What is Green Tea Extract?
 
Green Tea Extract, made from the Camellia sinensis plant, has a history of use in a number of Asian countries; though its very first use originated in traditional Chinese use. Green Tea is actually made from the same leaves used to make oolong tea, white tea and black tea. The difference, however, is that the Camellia sinensis leaves used to make Green Tea Extract have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process as its counterparts.
 
Green Tea Extract has become a popular oxidative support supplement with a number of reported health benefits believed to be obtained via its polyphenols (also known as catechins).
 
Green Tea Extract Benefits and Uses
 
Green Tea Extract benefits and uses may include:
Support weight loss and a healthy metabolism
Support cardiovascular health
Promote healthy cellular function
Support cognitive function
Promote exercise performance and recovery
 
Made from the Camellia sinensis plant, there are a number of reported Green Tea Extract benefits. The polyphenols and catechins have been shown to induce thermogenesis which in turn may helps regulate body fat levels and metabolism. Other evidence has suggested Green Tea Extract has oxidative support and immune-boosting properties. It may also support cardiovascular health.
 
If the Green Tea consumed contains enough caffeine, it may also be used as a natural coffee alternative. It's important to note, however, that Green Tea Extracts that contain high EGCG content typically have very little caffeine in them.
 
What Are Green Tea Extract Catechins And Why Are They Important?
 
Green Tea catechins are made up of the four molecules listed below, the most potent of which is believed to be EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate). Epicatechin and Epigallocatechin, can become acylated with gallic acid to form gallates. The best Green Tea Extract supplements available to buy usually specify their catechin and/or EGCG content. Without that information available, it is difficult to know if a particular Green Tea Extract supplement has high EGCG content or is simply ground up or powdered tea leaves.
 
Epicatechin
Epigallocatechin
Epicatechin Gallate
Epigallocatechin Gallate
 
Does Green Tea Extract have Caffeine?
 
While its reported that one brewed cup of Green Tea may contain anywhere from 35-100mg of Caffeine, the amount of caffeine in a concentrated Green Tea Extract can vary quite a bit. In fact, Green Tea Extracts that have high EGCG content, such as Nootropics Depot's Minimum 45% EGCG extract, tend to actually have very trace amounts of caffeine in them.