Published On By Rachel Nall

Green tea extract could support weight loss efforts, boost energy levels, and support brain health. It contains antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG, which may help lower inflammation and boost metabolism.

Consistent use of green tea extract might help minimize the risk of diseases like heart problems or erratic blood sugar levels. However, using green tea extract may trigger an upset stomach, headaches, or feelings of jitteriness. Due to its stimulant nature, green tea extract might also interfere with sleep or increase your heart rate.

In this guide, we explore the 7 best green tea extracts available today, highlighting their unique features and benefits. The guide also covers potential side effects and safety considerations of green tea extract to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Green Tea Extract?

Green tea extract comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which may retain beneficial compounds like polyphenols, catechins, and antioxidants. It has epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG catechins, which may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage. It could support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and blood vessel function. EGCG may also help your body burn calories and fat more efficiently.

Green tea extract may be available as capsules, powders, or liquid drops, which could increase convenience if you don’t drink green tea regularly. Adults may safely take up to 338 mg of EGCG per day, based on safety studies and research on tea consumption.

However, excessive intake of green tea extract might trigger side effects, such as nausea, headaches, insomnia, or stomach upset due to its caffeine content. Therefore, it’s important to take green tea extract in moderation.

7 Best Green Tea Extracts

  1. Zazzee Extra Strength Green Tea Extract

    Zazzee Extra Strength Green Tea Extract

    Zazzee green tea extract claims to offer 6000 mg of strength in each capsule. With 150 capsules per bottle, it is made using a potent 20:1 ratio and is standardized to contain at least 50% EGCG, 80% catechins, and 98% polyphenols.

    Using Zazzee green tea extract might help boost your metabolism, which could help your body burn fat and calories more efficiently. It may also provide a natural energy boost that could improve your physical performance and reduce fatigue.

    As per the official site, Zazzee green tea extract is made with high-quality, clean ingredients. It’s 100% vegan and free of common allergens like soy, gluten, dairy, and nuts.

    The makers state that Zazzee Extra Strength green tea extract is produced in the USA in an FDA-compliant facility, which undergoes regular third-party testing to ensure safety and potency. However, you may experience diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, or appetite loss.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • It provides 150 capsules per bottle, which may last five months.
    • It is standardized to 50% EGCG, 80% catechins, and 98% polyphenols for antioxidant benefits.
    • It could help boost metabolism and fat burning with consistent use.
    • It does not contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
    • Zazzee green tea extract is vegan-friendly and free from soy, gluten, dairy, and nuts.
    • It is made in an FDA-compliant facility with third-party testing for quality.

    Cons

    • No subscription option, which may increase the cost of continuous supply.
    • High potency may be too strong for those sensitive to caffeine.
    • Taste or aftertaste may not be enjoyable for some users.
  2. Purebulk Green Tea Extract Powder

    Purebulk Green Tea Extract Powder

    A single serving (500mg) of Purebulk green tea extract powder provides 500mg of green tea extract, which is standardized to contain at least 98% polyphenols, 80% catechins, 50% EGCG, and 2% or less caffeine.

    The Purebulk green tea extract powder comes in various sizes, including 100g, 250g, 500g, and 1kg packs, so you may choose the amount that best fits your needs. Plus, it’s free from common allergens and additives like dairy, soy, gluten, and sugars, offering a clean formula.

    Purebulk green tea extract powder may support heart health. The polyphenols and catechins it contains could help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and optimize blood circulation, thereby minimizing the risk of cardiovascular issues.

    While generally safe, the caffeine content of green tea extract in Purebulk may trigger side effects like alertness, insomnia, and over-stimulation. Prolonged intake of EGCG in green tea might also increase kidney or liver damage risk.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • It provides 500mg of green tea extract with 98% polyphenols, 80% catechins, and 50% EGCG.
    • It contains only 2% or less caffeine per serving.
    • Purebulk green tea extract powder is available in various pack sizes.
    • It is free from allergens and additives like dairy, soy, gluten, and added sugars.
    • Purebulk offers a 90-day refund policy for risk-free use.
    • It might help lower cholesterol and improve blood flow.

