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14 Best Green Tea Extract Supplements (2024) for Weight Loss, Performance, and Longevity

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Don't dig the taste of green tea? No problem!

✓ Medically Reviewed and Fact-Checked by Dr. Jesse Ropat, PharmD, RPh, B.Sc.

*AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: We include links to products throughout this article. If you purchase through any of these links, we receive a commission

Green tea is the original health tonic – probably second only to water. Japanese and Chinese cultures have consumed green tea for thousands of years. The longevity of Asian populations may be down to daily tea rituals, per some population studies. I mean, in some “blue zones” around the world, like Okinawa, Japan, it’s not uncommon for people to live to 100.

Don’t worry, coffee lovers; no need to quit coffee in favor of matcha lattes. Coffee has plenty of health benefits of its own. But don’t turn your nose up at a cup of green tea – it may extend your life and protect your brain, immune system, skin, and cardiovascular health.

If you don’t dig the taste, taking green tea extract (GTE) is like drinking several cups of tea (without tripling your liquid and caffeine intake). It comes with high concentrations of polyphenol compounds called catechins. The most well-known is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Scientists believe EGCG is why green tea extract may support longevity, fat burning, cancer prevention, and more.

It’s also a good source of the calming amino acid L-theanine, which balances the effects of caffeine. That said, GTE is much lower in caffeine than coffee or regular tea.

In this article, you’ll find our guide to the 14 best green tea extract supplements on the market.

Oh look, a neat little table of contents.

What is the Best Green Tea Extract in 2024?

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If you’re in a rush, here is our shortlist of the best GTE supplements:

Best Overall Green Tea Extract Supplement: Renue Liposomal Green Tea Extract

Best Green Tea Supplement for Weight Loss: Zenwise Green Tea Fat Burner Gummies

Best Decaf Green Tea Extract Supplement: Life Extension Decaffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract

Best Green Tea Extract for Focus: NOW L-Theanine + Green Tea

Best Green Tea Extract for Performance: Zenwise Green Tea Extract

Best Green Tea Extract Powder: Pure Bulk Green Tea Extract

Best Combination: Codeage Polyphenols Broad Spectrum — use code “ROMAN10” for 10% off.

Below, we expand our list, including ingredient breakdown, pros, and cons of 14 GTE products.

1) Renue Liposomal Green Tea Extract (Best Overall)

Renue by Science Liposomal Green Tea Extract Capsules

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Pros

  • Liposomal delivery system for bioavailability
  • Standardized for 70% EGCG
  • 10x more absorbable that standard GTE supplements
  • Contains all 8 catechins found in green tea
  • Third-party tested

Cons

  • More expensive

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Renue by Science LIPO Green Tea Extract takes the top spot on our list – nothing beats this GTE. Each capsule delivers 75 mg of green tea extract standardized for 70% EGCG.

The thing is, green tea catechins in generic GTE supplements degrade during digestion and don’t always make it into your bloodstream. Renue GTE comes in a powder-based liposomal delivery system.

Liposomes are lipid molecules that protect active ingredients in a “bubble”. Like a police escort for GTE, they help it get to your bloodstream and directly into your cells.

For this reason, the average concentration of EGCG absorbed from each serving of Renue GTE is 6120 ng/ml – TEN times higher than other standard green tea extracts. Plus, liposomes slow the release of catechins, so they stay in your bloodstream for up to 24 hours. You only need one dose per day!

Clinical research also shows the GTE used (Origine 8™) has all 8 of the catechins found in green tea. And it has 11 mg of caffeine per dose — low enough for most people to handle without issues.

Renue GTE uses the highest quality organic green tea leaves, processed into extract within 6 hours of harvest. It’s vegan-friendly and free from GMOs.

Look, it’s on the pricey side compared to others. But it’s the creme de la creme. Plus, you get 10% off with our code, “RFS10.”

Renue products are made in the US in FDA-registered facilities according to cGMP standards. And each batch is third-party tested for safety and purity.

Renue Liposomal Green Tea Extract is #1 for delivery, potency, bioavailability, and stability.

