Nutraceuticals and nootropics for anti-aging

Theanine supplementation suppresses fat accumulation in obesity study

Green tea has been used in dieting supplements for several years because of its supposed ability to speed up fat metabolism. A recent study in mice has now confirmed this concept and identified the main substances responsible for it: theanine and catechins. Researchers at Shizuoka University showed that a diet containing 0.03% theanine, either by itself or in combination with catechins or caffeine, resulted in significantly less weight gain than control diets. Blood triglyceride levels were also significantly reduced.

Theanine is a substance in tea, especially green tea, that is generally used as a relaxation-inducing supplement, as well as for lowering blood pressure, enhancing cancer therapies, and protecting nerve cells. Catechins (pronounced CAT-eh-kinz), also found in large amounts in tea, are antioxidants that are being intensively studied for their anti-cancer, anti-aging, and cardioprotective properties.

Link to the research report:

Anti-obesity effects of three major components of green tea, catechins, caffeine and theanine, in mice.

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A study in rats published last November suggests that substances in green tea may suppress fat storage in ‘brown adipose tissue’ — the fat that accumulates between the internal organs in the lower abdomen and causes the stomach to protrude even in the absence of subcutaneous fat around the waist. This type of fat is especially annoying and difficult for dieters to get rid of.

Link to the research report:

Green tea reduces body fat accretion caused by high-fat diet in rats through beta-adrenoceptor activation of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue.

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LifeLink carries Green Tea Extract in 500 mg capsules — containing 300 mg of catechins.