Western cultures are experiencing a growing problem of higher incidence of obesity-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other diseases of wealth. With the rise in obesity-related diseases, fat metabolism has received increasing attention.
Adipose tissue (fat cells) is an endocrine organ that is present throughout our body. Fat plays a very important role as the body’s main energy reserve for periods of excess energy and causes fat to be broken down and used for energy. Not only does it regulate energy balance, but the hormones secreted by fat cells are extremely important in boosting metabolic processes, insulin sensitivity, and immune response.
We increase our adipose tissue mainly in two ways: 1) an increase in the size of fat cells, 2) an increase in the number of fat cells we have. But, there is only one way to get rid of them, adipogenesis (fat burning). There are several factors that influence the life cycle of a fat cell, and if we can figure out how to increase the rate of adipogenesis, we can decrease stored fat, helping to reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases.
There seems to be an ongoing debate as to whether polyphenols and xanthines can help increase the rate of adipogenesis and therefore decrease the life of a fat cell. Since the nature of white tea is low-processing, it appears to be enriched with the highest concentrations of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and also methylxanthines (such as caffeine) which are active substances that accelerate fat loss compared to the green. and black tea.
Researchers in Germany decided to take a look at how a white tea extract affects adipogenesis and published their results in Nutrition & Metabolism 2009, 6:20. What they found was a decrease in triglyceride accumulation (fat storage) without affecting viability.
Adipose tissue is present both in the form of visceral and subcutaneous fat in the human body. More and more research is published indicating that tea and its bioactive components have a direct effect on how we metabolize fat, presenting unique opportunities to develop treatments and prevent the diseases of aging by harnessing the power of natural plants.
White tea is the least processed form of tea and has the highest levels of EGCG, other polyphenols, methylxanthines, and caffeine. In this particular study, white tea extracts were applied directly to adipose tissue. Now when we consume tea or other tea extracts, our digestive system breaks down those compounds and therefore is not absorbed in the amounts of ways that we ingest it. So, remember that if someone is citing the fat burning effects of a tea extract, make sure their studies are of people ingesting it and not that the extract is applied directly to fat cells.
Hence, drinking green tea will have enormous benefits and is by far one of the best beverage options you can make, as long as you don’t add sugar. So count on drinking tons of white tea and magically losing all the excess fat. If you consume large amounts of processed carbohydrates and you are not getting the correct ratio of other macronutrients to balance your levels of life hormones, it is unlikely that you will get any benefit from extra cups of tea.
But, if you want to regain control of your life, you must find a nutrition plan that is designed to balance your hormone levels and begin a fitness program that has been specifically designed to increase testosterone and growth hormone (the main hormones of life in Women and men).
Remember, getting old is inevitable, but looking and feeling old is optional.