Green Tea Extract (EGCG) Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Supplement Information and Usage Guide
Green Tea Extract is rich in antioxidants, particularly EGCG, that support metabolism, heart health, and weight management.
Green tea extract is rich in polyphenols, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful antioxidant that supports metabolism, brain health, and cardiovascular function.
It has thermogenic properties that may assist in fat oxidation and weight management, and is widely studied for its role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Green tea extract is used for energy, fat loss, and antioxidant defense. It is well tolerated, though excessive doses may cause jitteriness or stomach upset.
Other names & forms of Green Tea Extract (EGCG) supplement : green tea extract, egcg, camellia sinensis extract, green tea polyphenols, green tea catechins
Benefits
Concentrated catechins make Green Tea Extract a versatile source of antioxidant and metabolic benefits:
- Helps support Weight Loss by enhancing fat oxidation and increasing metabolic rate.
- May promote Heart Health by improving lipid profiles and reducing oxidative stress in arteries.
- Contributes to Cognitive Health by protecting neurons from oxidative damage and improving cerebral blood flow.
- Supports Anti-Aging through potent free radical scavenging and DNA-protective effects.
Dosage
Individuals often adjust the dosage of Green Tea Extract (EGCG) supplement according to their specific health objectives:
- Antioxidant and metabolism support: 250–500 mg/day of Green Tea Extract (standardized to 45–55% EGCG).
- Caffeine-free options: Available for those sensitive to stimulants.
- Fat loss use: Often combined with caffeine or other thermogenics.
- Recommendation: Take with food to minimize nausea; avoid before bed.
Side Effects
Green Tea Extract is rich in catechins and caffeine, offering antioxidant and metabolic support, but it can cause mild effects as your body adjusts. Watch for:
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances if taken too late in the day
- Mild jitteriness or restlessness—especially in caffeine-sensitive individuals
- Possible gastrointestinal upset—nausea or cramps—on an empty stomach
- Occasional headache or dizziness in sensitive users
- Rare liver enzyme elevations with very high doses; monitor if used long term
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Stimulant medications and caffeine: Green Tea Extract’s caffeine may potentiate decongestants or Guarana, increasing jitteriness—use with caution.
- Iron supplements: Its catechins can inhibit non-heme iron absorption; separate dosing by at least two hours.
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents: Green tea’s mild antiplatelet action may add to warfarin or Garlic, raising bleeding risk—monitor INR.
Precautions
Before adding Green Tea Extract to your routine, ensure none of the following apply to you. If they do, consult your healthcare provider:
- Individuals with hypertension or heart conditions: Caffeine may elevate blood pressure and heart rate; avoid unless cleared by a cardiologist
- People with anxiety disorders: Can exacerbate anxiety; use with caution
- Those with liver disease: Risk of hepatotoxicity at high doses; monitor liver function
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: High caffeine and catechin content may affect fetus or infant; limit intake
- Patients scheduled for surgery: Discontinue at least two weeks prior—possible interactions with anesthesia and bleeding risk
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into Green Tea Extract (EGCG) benefits:
A 2015 randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in 80 adults found 500 mg/day green tea extract (45% EGCG) for 12 weeks reduced body weight by 2.4 kg versus 0.6 kg with placebo (P < 0.01) and lowered LDL-C by 8% (P < 0.05).
A 2009 crossover study in 20 healthy males showed that a single 800 mg dose increased energy expenditure by 4% over 24 h versus control (P < 0.05), suggesting thermogenic properties.
A 2017 Cochrane review concluded green tea catechins modestly reduce systolic blood pressure (MD = –2.1 mmHg; P = 0.04) but evidence quality is low.
No large‐scale RCTs have assessed green tea extract for cognitive or cancer prevention endpoints in humans.
This article was originally published on Stackbb.com, your trusted source for science-based supplement guides.
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