2) Life Extension Decaffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract (Best Decaf Option)

Life Extension Mega Green Tea Extract

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Pros

  • 725 mg of GTE per serving
  • Standardized for 98% polyphenols and 45% EGCG
  • Zero-caffeine
  • One-per-day formula

Cons

  • Not for you if you want a caffeinated version

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Life Extension Mega Green Tea Extract delivers 725 mg of GTE standardized for 98% polyphenols and 45% EGCG. This translates to 327 mg of EGCG per capsule.

On top of that, it’s a zero-caffeine product. You get the benefits of drinking several cups of green tea without the caffeine jitters. And don’t worry; you don’t necessarily need the caffeine component to experience the benefits of GTE.

It’s vegan-friendly, sugar-free, gluten-free, and certified non-GMO. As a one-per-day formula, a bottle of 100 capsules will last more than three months.

Life Extension has been producing scientifically validated formulations for 40 years. Certificates of Analysis (COA) for all their products are freely available to anyone interested.

Overall, this product is a good option for the caffeine-sensitive among us. The downside is the formula doesn’t go above and beyond to ensure optimal bioavailability. 

3) Thorne Green Tea Phytosome

Thorne Green Tea Phytosome

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Pros

  • 250 mg of decaffeinated GTE
  • Phytosome complex improves absorption
  • Slow-release supplement

Cons

  • Don’t mention the level of EGCG

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Thorne Green Tea Phytosome delivers 250 mg of decaffeinated GTE in a phytosome complex called GreenSelect®️. The phytosome complex increases the concentration of polyphenols that make it across the lipid cell membrane. 

Phytosomes are similar to liposomes. In phytosomes, green tea polyphenols bind with phospholipids for better absorption. With liposomes, phospholipids surround the water-soluble compounds in a sphere.

In addition, this supplement stands out because it’s blended with Time-Sorb®️, a time-release matrix that gives you a steady supply of GTE that your body can absorb over hours.

The only downside is that they don’t mention the percentage of EGCG in each serving.

Thorne products are vegan-friendly and free of gluten, unnecessary fillers, and nasty additives. They’re made according to cGMP standards in NSF-approved facilities. Plus, they go through four rounds of thorough testing to verify identity, potency, and purity.

4) Zenwise Green Tea Gummies (Best for Weight Loss)

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Pros

  • Tasty, apple-flavored gummies
  • Formulated with green tea, garcinia, raspberry ketones, and green coffee bean extract to increase thermogenesis and fat burning
  • Sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO
  • Lifetime money-back guarantee

Cons

  • No suitable if you want a pure GTE supplement
  • No third-party testing

 

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Green tea gummies are pretty popular; plenty of people don’t like swallowing capsules or chugging down bitter powder. If that’s you, Zenwise has you covered with their apple-flavored Green Tea Extract Gummies.

Zenwise Green Tea Fat Burner Gummies deliver 260 mg green tea, 250 mg garcinia, 250 mg raspberry ketones, and 250 mg green coffee bean extract. Plus, the formula contains 10 mg of caffeine from guarana seed extract. 

The gummies may increase thermogenesis, support metabolism, stimulate fat-burning, and suppress appetite. When used with a healthy diet and exercise plan, they may help overall weight management.

The gummies are sugar-free, instead sweetened with isomalt and maltitol, making them safe for diabetics and keto-friendly. They’re also gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

As a bonus, they offer free shipping in the continental US and a lifetime money-back guarantee on all orders. On the downside, while Zenwise guarantees its products are quality-assured and tested, the company doesn’t have as strict third-party testing standards as other products on this list.

5) Pure Bulk Green Tea Extract (Best Bulk and Powder Options)

Pure Bulk Green Tea Extract

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Pros

  • 500 mg of GTE
  • 98% polyphenols, 80% catechins, and 50% EGCG
  • Third-party tested
  • Powder and capsule options

Cons

  • None

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Pure Bulk is a good option if you use GTE regularly and want to stock up. Their product supplies 500 mg of GTE standardized for 98% polyphenols, 80% catechins, and 50% EGCG. It’s also a low-caffeine option.

