Skip to main content
Newsletter

How Much Green Tea to Drink to Lose Weight

Can green tea help you lose weight?

Can green tea help you lose weight?

Burning Calories With Green Tea

If you're from the southern part of the United States, you know that sweet tea is a staple. Though most teas have beneficial nutrients to help fight disease, green tea is known for its many therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that green tea's active component, called "epigallocatechin gallate" or EGCG, is very beneficial in treating cancers of the brain, prostate, cervix, and bladder. This magical antioxidant has also proven therapeutic for diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, endometriosis, spinal muscular atrophy, neurodegeneration, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It can even help with weight loss.

Research has shown that ECGC may:

  • increase metabolism and fat oxidation
  • inhibit fat cell development
  • increase the excretion of fat

Now, you're probably wondering how much green tea you should drink in order to get enough ECGC to lose weight. Below you will find the benefits of one, two, and three cups of green tea per day.

A Medical Warning

It is important to note that green tea extract is potent and can be dangerous when used improperly, specifically by causing liver toxicity. One study mentions an increase in the number of toxicity reports, as the extract grows in popularity. It is important to let your doctor know if you plan to use green tea extract, so your dosage and response can be monitored.

How much green tea to lose weight depends on your goals.

How much green tea to lose weight depends on your goals.

One Cup for Blood Sugar Levels

Drop a pound of body fat! Replace just one cup of your favorite non-fat latte or soft drink with a cup of green tea, and you can save at least 150 calories per day. Because green tea is virtually calorie-free, you will lose about a pound in six months according to researchers at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

According to a study in The Journal of American College Nutrition, just one cup of green tea can help stabilize high blood sugar levels when combined with exercise three days per week. By improving your insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, your body will use energy much more efficiently. This will help you slim down or maintain a healthy weight.

Two Cups for Energy

Boost your metabolism! Two cups of green tea provide optimal dosages of important minerals like manganese, selenium, chromium, and zinc. However, it has also been proven to prolong norepinephrine, the fat-burning accelerating hormone.

Boost your motivation to work out! Green tea also contains theanine, an amino acid, which has been shown to boost alertness. Unlike caffeine, theanine doesn't cause the jitters. Theanine can also help increase your brain's dopamine and serotonin levels. These neurotransmitters help the body and brain with correct behavior, cognition, memory, learning, motivation, mood, appetite, and sleep, They also help with voluntary movement which can keep your mind positively on your muscles.

Scientific studies have shown that just 30 minutes after drinking two cups of green tea, the endothelia cells that line your circulatory system dilate. In turn, your arteries and veins relax which allows proper blood flow and nutrient assimilation. Endothelial dysfunction can be reversed by drinking just two cups of green tea per day.

Fresh green tea will have the best flavor.

Fresh green tea will have the best flavor.

Green Tea Helpful Tips

  • To extract additional fat burning EGCG, dunk your tea bags a few times before consuming.
  • Add lemon and/or lime to help increase absorption as antioxidants can be lost through digestion.
  • Just steep your tea bags once as they lose antioxidants after the second use.

Three Cups Burns Belly Fat

Lose 11 pounds of body fat! A scientific study reported that drinking three cups of green tea per day, mixed with a bit of low-fat milk, can burn 106 calories per day when drinking for three days in a row. Drink three cups of green tea every day of the year, and that equates to 38,000 calories burned. That's 11 pounds of body fat burned!

Burn belly fat fast! The Journal of Nutrition reported that three cups of green tea combined with exercise burns abdominal fat. Results were shown after three months, but fat burning begins after the first three days of exercise.

Burn 17 percent more fat! Green tea's ECGC can help you blast more body fat during moderate-intensity cardio exercise. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that fat burning increased by 17 percent during a 30-minute cycling test when 366 milligrams of EGCG were consumed.

You may know that strength training increases bone strength, but did you know that drinking green tea can strengthen your bones as well? Research has linked green tea's content (i.e., caffeine, phytoestrogens, and fluoride) to helping increase bone density. Studies followed subjects for 10 years who drank tea regularly.

Be Cautious

Green tea is likely to be safe for most adults. However, more than five cups per day can cause a variety of symptoms such as mild to serious headaches, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, tremors, heartburn, dizziness, ringing in the ears, convulsions, and confusion. This is possibly due to high caffeine intake. Green tea can also cause upset stomach and constipation in lower doses. It may also have interactions with certain prescription medications. Be sure to consult with your doctor before adding green tea to your daily diet if you are on any medications or are pregnant or lactating.

