Green tea has been around for centuries. It's touted as the ultimate anti-aging beverage and natural fat burner. Thousands of studies confirm its healing power. From weight loss to youthful skin and stronger immune function, its benefits are overwhelming. Let's see what makes green tea so healthy and how to incorporate it in your diet:

How does green tea work?
According to science, green tea contains bioactive compounds that promote health and well-being. It's one of the best natural sources of catechins and flavonoids. It also contains caffeine, which boosts your energy and aids in fat loss.

The antioxidants in green tea protect your cells from oxidative stress. They also prevent the formation of free radicals in the body and slow down aging. EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), a potent antioxidant in green tea, increases fat oxidation and revs up your metabolism.

Compared to most teas, green tea is minimally processed, which helps preserve its nutritional value. When consumed regularly, it lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol, improves circulation, and supports cardiovascular health.

This beverage has been mentioned in ancient texts dating back to 600-900 AD. Modern research supports its benefits. Green tea is a nutrition powerhouse that may prevent heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and several types of cancer.

For instance, it reduces diabetes risk by keeping your blood sugar within normal limits. Rich in flavonoids, it improves cardiovascular function and wards off heart disease.

Studies have found that green tea inhibits the formation of beta-secretase, BuChE, and other enzymes that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. In the long run, it improves memory and cognition. Moreover, it increases blood flow to the brain and strengthensyour bones.

Green tea and weight loss
Most dieters drink green tea to lose weight and get rid of excess fluids in the body. This beverage has mild diuretic properties, making it ideal for those struggling with water retention.

EGCG, its primary fat-burning compound, prevents obesity and suppresses appetite. According to researchers, this antioxidant helps in weight management. However, its effects are negligible for those who drink green tea alone without making other dietary changes.

Green tea isn't a miracle fat burner. It does help, but you still need to eat healthy and watch your portions. This beverage works best when combined with exercise and clean eating. In clinical trials, it has been shown to increase metabolism by as much as four percent and fat oxidation by 17 percent.
Moreover, the caffeine in green tea boosts sports performance by helping your body use stored fat for fuel. As a result, you'll burn more calories during and after exercise. Studies indicate that caffeine can improve athletic performance by a whopping 12.3 percent.

Considering these facts, it's worth adding green tea to your diet. Depending on yourpreferences, you can brew green tea, take green tea supplements, or use green tea powder.

The powder, for instance, goes well in smoothies, protein shakes, and low-carb homemade desserts. Drink a cup of tea before hitting the gym to get more energy and burn fat.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, avoid this beverage after 4 pm. Beware that caffeine may interact with diet pills that contain stimulants. If you’re already taking a fat burner, stop using it or reduce your caffeine intake.

Summary

• Rich in antioxidants, green tea is one of the healthiest beverages on earth. It boosts hypoglycemic, anti-aging, and fat burning properties. 
• When consumed as part of a balanced diet, it increases fat burning and energy expenditure. 
• Green tea helps maximize the fat burning effects of exercise by helping your body burn fat for fuel. 
• In the long run, it may prevent heart disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer.
• The fat burning properties of green tea are due to EGCG, a potent antioxidant that curbs hunger and revs up your metabolism.