Q: I’ve heard that Green Tea contains “EGCG antioxidants.” What exactly are these, and why are they good for my overall health?
A: The letters “EGCG” stand for epigallocatechin gallate, a naturally-occuring chemical commonly produced by plant-based substances. These substances are called polyphenols, flavonoids or catechins. As a group, these substances are called antioxidants, because they help protect your body from potentially harmful oxygen-containing molecules called free radicals.

Q: Where do free radicals come from, and how can they be harmful?
A: Free radicals are created as a by-product of the process your body uses to turn the food you eat into energy every day. Left unchecked by the natural antioxidants found in healthy fruits, vegetables and plants such as Green Tea, these free radicals can damage your DNA, the membranes of your cells and other cell components. Free radical damage is the chief source of premature aging.

Q: Why is Green Tea extract such a powerful source of antioxidants?
A: Because the specific type of antioxidants found in Green Tea, namely catechins, are very strong and even more powerful than vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene at fighting harmful free radicals. These powerful catechins also protect DNA.

Q: Does Green Tea contain caffeine?
A: Yes, but in lesser amounts than coffee. For instance, a six-ounce cup of Green Tea contains about 30 mg. of caffeine, while there are about 100 mg. of caffeine in six ounces of coffee. 

Q: Is it true that Green Tea can help me lose weight?
A: Yes, because Green Tea suppresses your appetite and fight fatigue. These are two essentials for losing extra pounds, along with diet and regular exercise. Try Mega-T® Green Tea or Mega-T® Green Tea with Hoodia Dietary Supplements, both good sources of Green Tea’s weight loss benefits.

Q: Will taking more supplements a day than the recommended dose help me lose weight more quickly?
A: No, taking more of these supplements or any supplement than the recommended dose will not accelerate your weight loss and may actually be harmful. Take only the recommended amount per day and follow your diet and exercise program to lose no more than two pounds per week for successful, lasting weight loss.

Q: What kinds of food should I be eating when trying to lose weight?
A: You should be eating unprocessed foods rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan you should include soy or other protein-rich meat substitutes to be sure of getting enough protein and iron in your diet. Avoid high-fat, fried and sugar-laden foods that offer empty calories or the wrong kinds of carbohydrates and drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

Q: How much exercise should I get per day?
A: Depending on your age, fitness level and circumstances, ideally every healthy adult should get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, even if it is only a daily walk. Check with your physician or health care professional before beginning any  exercise program then find an activity that you enjoy and can easily engage in without fear of injury or over-exertion.

Q: What should I do if I have to eat out at restaurants and can’t control the portion size I’m served? A: Just order food following the guidelines above and ask to have half of your meal wrapped to go. This way you can control the portion size you eat at the restaurant and have another ready-to-go meal for your lunch the next day.

Q: If I “cheat” one day and eat too many calories does it mean I’ve ruined my diet and should just give up?
A: Not at all. Simply return to your sensible eating plan and resume your healthy nutritional habits, such as portion control and exercise, the very next day. Remember that just as it took you a while to gain extra weight, losing it will be a day-by-day, hour-by-hour process for successful, lasting weight loss.

Q: Can having a positive attitude and getting enough rest also affect how successful I am in losing weight?
A: Absolutely. Studies have shown that just believing you can be successful, maintaining a positive attitude and getting eight hours of sleep per night can help reduce stress. Reducing stress can also help to reduce the levels of Cortisol in your metabolism. Since Cortisol is a hormone that encourages your body to store excess fat in reaction to stress, reducing Cortisol, particularly in older adults, makes weight loss easier. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and boost endorphins—the “feel good hormones,” as is getting enough rest on a daily basis.

Q: So a sensible diet, portion control, regular exercise, stress-reduction, sufficient rest, plenty of water and a supplement containing Green Tea are all good ideas when it comes to weight loss?
A: They’re more than good ideas. A sensible combination of all  these factors – diet, portion control, exercise, stress-reduction, hydration and a dietary supplement—guarantees that most healthy adults will lose a significant and lasting amount of excess weight over time. Why not start your healthier lifestyle today?