Now that you know the many benefits of green tea, will you add it to your daily regimen?

Scroll to Continue

Tell Us What You Think

You're reading "How Much Green Tea to Lose Weight" by Abby Campbell. Please leave a comment and tell us what you think below. Then share the article with your family and friends. You may even share on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Resources

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Comments

Hanny on April 25, 2019:

I am female my hight is 5.6 and my Wight is 98 kgs how many cups a day I can take green tea

Eesha on April 03, 2019:

I put 3 green tea bags in 9 cups of normal water and put that water overnight. I drank that water on next day one by one cup in the place of water.

I want to ask is that ok to drink green tea like this.

Is this water by putting overnight harmful for my body?

Can i use the green tea like i do?

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on January 24, 2019:

Yes, you may drink it on an empty stomach.

tracy on January 17, 2019:

I weigh 155 pounds and am 5.6 feet tall. I drink 3-4 cups green tea a day have healthy snacks. I use the weights (light) 2 times a week and use the treadmill 4 times a week (15 minutes jogging). I have been doing this for 1 1/2 weeks and see no difference. Why?

Lovepreet on January 06, 2019:

Can i drink it with empty stomach in morning

hamnawa on November 24, 2018:

its beneffits

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on October 03, 2018:

Read the article. It is not based on weight. Thanks for inquiring.

Sanah on October 02, 2018:

My weight is 70 kgs.And my height is 5'5'' .how many cups of green tea should I take?

Noor on August 18, 2018:

Can I take eat before breakfast... I mean is it ok to take it with empty stomach??

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on June 06, 2018:

Meehika - Yes, I would still control your diet if you are looking to lose weight. Please take into consideration that diet and nutrition are also important to your health and not just your weight. With that being said, a "treat" of a pastry or pizza once or twice per month won't kill you.

Meehika on June 06, 2018:

Hi, thank you so much for this article. I do take 2 to 3 mugs (coffee mug which holds about 12-15 ounces) of green tea everyday and that would mean that one mug should approximately be equal to two cups, hence I might be taking 6 cups per day right?

Now since I am already taking 6 cups everyday and as well as exercising, do you think I can cut myself a slack when it comes to controlling the diet? I mean I don't overly over eat or anything, but I don't want to hold myself from everyday delicacies like probably a pastry one day or a pizza or some Chicken.

I don't mind taking in even more cups of green tea, probably 7-8 cups and exercising twice the rate, but I definitely do not want to cut down on my cravings or the food . I am not heavily overweight as I am 54 kgs but I do want to come down to 45-48. Do you think it is possible by intaking more than 6 cups of green tea as well as doing a lot of exercise? I am not sensitive to caffeine or anything which is why I don't mind intaking as much as I can, but at the same time I do like to drink it as much as I can before 3 p.m so that too much caffeine does not hamper with my sleep cycle at night.

So do you think I should still control my diet if I am exercising daily and drinking more than 6 cups of green tea?

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on May 13, 2018:

Azi - Either freshly dried leaves from a certified organic source is good. Or, you can choose a certified organic brand.

Azi on May 13, 2018:

which brand of green tea is best for fat buning

venkatesh on April 20, 2018:

It's good

Sree on February 18, 2018:

My daughter age is 8 years complete. Her weight is 39. She has constipation and some times asthma. Shall I give green tea with lemon to my daughter??

Nojdar Bazzaz on January 31, 2018:

For longer than 3 years I’m daily consuming about 3-5 cups of green tea

But I don’t feel that it help in fat burning, because I’m excercising approximately daily also but since 3 years I increased by 5 kg

ambreen on January 28, 2018:

how much i can take green tea if i breastfeed my baby

Chrissy on January 26, 2018:

I always drink green tea just one a cup every other weekend. I started drinking three cups a day for two weeks and lost 12 pounds. I also cut down on my breads. I drink my organic jasmine green tea hot no sugar on an empty stomach, in the morning. By lunch time I had devour three cups and ready to put something solid in my stomach.

Adil Bhatti on January 08, 2018:

Kindly provide scientific reference where 3 cups of green tea have been recommended.

Is it same for all genders?

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on January 01, 2018:

Great, Zaida!

Dr g v Prasad. on October 24, 2017:

It is most useful to all people.

palwisha on August 29, 2017:

Now i used greeen tea Inshallah

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on August 15, 2017:

Thank you, Veena.

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on August 15, 2017:

Thank you so much Chitrangada. :)

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on August 13, 2017:

Came back to read this useful, informative and evergreen hub another time!