    Cons

    • It may cause mild stomach irritation or digestive issues.
    • It might interact with blood pressure drugs or stimulants.
  3. Life Extension Decaffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract

    Life Extension Decaffeinated Mega Green Tea Extract

    Life Extension decaffeinated mega green tea extract claims to provide 725mg of green tea extract, which is standardized to 45% EGCG and 98% polyphenols. Due to its decaffeinated status, you may consume it at any time of day without worrying about insomnia or sleep issues.

    The EGCG in Life Extension green tea extract may help improve the health of your mitochondria, which are the energy centers of your cells. It may also support important processes that control cell function and gene activity, helping maintain overall cellular health.

    Life Extension decaffeinated mega green tea extract is non-GMO, gluten-free, and made in the USA. To ensure purity and effectiveness, they also provide a Certificate of Analysis for full transparency. However, these factors alone may not indicate its safety and effectiveness.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • It provides 725mg of green tea extract per capsule, standardized to 45% EGCG.
    • The decaffeinated formula may help you avoid insomnia or sleep disturbances.
    • It may support mitochondrial function and boost cellular energy production.
    • It offers a Certificate of Analysis to help ensure its purity and effectiveness.
    • It may provide a gluten-free and non-GMO formula.

    Cons

    • Large capsule sizes may be hard to swallow.
    • It may be more expensive than other green tea extracts due to decaffeination and standardization.
    • Uncertainty about third-party testing status may raise safety concerns.
  4. Vitacost Standardized Green Tea Extract

    Vitacost Standardized Green Tea Extract

    Vitacost green tea extract provides 500 mg of green tea extract in each capsule. The extract is standardized to contain 80% catechins, 98% polyphenols, and 50% EGCG, which may help ensure that every dose delivers consistent amounts of active ingredients.

    The Vitacost green tea extract is available in bottles containing 100 or 300 capsules, offering flexibility in dosing. It could help provide antioxidants, which may help protect your bodily cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. It might also support immunity, giving your body a boost to fight off illness.

    Vitacost standardized green tea extract is made following the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs), ensuring high standards of potency, purity, and safety. Plus, it comes with a 60-day refund policy so that you may feel confident in your purchase.

    While Vitacost green tea extract is standardized to deliver consistent levels of active ingredients, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with allergies or sensitivities to green tea or related compounds.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Each capsule has around 500 mg of green tea extract with 80% catechins, 98% polyphenols, and 50% EGCG.
    • It is available in serving sizes of 100 or 300-capsule bottles.
    • Vitacost provides a 60-day refund policy on all orders.
    • It may help support a healthy immune system with regular use.
    • It is manufactured under the FDA’s cGMP guidelines for safety and quality.
    • You need to take just one capsule per day for easy use.

    Cons

    • Caffeine content is not disclosed, which may concern caffeine-sensitive users.
    • The capsule form lacks flavor options for those who prefer liquid or powder.
  5. Gaia Herbs Green Tea Extract

    Gaia Herbs Green Tea Extract

    As per the official site, Gaia Herbs green tea extract comes in liquid phyto-cap form, which combines the liquid extract with a capsule. Each serving (2 capsules) provides 696 mg of a proprietary organic green tea leaf extract with 300 mg of polyphenols.

    The polyphenols in Gaia Herbs green tea extract might help support fat burning and metabolism. It may also give your energy levels a boost, helping you feel more energetic throughout the day without the jitters that may come from stimulants.

    Each ingredient in the Gaia Herbs formula has undergone screening and testing in their state-of-the-art GMP-compliant lab in Brevard, North Carolina. It has passed 6 rigorous quality tests, including checks for strength, heavy metals, and pesticides.

