The super green tea diet is a weight-loss program in the form of a pill, as well as a diet and exercise schedule. Combined with the many health benefits commonly associated with green tea, other ingredients meant to increase energy and metabolism while burning fat are added. The effectiveness of the diet has been debated, as it has both advantages and disadvantages.
Green tea contains various types of antioxidants known as polyphenols that can have beneficial effects on weight loss. The diet claims that catechins, one type of polyphenol, promote a process called thermogenesis, which increases metabolism. Along with the addition of chromium, these ingredients are said to promote weight loss because the body burns more calories even while at rest. Furthermore, the antioxidants in green tea supplements may decrease insulin production, a hormone that tends to store excess calories as fat.
Added to the compounds that occur naturally in green tea are B vitamins and guarana, which is intended to boost energy, supposedly making the exercise program easier to follow. Ginger is often also included to provide energy; it can also aid in digestion. A fruit plant called uva ursi is used for its diuretic effects to help maintain a balance of fluids in the body and decrease bloating from water retention.
The manufacturer of the super green tea diet is one of the largest producers of supplements in the United States and has earned a fairly respectable reputation. The fact that a low-calorie diet and exercise are promoted in conjunction with the pill give the program an air of sensibility; the manufacturer seems to want consumers to know the pill alone will not make a person automatically lose weight. The product is completely free of ephedra, a weight-loss supplement that has been known to cause heart attacks, strokes and even death in the past. This diet is believed to be safe to use on a daily basis, and it is relatively cheap.
There have, however, been some reports of unwanted side effects. The super green tea diet pills are caffeinated and have been known to cause headaches, migraines, and stomachaches. Those who do not tolerate caffeine well may find that the product is not right for them. Though some consider the pairing of a diet and exercise plan an advantage, others view this fact as evidence that the pills do not have any effect on weight loss, as diet and exercise alone should have the same effect.