Health
Green tea for fueling weight loss? Experts reveal the skinny truth
Millions of Americans are using prescription drugs like Ozempic in an effort to lose weight.
These medications, however, could pose some health concerns, and they’re often costly — also, in some parts of the U.S., patients are experiencing shortages.
Recently, social media posts have been buzzing about green tea as a way to shed pounds without the medication or high costs.
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So should you try green tea as a way to trim your waistline?
Fox News Digital reached out to experts about the beverage’s weight-loss potential.
Here are five key questions they answered.
On social media, there’s been plenty of buzz that green tea could be a way to shed pounds without medication or high costs. (iStock)
1. What’s the science behind the green tea weight-loss claims?
Scientific findings from studies examining green tea extract in energy drinks and weight-loss supplements are mixed at best, according to Cleveland Clinic.
“There’s some speculation that catechins (natural polyphenolic phytochemicals found in food and medicinal plants) in green tea can break down body fat and may rev up your metabolism, contributing to weight loss,” the same source noted.
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In addition, research has found that “green tea can help manage your appetite and blood sugar levels,” which may lead to better weight management if used on a regular basis, Cleveland Clinic indicated.
Green tea contains caffeine, which can aid in weight loss.
Kelli Metzger, a registered dietitian at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., said that green tea contains caffeine, which can also aid in weight loss.
“Green tea contains caffeine and epigallocatechingallate (EGCG), which can help boost metabolism and break down fat cells,” Metzger told Fox News Digital.
EGCG is the most abundant catechin in green tea, per Healthline.
2. Can green tea help with other medical issues?
In studies, EGCG has been found to help lower blood pressure, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and inflammatory markers for heart disease, said Metzger.
“It may also enhance insulin sensitivity, helping to reduce the risk of diabetes,” she added.
Although this information is promising, Metzger emphasized that it’s vital to discuss this with a health care provider.
“It is best to consult a physician before adding large amounts of green tea or EGCG supplements to your daily intake,” said one expert. (iStock)
“The EGCG may interfere with absorption of some cholesterol-lowering or antipsychotic medications, so it is best to consult a physician before adding large amounts of green tea or EGCG supplements to your daily intake,” she advised.
One cup of green tea contains about 50 to 100 milligrams of EGCG, Metzger noted, while most experts suggest consuming no more than 338 milligrams per day.”
Consuming 800 milligrams or more of EGCG per day could lead to liver damage, she warned.
3. Should green tea’s caffeine levels be a red flag?
Since green tea contains caffeine, those who drink it or take supplements with green tea extract should be aware of the effects of the drug, experts say.
A cup of green tea contains roughly 29 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 95 milligrams in a cup of coffee.
If you’re sipping green tea all day in the hope of shedding pounds, keep a tally of your caffeine totals.
“Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered safe for most people,” Metzger said.
“Overall, adding green tea to your diet, especially if it replaces juices or sodas, is a good choice,” she told Fox News Digital.
Those who are sipping multiple cups of green tea throughout the day in hopes of shedding pounds, however, should keep a tally of caffeine totals, the expert advised.
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It’s also important to be aware of your sensitivity to caffeine.
For some people, the drug may cause anxiety, jitters, restlessness, headaches, increased heart rate and/or difficulty sleeping, Metzger cautioned.
4. Is drinking green tea better than taking supplements?
The better choice is to drink green tea rather than take the extract in supplements, according to some experts.
“Any time you want a nutrient to have the optimal effect, it’s best to eat or drink it when possible,” LaTasha Perkins, M.D., a family physician at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital.
To change your body long-term, you should incorporate consistent habits that become part of a healthier lifestyle, experts say. (iStock)
“This is because your body knows what to do with foods and drinks, and can break them down and absorb the nutrients more easily and effectively.”
if you decide to use the extract in supplement form, aim for no more than 338 mg EGCG per day, Metzger recommended.
5. How can green tea fit into an overall weight-loss plan?
Incorporating green tea could possibly help you lose weight, but it’s best as part of a bigger game plan, experts say.
“It can be effective in combination with other lifestyle adjustments for weight loss, such as making healthy choices in your diet while also drinking green tea,” said Perkins.
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Green tea can also help to stimulate digestion, she noted.
“The stimulation of digestion is how green tea aids the body in metabolizing, because it helps the body’s GI (gastrointestinal) system.”
For some people, caffeine may cause anxiety, jitters, restlessness, headaches, increased heart rate and/or difficulty sleeping, a doctor noted. (iStock)
To change your body long-term, it’s best to incorporate consistent habits that become part of a healthier lifestyle, experts say.
“There’s no quick fix when it comes to weight loss and maintaining a healthy way of living — these habits must be maintained over time,” Perkins said.
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The best thing you can do is make a conscious decision to eat better, she noted.
“Think of food as medicine,” the doctor advised.
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Good hydration and exercise are also essential when working toward a weight-loss goal.
