Green Tea Diet Pills

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There are a variety of over-the-counter diet pills that contain green tea as an active ingredient. Manufacturers claim that the extract of green tea has metabolism-boosting properties that will help the body burn off fat faster than it would with a diet and exercise plan alone. These weight-loss pills are generally sold over the counter, and are not prescribed by physicians. They typically contain other active ingredients in addition to the green tea.

Although the effectiveness of green tea for weight loss has been debated, there is a possibility that it does work. In addition, there are a number of other health benefits associated with the substance.[1]



Flickr: Ayelie
Brand names MegaT, Applied Nutrition, Metabolife, others
Origin Camellia sinensis plant
Side effects Jitteriness, headache, upset stomach, irritability, caffeine overdose if too much is taken
Uses Weight loss
Other benefits Green tea may have disease-fighting properties[2]
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

About Green Tea Diet Pills

Diet pills containing green tea typically claim that they can help to raise the metabolism in users and promote faster weight loss. There may be some truth behind this. Research has found that people who drink two to four cups of green tea in a day may burn off an extra 50 calories, which can amount to five pounds over the course of a year.[3]

That said, there have not been enough wide studies conducted to say conclusively that green tea does or does not help people lose weight. According to the National Institute of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, experts do not have reliable data to back up any claims that the tea helps users slim down.[4]

Physicians recommend that any concentrated forms of green tea, such as green tea pills, be taken with food to avoid any potential liver problems. This warning does not apply to green tea beverages. In addition, the caffeine in green tea diet pills can cause side effects like nervousness and lack of sleep. Because green tea contains low amounts of vitamin K, it may affect the action of anticoagulant medications like Warfarin.[4] There are also a number of other medications that may interact with green tea pills.[1]


Over the Counter Diet Pills

Although the possibility of losing weight with the help of green tea may seem promising, it can be difficult to determine whether or not diet pills that contain green tea extract are indeed effective. Over the counter diet pills are viewed as nutritional supplements in the eyes of the FDA, and not drugs. Therefore, manufacturers are not required to provide solid evidence that their products are either effective or safe before distributing them. There is no way to ensure the quality or amount of green tea in supplements. In addition, green tea diet pills may also contain other active ingredients which may be harmful.[5]

Drug Side Effects

These side effects may occur with prescriptions as well as with supplements like green tea diet pills.

About Green Tea

There are three main types of teas: black, white and green. All come from the same plant, the Camellia sinesis, but are processed in different ways. Unlike other teas, green tea is not fermented. Green tea (and other teas) contain antioxidants like polyphenols that can help protect and counter damage to the body by free radicals. Green tea has historically been consumed in Asia, and has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. It also may help combat a number of other illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome and even cancer.[6]

Also See: Diet Pills, Diet Pill Side Effects, Acai Diet Pills, Phentermine Coupons, Hoodia Diet Pills, Slimquick, Quick Trim, Alli, Qnexa Approval

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/960.html#Effectiveness
  2. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-960-GREEN%20TEA.aspx?activeIngredientId=960&activeIngredientName=GREEN%20TEA
  3. ↑ http://women.webmd.com/family-health-9/slideshow-boost-your-metabolism
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://nccam.nih.gov/health/greentea/
  5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/HQ01160
  6. ↑ http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm
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