Pure Bulk has a range of affordable options, from powder ranging from 100 grams to 1 kg to bottles of 120 or 300 capsules. The powder is water-soluble, making it easy to add to water, smoothies, tea, coffee, and juice. However, green tea is bitter, so I can’t say whether you’ll enjoy the power. It’s also less convenient than popping the capsules, but you do you.

The products are free from fillers, additives, and anti-caking agents. Plus, if you buy capsules, you can choose between gelatin or veggie capsules – everyone wins.

Pure Bulk is cGMP compliant, and all products are third-party tested by accredited labs in the USA. You can request the test results on the COA Request page.

6) Codeage Polyphenols Broad Spectrum (Best Combo)

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Codeage is a phenomenal company, and we love to recommend their products because of it. This combination product has 16 different polyphenols from botanical extracts and berries. It’s the ultimate all-in-one formula to boost your antioxidant game. In addition, it also contains ingredients like quercetin, turmeric, and organic decaf GTE (meaning you don’t have to worry about the amount of caffeine you’re getting).

Produced here in the USA in a cGMP-certified facility, this product is third-party tested by the best of the best. 

It’s dairy-free, keto- and vegan-friendly, and non-GMO.

Is this product a bit pricier than other options on this list? Sure. But you get what you pay for with Codeage. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7) Life Extension Lightly Caffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract

Life Extension Lightly Caffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract

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Life Extension’s Lightly Caffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract is a great option for people who want a little caffeine boost without going overboard.

Each capsule delivers a whopping 725 mg of GTE, standardized to 98 percent polyphenols (more than you’d get from several cups of green tea). It also contains ~25mg of caffeine, roughly the amount in 2/3 cup of brewed green tea.

For other caffeine supplements, check out our article on the best caffeine pills.

8) Healths Harmony Green Tea Extract

Health Harmony Green Tea Extract 98% Extract

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Health’s Harmony Green Tea Extract delivers 1000 mg of GTE standardized for 98% polyphenols, 75% catechins, and 45% EGCG.

A serving size is 2 capsules daily, which contains a minimum of 450 mg of ECGC. It’s also low in caffeine – less than 5% per serving.

This product is non-GMO and made in a cGMP-certified facility in the US. However, it is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians. You can grab a bottle of 120 capsules from iHerb for a great price.

9) NOW EGCG Green Tea Extract

EGCG Now Foods

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NOW Green Tea Extract capsules contain 400 mg of GTE standardized for 80% catechins and 50% EGCG. This equals 200 mg EGCG per serving (the same as 2-3 cups of green tea). The formula also has a low dose of naturally-occurring caffeine – roughly 4%.

The capsules suit various dietary restrictions as they are vegan-friendly, kosher, and non-GMO. You can choose between two sizes: 90 or 180 capsules.

NOW Food is a cGMP-assured brand with several quality and third-party certifications. However, their lab testing is done in-house and not by a third party.

10) Zenwise Green Tea Extract (Best for Performance)

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Zenwise Green Tea Extract delivers 725 mg of GTE standardized for 95% polyphenols and 50% EGCG.

A capsule also has 15 mg of naturally occurring caffeine (about the same as a cup of green tea) and 60 mg of vitamin C to protect the catechins through the digestive tract and improve bioavailability. 

Each bottle offers 120 non-GMO, vegan GTE capsules. It’s a one-a-day capsule, so that’s a four-month supply.

11) Zhou Nutrition Green Tea Extract

Zhou Green Tea Extract

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Zhou Nutrition Green Tea Extract is a capsule-based, cGMP-certified supplement. Each capsule contains 500 mg of green tea extract standardized for 98% polyphenols and 50% EGCG. It’s relatively low in caffeine, with a serving providing 15 mg.

The capsules are also vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

Zhou Nutrition is a Utah-based company striving to make quality supplements more affordable. You can get a bottle of 120 capsules of GTE for a great price.