Added Perkins, “Balance is key, but nutrition is a good first step to focus on.”
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As Los Angeles battles the worst wildfires in the city’s history, thousands of people have been displaced or have seen their homes burn to the ground.
Around 130,000 people were ordered to evacuate and some 10,000 structures were destroyed, according to the Associated Press. At least 10 people have died as a result of the blazes.
The devastation of the fires has undoubtedly taken a grave toll on the psyches of those affected, experts agree.
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Fox News Digital spoke with celebrities and mental health experts, who offered the following guidance for the people impacted.
Recognize your feelings
For those who have experienced a loss from the fires, common reactions include shock, disbelief and confusion, according to David Kessler, a grief counselor in Los Angeles and founder of Grief.com.
“I call it grief brain,” he told Fox News Digital.
Luke Dexter reacts as he sifts through the remains of his father’s fire-ravaged beachfront property in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire on Jan. 10, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher) (AP Newsroom)
“Your mind is trying to comprehend what happened, and it’s a hard thing for it to do, because this is unimaginable that your house, your safety, is suddenly gone.”
Not all grief is related to death, Kessler noted, as there are many different types of losses.
“I always say grief is a change you didn’t want — and certainly a fire is a change we didn’t want,” he added.
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It’s important to “self-validate” the reality of the loss, he said.
“People might give you toxic positivity of, ‘well, at least no one died,’” he said. “And while that’s true, the reality is you still have lost your home. Don’t let anyone minimize that.”
“The loss of a home is devastating and it can take years to recover.”
“I think we’re going to deal with a lot of depression after this, a lot of sadness.”
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, California, where fires erupted on Tuesday, shared how the disaster has impacted his own mental health.
“I’ve seen so much tragedy the last three or four days that I’ve got to be careful to … keep a hold of my mind,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“And I think that we’re going to deal with a lot of depression after this, a lot of sadness. And it’s going to be really tough because this is like nothing you’ve ever seen.”
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, California, where fires erupted on Tuesday, shared how the disaster has impacted his own mental health. (AGUSTIN PAULLIER/AFP via Getty Images; Fox News)
Gutenberg noted that while it’s “very normal” to be down, he is trying not to let himself “go down that hole.”
“But I’m pretty sad about this,” he added.
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Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in Manhattan and Washington, D.C., noted that the grief following the Los Angeles fires is “profound.”
“It’s not just about the physical loss of homes or belongings — it’s also about the sense of safety and normalcy that has been lost,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It’s important for people to feel emotions and not ignore them. This is a normal reaction to such overwhelming loss and tragedy.”
Reach out for support
Guttenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with others and drawing support from the community during a disaster of this magnitude.
“We’re social animals — we need people,” he said. “So I’m reaching out to my friends. There’s no way to meet right now because it’s so dangerous — so the best thing you cn do … is call and reach out and maybe you can drive somewhere.”
Experts agreed that it’s essential to avoid isolating yourself after a loss. “We need to be taken care of. We need other people around us.” (AP Newsroom)
Most of the people in town have evacuated, he pointed out. “There’s probably 10% of the population left here. Or less.”
Kessler reiterated that connection is critical after this type of trauma. “We need to be taken care of. We need other people around us. People equal safety,” he said.
“We need other people around us. People equal safety.”
Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington, agreed that it’s essential to avoid isolating yourself after a loss.
“We need God and we need each other. Community is vital,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Family, friends and neighbors care about you. God sends His love through these people. Reject isolation. Don’t shut down and don’t shut people out.”
Take action
“In times of crisis such as this, regaining even small amounts of control can be grounding,” Alpert said.
He recommends creating a plan for what’s next, whether it’s finding temporary housing, accessing local resources or starting the process of rebuilding.
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
Ben Treger hugs his wife Sarah Treger after finding his grandfather’s watches at the remains of their Pacific Palisades home on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. “If you do have survivor’s guilt, I always say the best thing is to take action,” one expert advised. (Juan Carlo/Imagn)
Kessler agreed, noting that people who are in the area but did not experience loss may feel a sense of relief mixed with guilt.
“If you do have survivor’s guilt, I always say the best thing is to take action,” he advised.
In the longer term, advocacy efforts can be a powerful tool in dealing with trauma, Alpert noted.
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“Working to improve fire prevention policies, supporting relief efforts or helping neighbors rebuild can provide a sense of purpose and empowerment during this difficult time,” he said.
Some people may be angry about the systems that failed to prevent the fires in the first place, Alpert acknowledged, and this anger can be a “powerful motivator.”
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
“Use that energy to demand better, but don’t get stuck on the anger,” he advised.
“By holding leaders accountable for the policies — or lack thereof — that contributed to this devastation, and by asking the right questions and demanding answers, you might start to feel better.”
Seek professional help as needed
“The L.A. fires no doubt will not just leave physical scars, but deep emotional ones, too,” Alpert said.
“For many people, the fear, panic and helplessness experienced during the fires don’t just disappear — they linger, creating flashbacks, anxiety and difficulty functioning.”
