to choose the best green tea extract and supplement for your needs. I’m going to take a look at what’s out there and share my favorites in this article.
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- ★ ANTI-AGING BENEFITS - Polyphenol Catechins and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) fight free radical cell damage, aid new...
- ★ SUPPORT BRAIN FUNCTION - Caffeine and L-Theanine improves your mood, memory and focus
- WEIGHT LOSS FOR WOMEN AND MEN - Green tea supplements are rich in catechins and caffeine which have been shown to assist with...
- ENERGY AND BRAIN FUNCTION - Shown to provide consistent all-day energy without the jitters associated with coffee. Caffeine...
- LIVER AND HEART HEALTH - Studies have shown green tea capsules to significantly decrease liver fat content, Cholesterol,...
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- 5:1 Green Tea Extract Capsules
- Supports Immune Health and Detoxification
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What is Green Tea?
Green tea is a beverage with a history dating back thousands of years. It originated in China during the reign of Emperor Shennong. It is produced from the leaves of a flower called camellia sinensis. Green tea leaves are non-fermented which allows for greater concentrations of beneficial antioxidants to remain.
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are a type of chemical found naturally in many foods. The main type of antioxidants in green tea are catechins. These have been shown to help support, heart health and the immune system as well as preventing many diseases.
You can find antioxidants in other food sources such as fruits, vegetables and nuts but green tea has the highest concentration making it a powerhouse for health.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is a concentrated form of green tea leaves. Extracts are a convenient way to supplement your daily health or weight loss routine.
The potency of a green tea extract is usually stronger than one cup of tea. You get all the nutritional benefits of green tea, but in a larger dose. Let’s face it, there are only so many cups of tea you can drink in a day, right?
Benefits of Using Green Tea Extract
The Power Of Antioxidants
Green tea contains flavanols including catechins, epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin (EGC), all of which are beneficial to the body. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is known to be the most potent.
Numerous studies have shown that EGCG is responsible for most of green tea’s properties. It guards healthy cells from the effects of free radicals and reducing risk of cancer.
EGCG also has anti-inflammatory effects as well as lowering blood and glucose levels.
Essential Amino Acids
Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea which can help offset the negative effects of caffeine.
A recent study examined the effects of theanine on caffeine-induced sleep disturbances in rats. The study confirmed low doses of theanine can partially reverse caffeine-induced reductions in slow-wave sleep.
It could also help to improve mood and brain function plus reduce stress. In another recent study, people who had minor brain damage using a combination of theanine and green tea extract showed signs of improved memory.
Boost in Performance
A key ingredient in green tea extract is caffeine, a stimulant which can help people increase metabolism and enhance alertness.
Studies suggest that caffeine increased voluntary exercise levels of mice by delaying fatigue, rather than increasing aerobic capacity. It’s also said to be beneficial to weight loss.
Weight Loss
Green tea can help you with losing weight by many ways. Firstly, it has been shown in a recent study, that by consuming green tea which contains catechin (EGCG) increases your metabolism.
Secondly, it can increase fat burning in the body. Several studies have taken place proving EGCG has the potential to increase fat oxidation and therefore reduce obesity effects.
Reduces the risk of Cancer
Antioxidants in green tea have cancer reduction potential.
A review based on the mechanisms of cancer prevention by green and black tea polyphenols concluded green and black tea polyphenols act at numerous points regulating cancer cell growth, survival, and metastasis, including effects at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels.
Reduced risk of Diabetes
Green tea could reduce glucose levels in your blood. A study looked at its effects on glucose control and insulin sensitivity and produced favorable results.
Improving Cardiovascular Health
Green tea helps with regulating blood pressure. A study on preventive effects of catechins on cardiovascular disease concluded that it contributes to the reduction of hypertension.
What to Look for in Green Tea Extracts and Supplements
Know Your Catechin (EGCG)
As EGCG is the most beneficial antioxidant, you need to look for a high dose of this constituent.
Watch Out for Caffeine
You should be mindful of the caffeine content. No matter what intentions you have for supplementing, you shouldn’t consume too much or you’ll end up feeling jittery. For some people it may be beneficial to choose decaffeinated. If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid caffeine completely.
Other Ingredients
Always read the label and try to look for something without too many additives. Green tea is a natural product so why would you want to consume something which includes a list of chemicals that you can’t read let alone understand?
That said, one type of added ingredient which can be beneficial in green tea extract is essential vitamins or minerals.
The Best Green Tea Extract and Supplement Choices
There are a number of products to choose from and it can often be hard to tell which manufacturer offers the best quality supplement. I’ve looked at the options available and chosen five top green tea extract supplements I think will suit almost everyone.
Radial Nutrition
Green Tea Extract EGCG Vegetarian Supplement This supplement has 45% EGCG based on a 500mg per serving. Its decaffeinated, 100% natural, vegetarian and vegan friendly so suits a wider audience. If you are looking for a product to boost energy, however, this most likely won’t help due to its caffeine free formulation
BioScience Nutrition
Green Tea Extract Capsules with EGCG This green tea extract has 50% EGCG, 80% catechins 0.5% caffeine based on a 500 mg serving. With it being allergen free & non GMO it could be beneficial for those with intolerances. A good quality product priced competitively and works well.
Natures Wellness
98% Extract Green Tea Supplement Pills This product has 45% EGCG, 75% catechins and 5% caffeine based on a 500 mg serving. It benefits from no artificial ingredients or binders and is non GMO. It’s a good quality product with a good price. Sourced from all natural tea leaf. Although some people didn’t feel any benefits from the supplement
Zhou Nutrition
Green Tea Extract Supplement with EGCG Supplement from Zhou Nutrition, boasts 50% EGCG, 80% catechins and 15mg caffeine with a 500 mg serving. Its gluten free and has no artificial ingredients. With 120 tablets per pack, it’s priced well too. However some people have said they felt slight nauseous when using it.
Jarrow Formulas
Green Tea - Jarrow Formulas This extract contains 15% EGCG, 30% catechins, 50% polyphenols and 40mg caffeine based on a 500 mg serving. It’s priced reasonably for those on a budget, with 100 tablets per package. If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, the high levels in this might not be for you.
our #1 rated
Pros
45% EGCG
500mg per serving
Decaffeinated
100% natural
Vegetarian and vegan friendly
Made in USA
Good price
Cons
No caffeine for energy
our #2 rated
Pros
50% EGCG
80% catechins
0.5% caffeine
500mg per serving
100% natural
Allergen & gluten free
Made in USA
Third party tested
Cons
Very large pills
our #3 rated
Pros
45% EGCG
75% catechins
5% caffeine
500mg per serving
Non GMO
No artificial ingredients or binders
Third party certified
Made in USA
Cons
Some users didn’t feel any effect
our #4 rated
Pros
50% EGCG
80% catechins
15mg caffeine
500mg per serving
Non GMO
Made in USA
Third party tested
Gluten free
No artificial ingredients
Good price
Cons
Some users reported mild nausea
our #5 rated
Pros
15% EGCG
30% catechins
50% polyphenols
40mg caffeine
500mg per serving
Gluten free
100 tablets per pack
Cons
High caffeine content
Our Choice
For me, Radial Nutrition’s Green Tea Extract is the clear winner. Not only does it have a good dose of EGCG but the ingredients are all natural with no additives. It’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans, decaffeinated and it’s made in the USA which enforces confidence in a quality made product. Overall I think this would make an excellent choice for anyone looking to try a green tea extract supplement.
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