That said, they use in-house testing rather than relying on an independent third-party lab – it ranks lower than others with more rigorous testing standards.

12) Nature’s Nutrition Green Tea Extract

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Nature’s Nutrition has come out with its new GTE formulation. Unlike decaffeinated options, this supplement contains a mild amount of caffeine (less than 50 milligrams for every two capsules). 2-capsules gives you 1000 mg of GTE, standardized for a minimum of 45% EGCG. It’s a highly concentrated extract designed to deliver maximum benefits.

Manufactured in Ohio, they third-party test their products and follow all cGMP rules and regulations to give you peace of mind.

A bottle contains 120 capsules. It’s great value from a reputable company, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s hard to turn down.

13) NOW L-Theanine + Green Tea (Best for Focus)

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NOW L-Theanine + Green Tea is like a zen garden for your brain.

Green tea is a natural source of theanine, a calming amino acid that promotes mental clarity. But this formula goes further with 250 mg of decaffeinated green tea extract per serving blended with 100 mg of L-theanine for mental clarity and focus (read more about why that’s important to us HERE). It’s a one-two punch for cognitive function and overall focus without relying on caffeine.

14) Horbaach Green Tea Extract

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If you haven’t heard of Horbaach, you’re missing out. With over 40 years of experience in the field, they produce only the finest products, adhering to strict cGMP regulations, and ensuring they third-party test their products.

Each serving gives you a whopping 1800mg of GTE, standardized to contain 95% polyphenols, 75% catechins, and 45% EGCG.

Free of soy, gluten, wheat, milk, and lactose, it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

That said, a serving is 3-capsules, which may be too many for some people.

How We Ranked

We want you to decide on the best product for your needs. To do that, you need to understand how we ranked.

Here is what we considered when researching the best green tea extract supplement.

Strict Testing Standards

The FDA doesn’t regulate health supplements as it does pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, dodgy companies flood the market with tainted health supplements.

Your safety is the most important thing. So, we find the highest-quality supplements by prioritizing trusted companies that adhere to cGMP regulations and use third-party testing.

Potency

The best green tea supplements are standardized for roughly 90% polyphenols. And the EGCG content should be a minimum of 40-50%.

We chose green tea extract supplements containing a minimum of 45% active EGCG.

The most potent supplement is Renue Liposomal Green Tea Extract because it contains high levels of ECGC with superior bioavailability.

Dosage

Our top supplement picks contain 400-725 mg of green tea extract per capsule.

That said, the percentage of ECGC in the product is most important. Again, most products on our list are standardized for 45-70% EGCG.

Convenience

You can find green tea extract in various forms, such as capsules, powders, and gummies. Typically, capsules are the most convenient. But we provide options so you can find something that suits your lifestyle.

Value

Improving your health shouldn’t put you out of pocket. We listed the best green tea extract products to suit different budgets.

What is Green Tea Extract?

Green tea extract (GTE) is a highly concentrated form of green tea antioxidants. It is extracted from green tea leaves and made into powder and capsules.

Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. It’s the same plant used to make black tea and oolong tea. However, green tea is from young, unfermented tea leaves. It’s minimally processed, making it significantly higher in catechins, polyphenols, and flavonoids than other varieties.

How Does Green Tea Extract Work?

Green tea extract’s primary health-promoting chemical is EGCG. It gives your body more antioxidant firepower to fight off unstable free radicals that damage your cells and create inflammation, premature aging, and chronic disease.

EGCG may also have thermogenic properties, which may support fat-burning.

Why Should You Take Green Tea Extract?

GTE is sold as a quick fix for weight loss, energy, and detoxification – but does it really work? Let’s dive into the potential health benefits of green tea extract.

May Improve Heart Health

There’s pretty solid evidence that drinking green tea reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Those who drink a lot of green tea (upwards of 4 cups per day) are less likely to have a heart attack or stroke. This may explain why heart attack rates are much lower in parts of Asia compared to the West.