    The makers state that Gaia Herbs green tea extract is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, which could make it compatible with various dietary needs. However, it might cause side effects like headaches, dizziness, dehydration, or stomach upset due to its caffeine content.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • It comes in liquid phyto-caps for fast absorption.
    • Each serving provides 300 mg of polyphenols, which may offer antioxidants and support immunity.
    • It could help boost energy levels without causing jitters.
    • Gaia Herbs green tea extract undergoes 6 quality tests for purity, strength, and safety.
    • It is made in a GMP-compliant lab with high manufacturing standards.

    Cons

    • It may cause mild dehydration if water intake is insufficient.
    • Benefits may take time to notice with consistent use.
  6. ZHOU Nutrition Green Tea Extract

    ZHOU Nutrition Green Tea Extract

    ZHOU Nutrition green tea extract provides 500mg of green tea leaf extract per capsule, standardized to 95% polyphenols, 50% EGCG, and 80% catechins. With 120 capsules in each bottle, you may consume 1-2 capsules daily with meals to reap its benefits.

    Caffeine and EGCG in ZHOU green tea extract might help improve your metabolism, enabling your body to burn fat and calories more efficiently. It could aid in weight loss efforts and provide a gentle energy boost, helping you stay active and energized throughout the day.

    ZHOU green tea extract is also vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, offering a premium and safe formula. It also undergoes rigorous testing and is made in GMP-certified facilities in the USA, ensuring adherence to strict manufacturing and quality control standards.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Each capsule has 500 mg of green tea extract.
    • It has a 95% polyphenol concentration, which may offer antioxidant protection against stress and inflammation.
    • It provides 120 capsules per bottle, which may reduce repurchase frequency.
    • The high catechin content may support metabolism, energy, and fat burning.
    • It is manufactured following Good Manufacturing Practices for quality and safety.
    • ZHOU Nutrition provides a 60-day refund policy on orders.

    Cons

    • It may cause mild irritation or bloating on an empty stomach.
    • It could be more expensive per serving than other green tea extracts.
    • You need to consume two capsules daily, which may be inconvenient.
  7. Zenwise Health, Green Tea Extract

    Zenwise Health, Green Tea Extract

    Zenwise Health green tea extract provides 725mg of green tea leaf extract per capsule, which is standardized to 95% polyphenols and 50% EGCG. It also contains 60mg of vitamin C, which may help enhance the absorption of green tea’s beneficial compounds.

    Vitamin C might help protect your cells from damage and may promote a healthy immune response. Each serving of Zenwise Health green tea extract claims to provide EGCG equivalent to around 6 cups of green tea. EGCG is a beneficial compound that may help your body expend calories more efficiently and boost metabolism.

    Zenwise Health green tea extract claims to provide a vegan-friendly and non-GMO formula, which may align with multiple dietary preferences. However, green tea extract may cause mild side effects, such as insomnia, upset stomach, headaches, or dizziness.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Each capsule provides 725 mg of green tea extract, rich in polyphenols and EGCG.
    • It contains 60 mg of vitamin C per capsule to aid ingredient absorption.
    • The EGCG content claims to be equivalent to 6 cups of green tea, supporting calorie burning and metabolism.
    • Vitamin C may help protect cells and support immune health.
    • It offers a non-GMO and vegan-friendly formula.

    Cons

    • The caffeine content may cause sleep issues or restlessness.
    • No third-party testing, raising concerns about quality and reliability.

How Does Green Tea Extract Work?

Green tea extract contains polyphenols called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which are potent antioxidants. These compounds might help protect your cells from oxidative stress by suppressing free radicals, which may otherwise accelerate aging.

EGCG may increase fat oxidation, especially when paired with exercise. It could help boost your metabolism and help your body burn more calories, even at rest. EGCG may also improve how your body responds to insulin, which could help stabilize your blood sugar levels.

Green tea extract also contains caffeine but in smaller amounts than coffee. Caffeine may help improve focus, alertness, and physical performance, especially when you exercise. However, caffeine intake might trigger side effects like insomnia, restlessness, stomach upset, etc.

Research indicates that regular intake of green tea extract may improve endothelial function, which is important for maintaining healthy blood vessels and stable blood pressure levels.