I had shared it on Pinterest long time back and am very pleased to see that it is helping so many readers.

Thanks for sharing!

Veena on August 12, 2017:

Nice and informative to others it helped alot

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on June 01, 2017:

Sharvari - Green tea virtually has little calories. You may drink it to your hearts content. ;)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on June 01, 2017:

Audrey - Thanks for the comment. You can always add a few drops of pure Stevia. It may help with the bitter taste of the tea. ;)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on June 01, 2017:

Thank you, Joy, for your comment. I'm glad you're enjoying green tea, and I hope you reap great benefits from it. :-)

Sharvari on June 01, 2017:

Madam I am on diet plan, but today I ate 1 samosa & 1 sweet so dilute the calories how much green tea I have to drink

Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on May 03, 2017:

I love herbal tea, especially ginger but after reading your excellent hub about green tea I'll try it again,. I'm never liked the taset but if its good for me, I'll drink it,. Thanks.

Joy :) on April 29, 2017:

The moment I saw this article last 5 weeks I run to the grocery store to buy one. And the first week I drink it. I fell in love with green. I have been drinking it for 5 weeks already and I can see the result. I'm losing weigth! :) thanks here for the infotmation that I should be drinking it 3x a day to burn more fat. And yehey!!! :D Cause my weigth lose is great. I'm so fat before but now with the help of green tea, a jog in the morning, healthy diet, and motivation, not being lazy I got 9.48 lbs out of my body. I'm 64 before and now 54.2 . I'm still drinking green tea because I'm seeing good result in my body. Big thums up for ya green tea! Love what you did to my body. And thanks for yout info :*

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on March 22, 2017:

Hi Aima. If you can find certified organic green tea bags, then you may use them. ;)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on March 22, 2017:

Hi Nayaze. Unfortunately, I can't tell you how much weight you would lose by drinking two cups of green tea per day. The green tea may help boost your efforts of weight loss, but every individual is different in their rate of weight loss. This is due to body stats, metabolism, nutrition intake, exercise, and much more. ;)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on March 22, 2017:

Hi Ashish. Five cups of green tea is perfectly fine as long as you don't have a sensitivity to caffeine. However, green tea has such little amounts of caffeine (as indicated in the article). Continue drinking it if you like it. ;)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on March 22, 2017:

Hi Ain. I'm sorry to hear that your weight continually increases. Are you eating a healthy whole foods diet within your calorie range? If so, then you may want to consult with your healthcare practitioner to have some labs completed. Much of the time, hormones are to blame for the continual increase in weight gain and all it takes is a balancing of the hormones. A naturopathic practitioner can help you naturally balance your hormones with nutrition, herbs, and other natural remedies. ;) Best wishes to you!

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on March 22, 2017:

Great, Jacintha! Please remember that green tea is only a tool to help you lose stubborn body fat along with a healthy whole foods diet and exercise. ;) Keep up the great work!

Aima on March 22, 2017:

Hi, very informative blog. Can you please elaborate do the tea bags (green) also work equally good as the tea leaves?

nayaze on January 29, 2017:

can u say how many pounds of fat reduced in one month ?? by talking 2 times a day

ashish kumar on January 18, 2017:

i have started taking green tea from last week . i like its taste and feel but now it has become my habit like addiction , i take 5 cup of tea in days, every time when i take green after 2 hours i feel should take now .. is this harmful ?

Ain on January 10, 2017:

i am taking green tea with lemon also walk for 40mins daily since three months..but my weight continuously increasing.

Jacintha on January 10, 2017:

Thank you so so much for the info..planning to drop atleast 10kg of stubborn fat this year... 3 cups a day starting tommorrow then...

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on January 05, 2017:

Thank you for your question. You can drink it at anytime. However, you may want to drink it before 2 PM if you are sensitive to caffeine. Otherwise, you can opt for decaffeinated green tea.

Yuki on January 01, 2017:

Hi uhm while reading, I was wondering when is the proper time to drink green tea? Is it best before or after meals? Thanks! :)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on December 28, 2016:

Hi NoorAbby. Thank you for sharing. I'm glad to see that you are making great strides with your new healthy habits. Reducing sugar until there is absolutely no more craving for it is what some people need to do as they just cannot tolerate going "cold turkey." Thank you for sharing how you were able to reduce your sugar intake. I'm sure it will help some who read this particular article. ;) Please read more of my articles to motivate you in your new endeavors for getting into shape. Have a wonderful day, and it's great to know there is someone who shares my name across the world. Blessings to you!

