I use Green Tea Extract daily. The key is the amount of polyphenols and catechins per serving, in particular, the amount of the principal catechin, epigallcathecingallate (EGCG), clearly the most potent compound in green tea. As a single dose of 375-400mg EGCG is more effective that two single doses of 200mg EGCG, I usually ensure I take at least 400mg EGCG in one dose. My current favourite is NutraPlanet's TEA-GCG™ (Green Tea Caps). By far the best value for money around. When I supplement with AN's Lipotrophin-PM, I adjust my additional green tea intake somewhat.
Green Tea Extract (EGCG) is a staple for me for the following reasons:
1) Superior antioxidant (25-100 times more potent than vitamins c and e); cardiovascular protection and reduction in lipid levels and fat-tissue accumulation; reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels; maintenance of DNA and membrane structural integrity; anti-carcinogenic properties.
2) Reduction of post-prandial (after-meal) blood sugar and oxidative stress levels. This results from the high polyphenol content of green tea. When we eat, we might end up overeating, leading to post-prandial endothelial disorders that can impact us during most of the day. "Post-prandial oxidative stress" refers to the condition triggered by overloading our blood with fats and sugars for extended periods of time. This produces damage to the arterial wall (also due to high LDL oxidation), and can end up in higher risk of atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes.
3) Nutrient partitioning and cholecystokinin (CCK) release that is important in the management of insulin pathways.
4) Appetite modulation (via stimulation of the secretion of the peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK)).
5) Protein synthesis (also via the CCK pathway).
6) Norepinephrine secretion (due to catechol-o-methyl-transferase (COMT) inhibition); cAMP activation.
7) Fat synthesis, body mass and composition (via reduction in proliferation of fat cells, inhibition of fat absorption, reduction of blood levels triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin). The caffeine content of green tea and the polyphenols combine to simulate thermogenesis and boost metabolic rate.
I like to stack green tea with forskolin, Relora, and Rhodiola Rosea.