This popular hot drink could help reduce visceral fat in the body

A tasty hot drink could help aid weight loss efforts and even lower your risk for associated health conditions, a study has found. This popular beverage could be anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering, and it costs as little as 3p per cup.

Research, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, advised the consumption of catechin-enriched green tea for this very reason. Catechin is a compound naturally found in tea leaves that has antioxidant properties.

Green and white teas are known to contain the highest amount of catechins. In this study, 104 adults (aged between 20 and 65) were randomly assigned to consume either a beverage containing 609.3 milligrams (mg) of catechins and 68.7mg caffeine, or a control beverage every day for 12 weeks.

Abdominal fat area, body weight and composition were measured at the start, on week eight and week 12. It was concluded those who drank the catechin and caffeine filled drinks saw a significant reduction in visceral fat as well as overall weight.

Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is fat that is stored deep in the belly. A small amount is needed to protect and insulate your organs but having too much is linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Study authors explained: “Average visceral fat area, body weight, and body fat were reduced significantly by catechin-enriched green tea treatment but these effects were not seen in the control group with per-protocol sets analysis.

“The decrease at week 12 in the visceral fat area in the catechin group was greater than that in the control group. Thus, consumption of the catechin-enriched green tea beverage for 12 weeks induced visceral fat loss in Chinese adults with a high proportion of abdominal visceral fat.”

The study followed on from previous research suggesting the weight loss benefits of green tea. “In recent years, there have been many studies on the beneficial effects of green tea in treating obesity and improving glucose and lipid metabolism,” the authors said.

“It is reported that consumption of green tea rich in caffeine and catechins, may decrease body weight and body fat. Green tea catechins contain various kinds of functional elements having anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidative, neuroprotective, and cholesterol-lowering effects.”

They added that caffeine “stimulates” energy metabolism. “Our findings also support that mixture of catechins and caffeine has a benefit on visceral fat and body weight,” they said.

As visceral fat is stored deep in the belly it is impossible to know exactly how much you have without imaging tests. But you can get a rough estimate by measuring your waist using the belly button as a marker.

For women 35 inches or more can signal visceral fat and for men it’s 40 inches. At the time of reporting you can buy a pack of 80 green tea bags from Sainsbury’s for £2, which works out as 2.5p per cup.

To lose weight in a safe way, the NHS recommends you:

  • Get active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions
  • Aim to get your five-a-day – 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit or vegetables count as one portion
  • Aim to lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week
  • Read food labels – products with more green colour coding than amber and red are often a healthier option
  • Swap sugary drinks for water – if you do not like the taste, add slices of lemon or lime for flavour
  • Cut down on food that’s high in sugar and fat – start by swapping sugary cereal for wholegrain alternatives
  • Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust – they can help motivate you when you have a bad day
  • Do not lose weight suddenly with diets
  • Do not stock unhealthy food – popcorn, fruit and rice cakes can be healthier alternatives
  • Do not skip meals – you might end up snacking more because you feel hungry
  • Do not finish your plate if you’re full – you can save leftover food for the next day.

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