Green tea is often advertised as a drink that promotes weight loss and even "burns" calories. Claims can be found online that its ingredients can reprogram genes and speed up metabolism. However, as explained by the associate professor of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology of the Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Anastasia Boteva, this is nothing more than a myth. This was reported by the press service of the educational institution.
According to the scientist, green tea contains caffeine, catechins and theanine amino acid, which have stimulating and antioxidant effects. But their effect on metabolism is too weak to compensate for the damage caused by fast food or sweets.
"The genetic systems of plants and humans are incompatible. During digestion, any DNA, including tea DNA, is completely broken down into nucleotides. It has no effect on our genes," explained Boteva.
The specialist stressed that no amount of green tea can neutralize calories.
"If you eat a 500-calorie cake and top it with green tea, your body will get all those calories. The tea does not 'burn' them or hinder their absorption."
According to the specialist, believing in "purification rituals" with tea can lead to the development of unhealthy habits. people start eating more sweets, justifying it as "detoxification". This, in turn, leads to fluctuating blood sugar levels, elevated cholesterol levels, and increased strain on the liver and pancreas.
Moreover, excessive consumption of strong tea can irritate the stomach lining, and the tannins contained in it interfere with the absorption of iron, increasing the risk of anemia. Sweetened tea, in turn, contributes to the development of tooth decay.
"To stay in shape, you need healthy habits, not 'magic' drinks, but moderate food, physical activity, adequate sleep and avoiding excess simple carbohydrates." Green tea can be useful, but only as part of a balanced lifestyle, not as a substitute," emphasized Anastasia Boteva.
Translation by Euromedia24.com