Green tea extract might interact with some medications, including blood thinners or stimulant drugs. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor before taking green tea extract, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

Potential Side Effects of Green Tea Extracts

  1. Upset Stomach

    Taking green tea extract may cause nausea or an upset stomach, especially if you take it on an empty stomach. Your digestive system might become sensitive to the compounds in green tea extract, which might lead to bloating, cramps, or mild indigestion.

    If you’re sensitive to caffeine or tannins in green tea, these side effects might be more common. There is a chance that you may experience acid reflux, which could make the stomach irritation worse.

  2. Headaches

    Green tea extract could trigger headaches in some people. Caffeine in the green tea extract might be responsible for this side effect, as it may cause mild dehydration or a caffeine-induced headache. If you do not frequently consume caffeine, you might feel these effects more strongly. Catechins and other compounds in green tea extract may cause changes in blood flow or affect your nervous system, resulting in a headache.

  3. Insomnia

    Taking green tea extract might lead to difficulty sleeping, especially if you take it later in the day. The caffeine content in green tea might act as a stimulant and may interfere with your sleep cycle.

    If you’re sensitive to caffeine, even small portions of green tea extract may disrupt your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. The stimulating effect of caffeine might keep you alert and make it harder to unwind at night.

  4. Liver Damage

    In rare cases, green tea extract might put extra strain on your liver. Prolonged intake of green tea extract might lead to liver toxicity. Symptoms of potential liver damage could include fatigue, yellowing of the skin/eyes, or dark urine.

    The compounds in green tea extract, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), might accumulate in your liver in large amounts. If your liver is already compromised or if you take other medications that affect liver function, these side effects could be more pronounced.

  5. Interference With Medications

    Green tea extract might interact with some medications, especially blood thinners or medications for hypertension. The compounds in the extract, particularly EGCG, could affect how your body absorbs or processes them.

    It’s important to consult a doctor before using green tea extract, especially if you’re taking medication for heart conditions, blood clotting, or other chronic conditions.

How To Choose The Best Green Tea Extracts?

  1. Standardization of Active Compounds

    When picking a green tea extract, it’s important to check how much of its active ingredients, especially catechins like EGCG and polyphenols, are in the product. A high-quality green tea extract should be standardized to ensure a consistent amount of these compounds.

    You should look for green tea extracts that are standardized to have 50-98% polyphenols, with 30-60% of that being EGCG. Such standardization may tell you that the green tea extract could be potent enough to help with metabolism and weight loss.

    If a green tea extract doesn’t include standardization details like how much EGCG or polyphenols it has, it might not work as well. Choosing a green tea extract with verified active compound levels may increase the likelihood of experiencing consistent and reliable results.

  2. Purity and Quality

    Low-quality green tea extracts may contain harmful fillers, chemicals, or contaminants. Some could be processed with solvents that may leave behind unwanted residues, while others might contain heavy metals or pesticides.

    You should look for green tea extracts that clearly state they are free from these harmful substances. The label should also mention that the green tea extract has passed testing for contaminants like lead, arsenic, or cadmium, which might be harmful over time.

    Check for allergens like gluten, dairy, or soy, especially if you have sensitivities. Some green tea extracts are made in facilities that also process these allergens, which could lead to cross-contamination.

  3. Caffeine Content

    It’s important to consider the caffeine content of a green tea extract and how it may fit your needs. For an energy boost, a caffeinated green tea extract might be helpful, as it may aid in improving focus, increasing alertness, and supporting fat loss.

    Decaffeinated green tea extracts could be helpful if you’re sensitive to caffeine or want to avoid stimulants. Decaf green tea extracts may be especially helpful if you plan to take them later in the day or struggle with anxiety or sleep issues.

    You may look for brands that provide around 25–40mg of caffeine per serving. This amount might provide a gentle boost without affecting your sleep or making you feel overly stimulated. For those with low caffeine tolerance, green tea extracts with less than 20 mg of caffeine or decaffeinated options might be suitable.

