Green Tea Extract

What Does Green Tea Extract Do?

Green Tea Extract (GTE) is a concentrated form of green tea leaves, rich in polyphenols known as catechins. In a pre-workout context, it serves as a powerful recovery tool that helps mitigate oxidative stress caused by intense training while supporting metabolic efficiency.

• Antioxidant Support: High concentrations of EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) neutralize free radicals produced during exercise, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
• Metabolic Enhancement: It promotes fat oxidation through thermogenesis, helping your body utilize stored fat as fuel more efficiently during your session.
• Improved Recovery: By reducing markers of muscle damage and inflammation, GTE helps you bounce back faster for your next workout.
• Stress Adaptation: It acts as a mild adaptogen, helping the body manage the physiological stress of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or heavy lifting sessions.

Clinical vs. Gym Bro Dosing

Key Insight: To maximize the benefits of Green Tea Extract, look for labels that specify the EGCG content. A 300mg dose of extract is most effective when it contains at least 45-50% EGCG, ensuring you are getting the active compounds rather than just leaf filler.

Side Effects & Warnings

• Nausea: Taking high doses of GTE on an empty stomach can lead to stomach upset or a unique form of 'tea-induced' nausea.
• Caffeine Sensitivity: While most extracts are decaffeinated, some contain trace amounts of natural caffeine which can stack with other stimulants in your pre-workout.
• Liver Stress: Extremely high doses (well above 800mg of EGCG) have been linked to liver strain in rare cases; always stick to recommended dosages.

Tip: If you have a sensitive stomach, try taking your pre-workout containing Green Tea Extract with a small carbohydrate snack to buffer the astringent polyphenols and improve absorption.