Green Tea May Make You Feel Full

Research has suggested that drinking green tea, which is rich in antioxidant compounds called catechins, may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Julija Josic from Lund University in Sweden and colleagues examined the postmeal effects of green tea on glucose, glycemic index, insulin and satiety in healthy individuals.

While the overall sensation of satiety was boosted more after a meal accompanied by green tea than after a reference meal accompanied by water, the researchers found no significant differences in serum insulin or insulin during a 120-minute postmeal observation period.

Interestingly, after the reference meal, the subjects reported finding it more pleasant to eat another mouthful of the same food than after the green tea meal, again confirming the increased feeling of satiety. The team speculates that differences in taste perception between the meal drinks may have been responsible for the satiety effects and so contributed to a stronger sensation of fullness after the green tea meal. “Green tea showed no glucose or insulin-lowering effect,” say the researchers. “Increased satiety and fullness were reported by the participants after the consumption of green tea.”

Josic, J., et al. (2010). Does green tea affect postprandial glucose, insulin and satiety in healthy subjects? A randomized controlled trial. Nutr J. 9:63.

—Dr. Bob Goldman
www.WorldHealth.net

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