  4. Certifications And Testing

    When choosing a green tea extract, it’s essential to check for certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and third-party lab testing to verify the product is safe and high quality.

    GMP certification could imply that the green tea extract was made in a facility that follows strict standards for cleanliness, quality control, and consistency. It might also verify that the extract does not contain harmful contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or artificial additives.

    You should go for green tea extracts that have passed third-party testing, preferably with certifications like NSF International or USP-certified. Look for green tea brands that openly share testing results or certification seals, such as Certificate of Analysis, on their packaging.

  5. Reputation Of The Brand

    You should select a green tea brand with a strong reputation for quality. Look for brands that clearly state the percentage of EGCG (the key compound in green tea) in their product.

    Customer reviews may provide helpful insights into the brand’s effectiveness. You should look for both positive and negative feedback on genuine review websites like Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau.

    It’s also important to choose a green tea brand that highlights where they source their green tea, particularly if it’s organic or free from harmful chemicals. Be wary of cheaper, lesser-known brands, as they may use lower-quality green tea extracts or include unnecessary fillers.

  6. Dosage And Potency

    When choosing a green tea extract, it’s important to focus on both the dosage and potency. A typical daily dose should be around 250–500 mg of green tea extract, with 100–300 mg of EGCG.

    Such dosage might be effective in supporting metabolism and providing antioxidant benefits without causing side effects. If the green tea extract dose is too low, you may not see any noticeable results, while an excessively high dose may lead to side effects like nausea or liver issues.

  7. Price And Value

    Price is important when it comes to selecting a green tea extract. Higher-priced green tea products might contain better ingredients, undergo more rigorous testing, and contain effective doses of beneficial compounds like EGCG and polyphenols.

    The price of green tea extract typically ranges from $10-$50 for a month’s supply. Lower-priced options, around $10 to $20, may use lower-quality ingredients or offer smaller doses, which could reduce their effectiveness.

    Mid-range green tea products, priced between $20 and $35, may usually strike a good balance between quality and value, with more potent doses and higher-quality ingredients. Premium options, priced from $35 to $50, might feature organic or sustainably sourced ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What Is the Best Time of Day to Take Green Tea Extract?
    It’s advisable to take green tea extract around the morning or early afternoon. Doing so might help boost your energy and metabolism, while taking green tea extract at night may cause potential sleep disturbances due to the caffeine content in green tea.
  2. Can Green Tea Extract Help With Anxiety or Stress?
    Green tea extract might help lower occasional anxiety and stress due to its calming effects. Regular consumption may promote relaxation and improve mood. However, severe cases of stress may require medical intervention.
  3. What Are the Differences Between Green Tea and Green Tea Extract?
    Green tea extract is a concentrated variant of green tea’s beneficial compounds, such as catechins and EGCG. Green tea extract may typically provide higher doses of antioxidants than you would get from drinking regular green tea.
  4. Should I Take Green Tea Extract If I Have a Caffeine Sensitivity?
    If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you should either choose a decaffeinated green tea extract or consult with your doctor before taking it to avoid potential side effects like jitteriness or insomnia.

Conclusion

Taking green tea extract regularly may help support your slimming goals by boosting your metabolism and optimizing fat breakdown. It could also enhance focus and stamina, improve immunity, and promote cardiovascular health.

However, you should consume green tea extract in moderation to avoid the side effects that may come from its caffeine content and polyphenols. You may experience an upset stomach, bloating, restlessness, insomnia, or jitters, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine.

When selecting a green tea extract, you should prioritize high EGCG content, standardized dosage, and minimal additives. You may also want to look for factors like price per serving, brand reputation, caffeine content, and transparency when choosing a green tea extract.

Disclaimer
  • The information in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.
  • It is not recommended to disregard/delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of what you read or accessed through this guide.
  • The results may vary from individual to individual.
  • Consult your doctor for any underlying medical conditions or if you are on any prescribed medicines before using any product.

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