Q:
Dear ER Doc,
I’ve been seeing green tea diets all over the internet and I’m wondering if doctors are recommending them. Â How much tea should I drink?
Jan
Chicago, Illinois
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A:
Dear Jan,
I’ve been seeing a lot of information about green tea diets myself, and not all of it is based on good science. Â However, there has been some research, and the results are interesting. Â One study of Japanese adults showed lower death rates among those who drank 5 or more cups of green tea per day.
Other studies have shown that green tea may cause improvement in the metabolism of fat, and perhaps this may help with weight loss. Â A recent study on mice with an obesity gene showed some weight loss with green tea extract mixed into their food. Â It is important to realize that there has been no definitive study in humans at this point. Â Also, there can be side effects from green tea, or its extract, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting a green tea diet.
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My mother drinks green tea and she told me that it’s not a good idea to drink more than a cup or two a day at first because there are some less than pleasant digestive side effects. I’d say that’s where the “weight loss” claims come from.
Not only is green tea healthy, but it’s my favorite-tasting tea. My personal favorite is honey lemon ginseng green tea. Excellent taste, very healthy and 0 calories!