But drinking liters of green tea isn’t practical for most of us. A green tea extract supplement is a great alternative.

systematic review and meta-analysis found taking GTE lowered blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels. A recent review confirmed that green tea extract improves blood lipids in healthy and overweight people.

May Promote Weight Loss

Green tea extract is often marketed as a fat burner because it may increase thermogenesis (the process of burning calories to produce heat). Some of its active ingredients (like EGCG) boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation.

Meta-analysis studies show GTE stimulates weight loss in humans (although the results aren’t exactly a game-changer). This study found high doses of green tea catechins reduce intra-abdominal fat, waist circumference, and body fat. However, the weight loss benefits of GTE are more pronounced when used with caffeine. The simplest explanation is that caffeine increases your metabolism and energy levels, making you more active and helping you burn more calories overall.

Additional research suggests that high-dose GTE may promote weight loss by lowering ghrelin, a hormone associated with hunger. Basically, this dampens your appetite and reduces the number of calories you eat.

In sum, GTE may support a healthy body composition when used with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise. It supplements other aspects of your healthy routines, so don’t expect drastic results, but do anticipate that it may improve your overall health. If someone is claiming otherwise, they’re likely lying to you.

Look Specifically for High Doses of EGCG

We briefly mentioned EGCG, but this polyphenol is specifically what can support weight loss. Look for products with standardized concentrations of EGCG (50% ideally) if you’re using green tea extract to help you lose weight.

May Reduce Cancer Risk

Green tea has caught the eye of cancer researchers for its role in minimizing oxidative cell damage and supporting healthy cell growth. 

Several studies have found green tea and green tea extract reduce the risk of several types of cancer – including colorectalbreastlungliver, and prostate cancer. Overall, EGCG seems to be at the heart of this benefit.

However, the Japanese Ohsaki Study found green tea wasn’t associated with reduced deaths from cancer.

We’re not suggesting anyone ditch conventional cancer treatment in favor of green tea extract. No way. Instead, taking GTE may reduce your overall cancer risk when used with other lifestyle factors.

See the FAQ section to learn more about specific studies on cancer risk.

May Improve Exercise Performance

You probably know intense exercise creates a ton of oxidative stress in the body. It delays recovery and limits your time in the gym.

The powerful antioxidants in GTE may improve physical performance. This 2015 study of active men found 571 mg of decaffeinated green tea extract improved running distances by 10.9% after a month. Fat oxidation rates also increased by 24.9%.

That said, you probably shouldn’t consistently take GTE close to a workout. It might blunt short-term muscle inflammation necessary to trigger muscle growth and repair.

May Improve Immunity

Next time you’re under the weather, a cup of green tea or a GTE capsule may support your immune system.

This study of healthcare workers found taking 378 mg of green tea catechins (with the amino acid l-theanine) reduced flu infections.

It may work by increasing leukocyte (white blood cell) activity. Leukocytes play a vital role in our immune defenses and in managing inflammatory responses. In volunteers who took GTE (300mg/day for 2 weeks), their antioxidant status improved significantly, and the leukocytes present were more active, suggesting that their bodies could mount stronger immune responses. Plus, more recent research suggests that EGCG from green tea may even interfere with the replication of the coronavirus (1).

FAQ

Does Green Tea Extract Improve Skin Health?

GTE is a popular ingredient in many anti-aging creams and serums. It may protect against skin aging and UV damage.

This study found applying a topical cream containing GTE reduced skin roughness and increased skin moisture after a month.

Research also suggests GTE may improve eczema, acne, and rosacea.

Does Green Tea Extract Reduce the Risk of Diabetes?

This cohort study found drinking green tea reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes (and lowers all-cause mortality in those with diabetes).

But what about green tea extract?

An analysis of 17 studies found GTE improved insulin resistance and lowered fasting glucose levels. It also reduced hemoglobin A1c (a measure of long-term glucose control).

On the other hand, this meta-analysis found GTE had no impact on blood sugar regulation in people at risk of type-2 diabetes.

The jury is still out on this particular benefit.