NoorAbby on December 28, 2016:

Hi abby, im abby too but from Malaysia :) i started drinking green tea for last 7 days about 1-2 cups daily. I usually drink it when its warm or refrigerate first just to cold enough. I did not iced my tea. Significantly, it manage to suppress my appetite and i lost my sweet tooth :) now i can manage my diet since i did not crave for fried and sweet food. I didnt know how scientifically it works, but i know its because of this green tea benefit. Btw, im a 200 pounds aged 20. I know some people troubled with the taste what else if without sugar. This is how i started to "receive" green tea.. I would mix 500 ml with 2 tbs of sugar and reduce it daily until on forth day im drinking it plainly. Im just sharing though :) loved how abby respond to all poster above.. You really taking good care of your blogwalker.. Now im doing my gym n exercise to slim down and, im going to start my tabata lesson soon, cant wait to melt those nasty fat im my body.. Still long way to go.. Lastly, start with green tea and dust off your jog shoe and start to jog people ! Lotsolove

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on December 26, 2016:

Hi AbbA. Thanks for inquiring. If you like your tea sweet, perhaps you can try Stevia which is a natural source of sweetness. Sugar is not good for losing weight or health. :)

AbbAS khan on December 10, 2016:

Should i take with sugar or wdout sugar ?

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on October 25, 2016:

Hi Bob. When I say "cup," I mean 8 ounces. Two teabags are fine as long as it doesn't give you the jitters. Most green tea servings only have about 25 mg. of caffeine which is very little. Thanks for commenting.

Bob on October 24, 2016:

I drink 20 0ounces of great tea made from two teabags every morning. Is that too much? When you talk about "cups" are you saying the ounce measurement of a cup or just a normal teacup?

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on October 10, 2016:

Hi rexford. I'm sorry, but I'm unfamiliar with the drug you're taking. Anytime, you add more liquids, especially those that help detox, will flush extra fluids out of the body. This is a good thing as it's helping your body to eliminate toxins.

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on October 10, 2016:

honey - It's your prerogative to add sugar. As a holistic health practitioner, I try to sway everyone away from sugar as it is a disease and cancer feeder. You may want to try an herb that is sweet like sugar but has healthy benefits. It's called Stevia.

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on October 10, 2016:

Great, Jo! I'm glad I could inspire you. Happy trails to more green tea as well s more great health!

rexford on October 10, 2016:

i do take one cup green tea everyday and a pressure drug called candesartan, does this makes you urinate often?

honey on October 08, 2016:

can i add small amount of sugar to green tea?

Jo on September 24, 2016:

Thanks for the information of getting benefits of drinking 3 to 5 glass green tea a day to strengthen our bones and to reduce belly fats. I will add this green tea on my 3 meals and with doing exercise.

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on September 19, 2016:

Thanks for your testimony, pretth, and congratulations on your inches lost. :-)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on August 23, 2016:

Sahidya - I'm not understanding your question. Are you asking at what age a person must be to drink green tea? Organic green tea is low in caffeine and has wonderful health benefits for any age. However, I would not give it to your infant or toddler.

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on August 23, 2016:

Nicole - I would definitely abide by your healthcare practitioner. :-)

sahidiya on August 18, 2016:

what is the age good for drinking green tea?

nicole on May 26, 2016:

My doctor says i should not drink green tea with an empty stomach. So i should not drink green tea before breakfast as well?

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on February 26, 2016:

Thanks for commenting, Sally. I hope you enjoy the green tea. Please let me know how it works for you. ;)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on February 26, 2016:

Carroll - If you're talking about prepackaged green tea in a bottle, you have to be careful as it may contain sugars or other chemical additives. But, cold green tea still has as many health benefits as warm green tea. ;)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on February 26, 2016:

Glad you're already a green tea lover, delnoxper! Yes, green tea has many great benefits. Science is showing how useful it is everyday. In fact, it can even help prevent and heal breast cancer. :-)

Sally Smith1 on February 26, 2016:

I'm trying to lose some weight here. I have heard the idea of drinking green tea to boost metabolism from my Japanese friend. Gonna try it for sure. Hope it works :)

Delan Cooper from Australia on February 25, 2016:

I'm a green tea lover, especially "Matcha Green Tea."

I never know green tea can help to lose weight before, I would have to drink it up! more and more!

Carroll Faganello on February 25, 2016:

Does green tea cold in the bottle have the same effects?? I get the impression that this talks mostly about hot green tea.

