A BRIEF REVIEW ON ANTIOBESITY EFFECTS OF GREEN TEA

  • Nikunj. T

Abstract

Obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities remains a public health issue. Green tea catechins (GTC) are polyphenolic compounds found in Camellia sinensis, the unfermented dried leaves of the plant. Data from a number of randomised, regulated intervention studies have shown that GTC (270 mg to 1200 mg/day) intake may decrease body weight and fat. There are many suggested pathways by which GTC can affect body weight and composition. The prevailing theory is that GTC impacts the operation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), increasing energy consumption and facilitating fat oxidation. Naturally found in green tea, caffeine also affects the activity of SNS, which can function synergistically with GTC to improve energy consumption and oxidation of fat. Appetite increases, up-regulation of enzymes involved in hepatic fat oxidation, and reduced nutrient absorption are other possible pathways. This essay discusses the evidence, with special regard to human experiments, for both of these proposed processes.

Published
2019-07-30
Section
Articles