Disclaimer: Talk to your doctor before taking GTE if you’re on diabetes medication.

How is Green Tea Extract Made?

Making GTE is quite a process. First off, young green tea leaves get steamed or pan-fired to “lock in” the antioxidants and prevent fermentation. Next, the leaves are ground into a fine powder and soaked in either water or a solvent like ethanol to extract the active compounds.

The extract is standardized to contain a consistent percentage of polyphenols, EGCG, etc. Finally, it’s encapsulated, tested for purity, packaged, et voilà!

Is Green Tea Extract as Good as Drinking Green Tea?

Green tea is a healthy beverage packed with antioxidants, minerals, and l-theanine. That said, steeping green tea leaves in hot water doesn’t yield the high level of stable antioxidants offered by concentrated green tea extract supplements.

To get the same concentration of polyphenols and catechins found in a high-quality GTE, you need to drink 5-10 cups of green tea. And that’s if you brew it the “right” way – it’s a whole thing. It’s unrealistic for most people and might give you the caffeine “jitters.”

Since green tea does have a lower caffeine content than coffee, for example, you’ll likely be bothered less (think 20-60 mg caffeine per cup of tea compared to 100 mg in coffee, roughly), but still, that’s a lot of liquid to consume. Plus, most of the health benefits seen in the research are from taking potent green tea extract supplements, not cups of tea.

GTE makes the process more manageable, and high-quality products typically contain 45% to 50% EGCG.

Does Green Tea Extract Contain Caffeine?

Most GTE supplements have low levels of caffeine, but decaffeinated options are available.

Green tea has a low caffeine content compared to black tea or coffee. That said, some people can’t handle caffeine at all. In this case, you’re better off taking a decaffeinated green tea extract like the one from Life Extension.

Does Green Tea Extract Affect Sleep?

Speaking of sleep, most green tea extract supplements contain some caffeine. It’s much less than coffee, but it’s enough to mess with your sleep if you’re caffeine sensitive. So, take GTE before noon.

Does Green Tea Extract Burn Fat Without Exercise?

It’s tempting to think of green tea extract as a magic bullet for weight loss. While green tea extract helps with fat burning, the effects are modest. Overall, a balanced, calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity are the cornerstones of healthy fat loss. GTE is just the support act. There’s no getting around it, I’m afraid.

How Much Green Tea Extract Should I Take?

GTE isn’t FDA-regulated and doesn’t have an official recommended dose. However, clinical studies suggest GTE containing between 350-675 mg of EGCG is safe and beneficial.

How Do You Take Green Tea Extract?

Look, catechins in GTE aren’t super bioavailable (translation: not a ton of the active ingredients make it to your blood stream intact). However, bioavailability may improve when you take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, as per this study.

That said, not many people can take supplements when fasting without feeling nauseous. So, it’s probably best to take a more bioavailable form of GTE (like the Renue supplement) with food to avoid digestive discomfort.

What Time of Day Should I Take Green Tea Extract?

If you’re taking GTE for fat burning and performance, taking it in the morning is probably the smartest choice. Timing isn’t all that important for other benefits.

What Are the Side Effects of Green Tea Extract?

Green tea extract is safe when taken at the recommended levels. Some people experience nausea, headaches, and dizziness when taking high levels of EGCG (although it’s rare).

People with liver disease (or a family history of liver problems) should tread lightly. High levels of EGCG from green tea extract may cause liver damage if taken long-term. Researchers believe this is due to genetic variations some people have. That said, GTE is also liver-protective in some cases.

We’re passionate about health at RFS, but we aren’t medical professionals. Before taking GTE, talk to your healthcare provider – especially if you have a liver condition or are on any medication.

Who Shouldn’t Take Green Tea Extract?

If you have a history of liver disease or a family history of liver problems, high levels of EGCG (above 800 mg daily) may not be suitable. Look, most supplements don’t contain enough EGCG to cause harm, but it’s still best to be cautious.

Also, if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on medication, consult your healthcare provider before using green tea extract.

Is Green Tea a Diuretic?