“For many people, the fear, panic and helplessness experienced during the fires don’t just disappear — they linger, creating flashbacks, anxiety and difficulty functioning.” (iStock)
In many cases, this can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of this condition can include vivid memories of the fires, nightmares, hypervigilance or avoidance of anything that reminds someone of the event, Alpert said.
“It’s important to see this not as weakness, but rather, the mind’s and body’s way of trying to cope with extreme stress.”
“While the fires were devastating, they don’t diminish your strength or character.”
As you seek help, it’s also important to understand that PTSD doesn’t define you, he added.
“It’s a part of your experience, not your identity. While the fires were devastating, they didn’t diminish your strength or character.”
Lean on your faith
For those who have experienced traumatic grief, Kessler emphasized the importance of faith and spirituality.
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“They help ground us in a world full of fear,” he said. “And when we’ve lost everything, it can feel like our faith is the one thing we have to hold onto.”
During a time of crisis, Guttenberg said it’s important to “rely on anything that you believe in.”
Cesar Plaza becomes emotional while looking at his home destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Jan. 9, 2025. “It’s easy to be consumed with what you no longer have,” a pastor told Fox News Digital. (AP Photo/Nic Coury) (AP Newsroom)
“If you believe in your mom and dad, you rely on them, your brothers and sisters, your friends, your family. God, the universe.”
Above all, he added, “Just remember, you’re not alone. God is always with you. Jesus is always with you. You’ve got to hang on to that.”
Find ways to exercise gratitude
During times of hardship, it’s important to recognize the good things that are still in your life, Pastor Bradley said.
“It’s easy to be consumed with what you no longer have,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“You need to be intentional to take inventory of the blessings in your life. For example, you might lose a home or business, but you still have family.”
This mindset will help you keep a healthy perspective and protect gratitude, Bradley added.
Health
Scientists May Be Able to Make Grapefruits Compatible With Medications They Currently Interfere With
You may be among the millions of people who have seen a surprisingly specific warning like this on the labels of drugs you take:
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication.
Such warnings are issued for dozens of substances, including docetaxel, a cancer drug; erythromycin, an antibiotic; and some statins, the cholesterol-lowering drugs prescribed to more than a third of American adults over 40.
The problem is a set of molecules, furanocoumarins. High levels of furanocoumarins interfere with human liver enzymes, among other processes. In their presence, medications can build up to unhealthy levels in the body. And grapefruits and some related citrus fruits are full of them.
But there is no such warning for other kinds of citrus, such as mandarins and other oranges. Citrus researchers at the Volcani Center in Israel reported Wednesday in the journal The New Phytologist that, by crossing mandarins and grapefruit, they’ve uncovered genes that produce furanocoumarins in some citrus fruits. It’s a finding that opens the possibility of creating grapefruit that doesn’t require a warning label.
Scientists had worked out the compounds’ structures and pieced together a basic flowchart of how they are made years ago, said Yoram Eyal, a professor at the Volcani Center. But the precise identities of enzymes catalyzing the process — the proteins that snip off a branch here, or add a piece there — remained mysterious. He and his colleagues knew that one way to identify them was to breed citrus high in furanocoumarins with those without. If the offspring of such a cross had varying levels of the substances, it should be possible, by digging into their genetics, to pinpoint the genes for the proteins.
“We were afraid to approach it, because it’s very time-consuming and it takes many years,” he said, noting how involved it can be to grow new trees from seeds and assess their genetics. “But finally, we decided we have to dive in.”
When they examined the offspring of a mandarin and a grapefruit, the researchers saw something remarkable. Fifty percent of the young plants had high levels of furanocourmains, and 50 percent had none. That particular signature meant something very specific, in terms of how the ability to make these substances is inherited.
“We saw there was only one gene that could have controlled it,” said Livnat Goldenberg, a Volcani Center researcher who is the lead author of the new study.
The researchers soon identified the gene controlling the production of furanocoumarins in leaves and fruit, which produces an enzyme called 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase, or 2OGD for short. Mandarins, it turns out, have a mutated form of this gene that keeps the enzyme from functioning properly. This version cropped up in all the mandarin and orange varieties the researchers checked, explaining why they do not cause the same problems as grapefruit in people taking prescription medications. In these plants, furanocoumarin production is paused.
With gene editing technology, it should be possible to alter the gene in grapefruit as well, Dr. Eyal suggests. The team at the Volcani Center is now exploring that project.
Looking at how widespread this mutated version is in mandarins and some other citrus, the scientists speculate that some gene nearby on the genome must play an important role in a highly prized trait. A long-ago citrus breeder, selecting for some unknown quality, must have unwittingly spread this furanocoumarin-busting version of the gene to an ancestor of modern varieties of mandarins and oranges.
All these years later, that person’s work is coming to light, under the gaze of geneticists, who may, someday, put grapefruit back on the menu.
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