Green Tea – The Star Herb
EGCG, the main active substance produced by green tea, is one of the most active antioxidants known from the plant kingdom. It carries twice the antioxidant power of resveratrol, known from red wine. In addition, according to Dr. Lester A. Mitscher at the University of Kansas, EGCG is nearly 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E in defending cells from DNA damage.
That is just for starters on what EGCG and its related tea polyphenols can do. Additional benefits of these phytochemicals include helping the liver drive the proper metabolism of fat, thereby keeping unwanted abdominal fat in check. Green tea polyphenols also benefit cardiovascular health, reduce the occurrence of different forms of cancer, aid digestion, and help normalize blood sugar.
Herbs That Synergize For Weight Loss
Although green tea is fabulous by itself, it works even more powerfully in formulas where it is blended with additional herbs that can synergize with it. Many herbs can boost the weight loss effects of green tea. A short list of key examples include the following:
Dandelion: Keeping liver and kidneys functioning properly depends on detoxification. This is where the detoxifying effects of dandelion are especially important. These effects are behind the action of dandelion extracts that inhibit the formation and growth of fat cells, according to research at the IMDEA Food Institute in Madrid, Spain, in 2014.
Ginseng: In Asia this is historically an all-time favorite tonic herb that is known to help control blood sugar and to decrease cravings for sweets. Both of these effects are crucial for reducing the fattening effects of sugar. On top of that, ginseng also reduces fatigue and boosts overall physical and mental well-being.
Licorice: This herb contains antioxidant substances that are especially important for calming inflammation in the digestive system. It also promotes liver health, which is crucial for the healthy metabolism of fat.
Ginger: The soothing effects of ginger root on digestion are widely known. This property is explained by the ability of ginger to stimulate stomach secretions, particularly of enzymes that aid the breakdown of fat. Ginger has also been found to enhance the bioavailability of ingredients from other herbs in mixed formulas.
What Else?
These are just some of the various herbs that are helpful for any weight management program. They are important for keeping your liver in good health, which helps you lose weight and maintain your target weight once you achieve it. A top formula should contain all of these herbs and as many as a dozen or so more.