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on February 17, 2016:

Congrats, Omaima! I'm so happy for you. Thank you for sharing your testimony. Have a wonderful day!

Omaima khan on February 15, 2016:

I m trying to losse weight and I start drinking green tea 4 or 5 cupes a day and I m feeling really good and I dont eat sugurs and junk food and I drink lemon water every day 9 glases ffrom 1 month and I m feeling reaaly good

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on January 04, 2016:

Hi Marie. Different brands of green tea have differing amounts of caffeine. Most have only 25 grams of caffeine, but I've seen them as high as 40. Thanks for inquiring, and have a great day!

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on January 04, 2016:

Thank you, JHuie81. I appreciate your comment. Have a wonderful day!

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on January 04, 2016:

Great, CapCooL! Glad to hear it!

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on January 04, 2016:

Hi Paula. Thanks for commenting. Yes, you can drink it hot or cold. Sugar in general is not good for you as it destroys gut health - something that science is now showing affects your entire body. You may want to try coconut sugar which something completely different from refined sugar and actually has nutritional benefit.

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on January 04, 2016:

Hi Friend. Yes, you can drink it at room temperature or cold. Thanks for inquiring.

Marie on January 03, 2016:

How much caffeine is in a cup? I do get heart burn so now that I know, it might be the green tea . I drink it so I'm not so tired. Thanks for the information.

Jonathan from North Carolina on December 12, 2015:

Great info. Keep up the good work.

Edwin B Lowry from PA on November 14, 2015:

I like green tea, it's gooooood! All teas are good and I have a cupboard full.

Friend on October 13, 2015:

can you drink it at room temp. or cold?

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on August 04, 2015:

Hi Anonymous. Yes, an 8 oz. cup is one serving. Therefore, your 16 oz. cups would equate to two servings. Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful day! :-)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on August 04, 2015:

Hi Chetan. For general health, three cups of green tea is a good start. New research is proving that 5+ cups can prevent or help heal breast cancer and other diseases. Be sure you take in an organic tea with young leaves as most antioxidants are lost in aged tea. To lose weight, you will need to incorporate a wholesome diet and get daily exercise. Thanks for reading. :-)

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on August 04, 2015:

Hi hansika. Drinking green tea is a wonderful start, but you do need to avoid eating fried foods. Eating a wholesome diet and getting daily exercise will help you reduce body fat and be health. Thank you for commenting. :-)

Anonymous on May 12, 2015:

Are we talking 8 oz cups? I'm curious merely because I drink 16 oz at a time and am wondering if this counts as two cups.

Chetan on April 07, 2015:

I wanna loss my 5 kilo waight

So how many tea cup I have to drink daily? And how long?

hansika on March 17, 2015:

I have started taking it twice in a day I m so fat I weight 70kg and I m just 15 yrs so I should take it thrice and avoid eating fried food

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on November 24, 2014:

Hi Paula. Thank you for your comment. The teavana green tea with lemon verbana and lemongrass sound very yummy! I don't think it matters whether you drink it hot or cold to receive the benefits. It's entirely up to your likes. As far as sweetening the tea with sugar and hinder the benefits, I guess it would depend on how much sugar you are taking in per day as well as what type of sugar. I would suggest getting away from any refined sugar as it is unhealthy. A natural sugar such as honey would be beneficial. :-)

Paula E on October 23, 2014:

I have replaced my sweet tea with green tea. I get the teavana brand that is green tea with lemon verbana and lemon grass. Usually i drink about 31 ozs a day, iced and sweetened with a little simple syrup. Will the blend or sugar hinder the benefits? Does it make a difference if you drink it hot or cold?

Enjoyed the article very much.

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on September 18, 2014:

Thank you for your comment, amandeep. Reducing stomach fat takes much more of an effort than just drinking green tea. You must have a clean and balanced diet, with consistent exercise or activity. You are welcome to add honey or lemon, but I do not know what your lifestyle is like to be able to tell you if it will work "faster." Please note that honey is sugar, and sugar will not help you lose weight unless you burn it off.

Dr Abby Campbell (author) from Charlotte, North Carolina on September 18, 2014:

Thank you for your comments, tahira. You have asked questions that have already been answered in my article. The facts have been backed by scientific research. You may want to re-read. Have a great day!

amandeep singh on September 17, 2014:

I really want to reduce my stomach fat . please tell me if i add honey and lemon into it then can i expect it will work more faster than normal green tea ?