Green Tea & Matcha: Weight, Heart Evidence & Safety

Green tea and matcha come from Camellia sinensis, but preparation and dose matter. A cup of tea is not the same exposure as a concentrated extract capsule.

What the evidence says

NCCIH reports that green tea may produce small reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, but green tea supplements have not been shown to produce meaningful weight loss.

Evidence strength

Norene’s Farmacy rating: HUMAN EVIDENCE FOR SMALL LIPID EFFECTS; INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE FOR MEANINGFUL WEIGHT LOSS.

Safety

Green tea beverages are generally safe for adults in moderate amounts but contain caffeine. Concentrated extracts can cause gastrointestinal effects and, rarely, liver injury. Green tea can also interact with medicines including nadolol, atorvastatin, and raloxifene.

Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Green Tea: Usefulness and Safety.

Dr. Village Reports is educational information and product guidance, not medical advice.