Due to current obsession with how we look and what we weigh there are more pills, foods and supplements claiming to boost metabolism than we can even list!
But before we go any further, let’s look at what metabolism actually is…
Metabolism is all the chemical reactions that take place in the body to keep it functioning. All these reactions and processes need energy, or calories.
Can we increase our metabolism with supplements?
Technically yes……
Things like coffee, green tea and chilli can increase our metabolism. But here’s the catch. Because the effect is so small the increase in metabolism does not translate to weight loss by increasing the amount of calories or fat our body burns.
Why does everyone swear by green tea for fat loss then?
The only logical explanation we can offer is that green tea will have less calories than a latte or cappuccino and so making the swap will reduce your calories and therefore will help you lose weight.
Where the confusion probably comes from is due to the fact that green tea does contain antioxidants called catechins. A normal sized cup of green tea will contain about 50-100mg of these catechins and 30mg of caffeine. In one study looking at the effects of green tea on body composition the group that drank the most green tea did lose 1.2kg more weight than the other groups (Wang et al., 2010).
But before you spend a fortune on green tea, what the magazines and articles failed to tell you is that in order to consume the amount of catechins that was required to achieve that weight loss you would have to drink 18 cups of green tea a day over a 90 day period! If you like the taste of green tea and drink it by the bucket load go for it! But don’t start drinking it because you think it’s fat burning.
Our advice at Hustle is to avoid wasting your money on fat burners and so called fat burning supplements. Instead focus on eating a high fibre and high protein diet. These foods will keep you fuller for longer and will help manage your hunger levels. And in our opinion will taste a lot nicer than green tea!
As always, if you want any help or advice please complete the contact form below or click here to find out more and we would be happy to help!