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How Do I Choose the Best Green Tea Extract Capsules?
Humans have used green tea leaves for their supposed medicinal properties and health benefits for thousands of years. Achieving the appropriate levels of green tea intake is, however, difficult for some people; green tea extract capsules are available as an alternate option. These concentrated pills are said to have several healthy properties, yet there are drawbacks to be aware of as well. In order to choose the best green tea extract capsules, one should consider levels of active ingredients present, the reputation and pedigree of the manufacturer and help from medical professionals.
Various clinical studies suggest that the active ingredients in the leaves are powerful antioxidants that can eliminate cancer-causing free radicals and boost metabolism, which supports weight loss. Daily intake of the tea may also contribute to a decreased chance of coronary artery disease due to lower amounts of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The tea can also boost levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), sometimes called good cholesterol.
The process of making the best green tea extract capsules should be standardized to guarantee a certain percentage of the plant’s active ingredients. When choosing a brand, look on the label for high dosages of green tea’s most beneficial components. These consist of different polyphenols, powerful antioxidants of which there are five types. Polyphenols in the form of catechins are not found organically in many edible plants, though they do exist in green tea.
Another type of polyphenol one should look for when buying green tea extract capsules is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Now believed to be the polyphenol best at fighting cancerous bodies, EGCG amounts can vary from pill to pill. Look for an extract that includes about 90% polyphenols, with at least 55% EGCG.
While most health and diet-supplement manufacturers claim to care about customer satisfaction, there are those without the necessary reputation and accreditation. Both the pills and the places in which they are made should be approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or a similar government-regulated agency with high safety standards. Though the cost of extracting polyphenols from green tea has gone down in recent years, one might do well to be wary of capsules offered at an especially low price.
As herbal supplements can have side effects for people with certain conditions or who are taking other types of supplements, it may be wise to consider speaking with a health care professional or nutritionist before taking green tea extract capsules. Green tea naturally has caffeine; consuming high doses of caffeine can be harmful to anybody, but especially those who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those with heart conditions or cancer. One can choose extracts that are caffeine-free, but because green tea could cause a host of potential adverse effects, it is often recommended that the extract be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
What Do Green Tea Extract Capsules Do?
Green tea extract capsules deliver the health advantages of green tea leaves without drinking tea. For people who are not tea lovers, this is an ideal way to reap the benefits of this plant. Once consumed, the outer capsule disintegrates, releasing the extract into the body. The ingredients in the leaves work within the body in several different ways.
Increases Weight Loss With Caffeine and Catechins
Green tea extract has two methods for assisting with weight loss. First, the caffeine in green tea increases metabolism. A higher metabolism burns more calories at rest, which leads to higher energy expenditure. As a result, people may notice weight loss without changing eating or exercise habits.
Catechins are another component of green tea extract that increases weight loss. Catechins may increase the rate of fat breakdown, so more fat is available for the body to use as energy. Burning fat can lead to weight loss.
Combats Free Radicals With Antioxidants
Catechins are also antioxidants that combat internal damage from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that enter the body through food and the environment. These free radical molecules may damage cell membranes, DNA and proteins. This damage can lead to cancer, premature aging and heart disease.
Green tea extract has antioxidant properties, which could prevent the formation of free radicals. Some studies also suggest that the catechins in green tea might reverse damage previously caused by free radicals.
Improves Attentiveness With Caffeine
The stimulant properties of green tea extract can help people stay more alert and focused. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine might keep the brain stimulated while also preventing the jitters associated with coffee. Additionally, L-theanine decreases feelings of anxiety, allowing users to stay focused on the task at hand.
Prevents Heart Disease With Catechins
Green tea extract’s catechins also protect LDL cholesterol and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, so keeping total levels and triglycerides in a healthy range may prevent it.
The catechins’ antioxidant properties protect against the breakdown and oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Higher LDL levels may prevent an increase in the amount of harmful HDL cholesterol.
Helps People Live Longer
Since green tea extract has so many positive health qualities, drinking it may extend a person’s life. Decreasing the chances of cancer and heart disease, two of the most common causes of death, might increase a person’s life expectancy.
What Are the Recommendations on How To Take Green Tea Extract Capsules?
Green tea extract is more concentrated than a cup of green tea. A single daily dose may be equal to several cups of tea. The recommended dose of green tea extract capsules is 250 to 500 milligrams per day.
People can take capsules between or with meals, and users should consume at least eight ounces of water with it. It’s best not to take a dose of green tea extract on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
Since green tea extract has caffeine, it is better to take it throughout the day instead of before bed. Caffeine may interrupt the deep sleep process and cause insomnia or restlessness at night.
What's More Effective Green Tea Extract Liquid or Capsules?
Green tea extract is available in various concentrations and forms, including capsules and concentrated liquid drops. Both extract forms are equally effective, and each has its advantages.
Advantages of Liquid Extract
Liquid extracts are available in small bottles with a pinch dropper lid. This form of green tea extract has many advantages:
- Liquid drops may be easier to digest for some people
- Users can mix drops into juice, water or smoothies for easy consumption
- Drops enter the bloodstream rapidly
- Consumers can adjust the dosage as desired
While liquid green tea extract is easy to use, it may not be as easy to carry when traveling if the bottles leak. If the bottle leaks or spills, it's impossible to salvage the extract.
Reasons To Use Capsules
Capsules make consuming green tea extract very convenient for users. A pill bottle does not leak, and travelers can easily pack it in a bag. Additional reasons to choose a capsule over the liquid are:
- Easy to swallow tablets are an excellent choice for people who don’t like the flavor of the oil
- Pills may be less expensive and easier to find in stores
- It may be available as a combination of vitamins and other extracts
Capsules are a convenient form of green tea extract, making it easy for anyone to use.
Discussion Comments
@ocelot60- I have taken green tea capsules with caffeine and the decaffeinated variety. I think that you are less likely to experience side effects from the capsules that do not have caffeine.
When I took green tea capsules with caffeine, I experienced a jittery feeling and a fast heartbeat. I think this is common when taking anything that has high levels of caffeine, so the decaffeinated variety of green tea capsules is the best option for most people.
Once you have checked with your doctor and have been given his approval to take green tea capsules, be sure to see if you have any bothersome side effects when you begin taking them. Start by taking only one, and see if you experience any problems.
If you do, stop taking them and call your doctor to make sure they are safe for you.
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