Scientists in China, the world’s largest producer and consumer of tea, observed green tea consumed by obese mice promoted weight loss*. Groups of mice in the study that consumed the most tea showed “distinct gut microflora clusters”, suggesting that “tea polyphenols in green tea plays a crucial role in body weight control and gut microbiota regulation”. Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds found in tea.
“Mounting evidence has shown a link between intestinal microflora and obesity [5]. Obese microbiota has been found to increase dietary energy harvest and favor weight gain and fat deposition [6,7]. Disturbance of gut microbiota in high fat (HF)-induced obesity and diabetes mice leads to metabolic endotoxemia, inflammation, and associated disorders by increasing intestinal permeability [8,9]. Additionally, gut microbiota may play an active role in insulin resistance development [10]. Therefore, the intestinal microflora is closely related to the formation and development of metabolic syndrome and its related symptoms.
The scientists tested five groups of mice: a low fat (LF) control group, a high fat (HF) group not treated with green tea, and three HF groups fed a 1%, 2%, and 4% solution of green tea over a two month period.
At the study’s conclusion, HF mice treated with green tea showed lower levels of fat than HF mice untreated with green tea, despite a higher food intake in HF, green-tea treated mice.
The HF green-tea treated mice also showed improved liver function than HF mice untreated with tea.
“Our study suggests that green tea intake,” concluded the scientists, “is an effective alternative for HF-induced disorders with manipulation of gut microbial communities.”*
*Results of animal studies do not automatically translate to effects on humans. Green tea products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a medical professional for advice on any health issue.
Reference
Mei, H., Li, J., Liu, S., Jeyaraj, A., Zhuang, J., Wang, Y., Chen, X., Yuan, Q., & Li, X. (2023). The Role of Green Tea on the Regulation of Gut Microbes and Prevention of High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Mice. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 12(15), 2953. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12152953
I have always heard green tea is great for weight loss!
Do we know if there are any plans to do a human study on this?
Muy chulo
Very interesting! Thank you!
My mother has non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, and I’m curious if green tea could help improve her condition
It’s worth a shot, but she should definitely check with her doctor first
This is so interesting!
This is so cool!