Commonly called potbelly syndrome, metabolic syndrome is generally asymptomatic. It affects 20% of the population, on average, and is characterized by a large waistline. This is why it increases the risk of developing certain pathologies: type 2 diabetes, various cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure or respiratory disorders such as sleep apnea. Affected individuals also have a greater risk of developing liver disease such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, also called NASH.
How can green tea help fight metabolic syndrome?
In an article for Eating Wellnutrition experts point out that in addition to adopting a balanced diet, regularly drinking green tea helps improve your waistline. “Green tea is a simple but powerful addition to a healthy lifestyle and may play a positive role in improving metabolic health, especially for those with metabolic syndrome” explains Violeta Morris, an American dietitian. For what ? Because green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins which help fight metabolic syndrome. And these catechins represent about 30% of the composition of green tea.
What are the other benefits of green tea?
Green tea also contains a specific catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This powerful antioxidant can help you manage your diabetes. Indeed, various studies have shown that the molecule helps improve insulin resistance, reduce oxidative stress and lower blood sugar levels.
“EGCG can improve glucose absorption, making it easier for your body to regulate blood sugar” explains dietitian Stacey Woodson.
Green tea also helps, according to various studies, to improve bad cholesterol levels, characteristic of metabolic syndrome. Finally, the drink has virtues for weight loss, which is essential for improving your waistline.
“Green tea can help you lose weight, especially in the abdominal area, which is essential for managing metabolic syndrome.” confirms Violeta Morris.
Drink your green tea without sugar, preferably
To make the most of its benefits, experts recommend not sweetening the drink. “Limit the addition of sweeteners in your glass of green tea, but also regular sugar, syrups, honey, maple syrup.
they advise. “Too much sugar can raise your blood sugar and contribute to unwanted weight gain.”
It would indeed be a shame to lose all the benefits of the drink, simply because it is too sweet.
Dietitians also recommend drinking two cups per day, before or after meals, to benefit from maximum benefits. Finally, for an even more concentrated green tea, you can try matcha. “Matcha is a form of powdered green tea made by grinding whole tea leaves into a fine powder. Since you are consuming the whole leaf, matcha is more concentrated in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals than traditional brewed green tea”
they conclude.