According to new research, green tea extract epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) may slow weight gain in two important ways. First, EGCG reduces the ability to absorb fat and second, it enhances the ability to burn fat.

The study, published in the journal Obesity, reports that mice given EGCG in addition to a high-fat diet gained weight 45% more slowly than the control group of mice eating the same diet without EGCG. In addition to lower weight gain, the researchers reported that mice fed green tea showed around a 30% increase in faecal lipids – suggesting that the EGCG limits fat absorption.

Green tea has traditionally been used to support immune and cardiovascular health as well as weight management. The primary beneficial compounds are the polyphenols:  epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epicatechin.

While several studies have shown that green tea and its component EGCG may affect body weight and fat levels, the new study focused on the ability of EGCG to modulate fat absorption and weight gain and learn the mechanisms of these actions.

The researchers believe that EGCG inhibits pancreatic lipase (PL) – an enzyme that breaks down fats (lipids) so they can be absorbed in the small intestine. With reduced amounts of PL, more fats pass through the digestive tract undigested, which accounts for the 30% increase in faecal lipids and 45% slower weight gain.

So the next time you indulge in a high-fat meal, you might want to wash it down with a cup of green tea.  Or, there’s orange juice--another antioxidant-rich beverage that seems to lessen the damage done by high-fat foods. Read our post about a similar study and the fat-busting power of O.J.

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