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If you need another reason to switch from coffee (or soda) to green tea - here it is. Several studies have shown that drinking green tea boosts exercise-induced weight loss.

A new study in the Journal of Nutrition confirms the weight loss benefits and claims drinking green tea also helps the body burn fat - belly fat in particular.

Study participants were put on a strict exercise and diet regimen including a consistent daily caloric intake, 180 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly and 39mg daily of caffeine. The only difference was how the study's two groups took their caffeine - one drank green tea and one did not.



After twelve weeks, the green tea group lost an average of 4.4 pounds and the other group only lost an average of 2 pounds. The green tea group also lost significantly more abdominal fat.

No one knows exactly how green tea works for weight loss, but the widely-accepted theory is that the catechins (antioxidants) in tea speed the burning of fat in the body. Green tea has also been shown to lower insulin levels which helps reduce not only body fat, but the risk of diabetes as well. In comparison, coffee has been shown to "lock in" insulin levels.

The article in The Denver Post also claims that green tea has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Beyond that, green tea rids the body of toxins, strengthens your immune and cardiovascular systems, and has been used to treat depression, arthritis, and even digestive upset. What's not to love?