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Benefits/Risks of a Green Tea Dietary Supplement

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Originally discovered in China, the green tea extract found in the green tea dietary supplement is believed to be a natural way to help you lose weight. Though not regulated as one of the FDA dietary supplements, green tea has also been found to provide many benefits to the human body. It's one reason that soft drink companies have created drinks like Lipton Diet Green Tea and organic companies have turned to green tea packets as a source of revenue. But, the green tea dietary supplement has also been associated with some risks that have forced scientists to devote studies to finding out whether or not green tea is the miracle drug that it is advertised as. If you are thinking about adding a green tea dietary supplement to your diet, consider the benefits and risks associated with it first.

The Benefits

Though it contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee, the caffeine in a green tea dietary supplement is believed to help the body burn calories more quickly than normal. This is believed to fuel weight loss and help the body break down fat more easily. That's not the only benefit of the green tea dietary supplement, though.

Some studies have suggested that green tea may contain a powerful antioxidant that can help the body fight cancer cells. The studies have shown that people drinking the green tea have a higher success rate when it comes to beating cancer. Green tea has also been found to help arthritis and other joint problems.

It's also known to detoxify the body and keep the immune and circulation systems working properly. Finally, it's been shown to help those with high cholesterol levels regulate cholesterol levels. These are just some of the positive things that green tea can do for you.

The Risks

Unfortunately, the bad part about green tea is that too few studies have been done on it to date. That means that for all the good it can do for you, it can also put you at risk. Most green tea dietary supplements that promise fantastic results when it comes to weight loss, for instance, are nothing more than overpriced laxatives. They can cause everything from diarrhea and vomiting to upset stomach and unusual cramping.

They may deliver positive results though, and you may lose weight. But putting your body through that type of trouble isn't good for you. The green tea dietary supplement should also not be taken by any women undergoing pregnancy, as it could cause complications. Until more is known about green tea, you might be better off trying other methods to get the benefits that green tea provides.

Alternatives

Though the green tea dietary supplement may eventually be cleared to help people lose weight and reap the benefits of the green tea extract, there are better ways to get the benefits now. Indulge in the real thing, and brew up some natural green tea. Use vitamins, a healthy diet and a workout routine to help you lose weight, improve your circulation and immune system, and improve your body. It may not be as easy as taking a pill, but it will help your health.

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