Technically, yes. Practically, not so much. Green tea contains caffeine, and caffeine is a known diuretic. That said, the diuretic effect is pretty mild compared to, say, a double shot of espresso or diuretic meds. Most GTE supplements contain minimal levels of caffeine, much less than a standard cup of coffee.

You won’t be running to the bathroom every 5 minutes (unless you’re down gallons of green tea).

How Often Should You Take Green Tea Pills?

Once a day should do the trick for most people, especially if you’re going with a high-quality brand like Renue with superior bioavailability. It’s the one-and-done of supplements.

Can I Take GTE Daily?

For most people, taking green tea extract daily is safe if you respect the recommended dosage of your product. Clinical studies suggest that doses between 350-675 mg of EGCG are generally safe and beneficial.

How Long Does It Take for Green Tea to Work?

While some benefits, like increased energy, might be immediate, others, like weight loss or improved heart health, take time. Think weeks or months, not hours or days.

Which Green Tea Extract Has the Highest EGCG?

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the most potent compounds in green tea and is responsible for many of its health benefits. The amount of EGCG can vary widely between different green tea extract supplements.

Typically, high-quality green tea extracts will mention the percentage of EGCG on the label. It’s not uncommon to find extracts that contain 50% to 98% EGCG.

All the products listed on this page have great EGCG content, and you will likely be happy with any one of them.

Dr. Jesse Ropat here: If I had to recommend one on this list, it would be Renue Liposomal GTE. That product is simply a superior dietary supplement in terms of absorption and tolerability. Renue is hard to beat. Now, back to Katherine for more information.

More about EGCG:

The compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major catechin found in green tea (Camellia sinensis), as previously mentioned.

To make it more bioavailable, many companies (like Renue) have tried creative ways to increase the amount of EGCG we absorb. In general, when taking 800mg of EGCG daily, over time the bioavailability did increase, while causing only minor gut issues.

Why do we care about bioavailability?

Well, for your body to realize the benefits of EGCG and GTE, you need to absorb them in a usable form. The best supplement companies know this.

What Other Benefits Exist for GTE?

When you take GTE consistently, research has found the following:

Cancer chemoprevention: In 90 women with HPV-infected cervical lesions, they tested GTE oral supplementation. They found a clinically significant reduction in the severity of the lesions, loss of HPV DNA in previously positive lesions, and a complete loss of cervical lesions (confirmed by biopsy). Another study in men with pre-malignant prostate lesions also assessed GTE. They found a staggering 90% reduction in the rate of prostate cancer development, with no significant side effects.

Increased stamina in sprinters, and overall exercise performanceIn sprinters undergoing repeat sprint tests (RST) after 2×4 week treatment periods, researchers found a total improvement in oxidative capacity, meaning the athletes could handle more stress. Additionally, amateur athletes who underwent treatment with 500mg/day of GTE showed lower levels of muscle damage, and oxidative stress, suggesting the athletes were better able to handle cumulative fatigue and improve performance. Another similar study even showed that creatine kinase (CK; a marker of muscle injury) accumulation was lower in athletes treated with GTE.

What is The Best Brand of Green Tea Extract?

The “best” brand for you depends on your needs. Overall, we think Renue Liposomal Green Tea Extract is the best for bioavailability, potency, quality, and safety. Renue uses liposomal technology to ensure that the green tea catechins are well-absorbed into your bloodstream. That said, all the brands we list above are reputable.

Is Green Tea Extract Worth Taking?

Green tea extract is a promising longevity supplement. A ton of clinical studies suggest it benefits heart health, blood sugar regulation, metabolic health, skin health, exercise performance, and cancer prevention.

While it can’t replace a whole-food diet, regular exercise, and good quality sleep, GTE can complement a healthy lifestyle.

About the Author

Katherine is a South African-born nutritionist, freelance wellness writer, and rooibos tea enthusiast (iykyk). When she's not researching new "biohacking" trends and writing for her clients, you'll find Katherine swimming at a local Cape Town beach or practicing breathwork at any opportunity.

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