Why Tea After Meals?
Many people reach for tea after a meal to “cut the grease”—a traditional instinct that aligns with the presence of natural polyphenols. However, for individuals sensitive to caffeine, the benefits of green tea may come with trade-offs such as disrupted sleep or increased nervousness.
Decaffeinated green tea extract (dGTE) offers a solution. It substantially reduces caffeine while preserving core active components like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), offering a gentler, more tolerable option to support everyday metabolic rhythms.
In simple terms: “Decaffeinated” does not mean “zero caffeine.” Those highly sensitive should still monitor individual tolerance.
What Is dGTE? Benefits and Composition
Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract (dGTE) is a standardized extract that:
- Significantly reduces caffeine content, minimizing potential side effects such as jitters or sleep disturbances;
- Retains key catechins—especially EGCG—believed to support energy metabolism and fat utilization.
In simple terms: dGTE helps you access green tea’s core polyphenols with fewer caffeine-related concerns.
EGCG: The Core Functional Catechin
Among green tea catechins, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is the most studied for its effects on metabolic health. dGTE focuses on preserving EGCG, even as caffeine is removed.
Emerging research suggests EGCG may support:
- Fat oxidation: Some studies suggest EGCG can promote the body’s use of fat as an energy source during physical activity;
- Post-meal metabolic balance: EGCG may modestly reduce postprandial lipid increases, potentially contributing to more stable energy and comfort after eating;
- Cellular signaling: EGCG is thought to influence metabolic regulators such as AMPK, which may play a role in the body’s decision to store or burn energy. However, more human research is needed.
In simple terms: Think of EGCG as a gentle metabolic helper—supporting more efficient fat use and post-meal recovery over time.
Human Evidence: Enhancing Efficiency, Not Replacing Habits
1. With Endurance Training
- Over a period of four weeks, dGTE containing EGCG has been associated with increased whole-body fat oxidation when combined with regular endurance exercise (Maki et al., 2009).
2. In Overweight Populations
- In individuals with overweight or obesity participating in structured training, ~400 mg/day EGCG for 8+ weeks was linked to improved markers such as maximal fat oxidation and favorable lipid profiles (Nagao et al., 2007; Hursel et al., 2009). Magnitudes vary based on study design, participant characteristics, and adherence.
3. Single Dose vs Long-Term Use
- A single dose is unlikely to produce immediate metabolic effects. Most observed benefits require regular intake paired with diet and training.
4. Blood Lipid Outcomes
- Some longer-term trials have noted reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C with high-EGCG supplementation under dietary control (Maron et al., 2003; Basu et al., 2010), though findings are population- and protocol-specific.
In simple terms: dGTE may help enhance the impact of an existing routine, rather than replace it.
Applying This Knowledge: What to Do?
Effective weight management typically involves three pillars:
- Balanced diet: Reducing added sugars and saturated fats, increasing fiber, and maintaining calorie control;
- Consistent exercise: A blend of aerobic and resistance training supports overall energy expenditure;
- Evidence-informed nutritional support: Ingredients like dGTE may help smooth post-meal fluctuations and support metabolic rhythms.
Given the challenges of sustaining diet and exercise over time, incorporating research-aligned support like dGTE may help reinforce daily efforts.
Why Slim+?
Slim+ includes decaffeinated green tea extract as part of a broader support strategy:
- Tolerability: Each serving delivers 300 mg dGTE (per product label), formulated to reduce caffeine load while preserving catechin functionality.
- Mechanism-aligned: EGCG is not positioned as a standalone “fat burner,” but rather as a metabolic support agent shown to influence fat use and lipid balance in structured contexts.
- Lifestyle reinforcement: Slim+ is designed to complement—not replace—diet and exercise, with the goal of helping maintain steady, sustainable progress.
- Practical dosing: Compared to higher-dose clinical studies, Slim+ provides a daily-support level suitable for consistent, long-term use.
FAQ
Q1: Does “decaffeinated” mean caffeine-free?
A: No. Decaffeinated means caffeine has been substantially reduced, but trace amounts may remain. Individuals with extreme caffeine sensitivity should monitor their response.
Q2: Can dGTE alone lead to weight loss?
A: No. While research supports dGTE’s role in supporting fat oxidation and lipid metabolism, effects are typically seen when combined with proper diet and physical activity.
Q3: Is long-term use safe?
A: dGTE is generally well tolerated when taken with meals. It is not recommended on an empty stomach or in high doses. Individuals with liver conditions, who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Reference
1. Basu, A., Sanchez, K., Leyva, M. J., et al. (2010). Green tea supplementation affects body weight, lipids, and lipid peroxidation in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 29(1), 31–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2010.10719814
2. Di Pierro, F., Menghi, A. B., Barreca, A., Lucarelli, M., & Calandrelli, A. (2009). Greenselect Phytosome as an adjunct to a low-calorie diet for treatment of obesity: A clinical trial. Alternative Medicine Review, 14(2), 154–160. PMID: 19594225
3. Dube, T. J., Allison, K. F., Roush, J. R., et al. (2011). Decaffeinated green tea extract does not increase fat oxidation at rest or during exercise in sedentary obese women. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 36(6), 768–777. https://doi.org/10.1139/h11-097
4. EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food (ANS). (2018). Scientific opinion on the safety of green tea catechins. EFSA Journal, 16(4), 5239. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5239
5. Fraga, C. G., Galleano, M., Verstraeten, S. V., & Oteiza, P. I. (2010). Basic biochemical mechanisms behind the health benefits of polyphenols. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 31(6), 435–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2010.09.006
6. Hursel, R., Viechtbauer, W., & Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S. (2009). The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Obesity, 33(9), 956–961. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2009.135
7. Maki, K. C., Reeves, M. S., Farmer, M., et al. (2009). Green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced abdominal fat loss in overweight and obese adults. The Journal of Nutrition, 139(2), 264–270. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.108.098293
8. Maron, D. J., Lu, G. P., Cai, N. S., et al. (2003). Cholesterol-lowering effect of a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract: A randomized controlled trial. Archives of Internal Medicine, 163(12), 1448–1453. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.163.12.1448
9. Nagao, T., Hase, T., & Tokimitsu, I. (2007). A green tea extract high in catechins reduces body fat and cardiovascular risks in humans. Obesity, 15(6), 1473–1483. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2007.176
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.