Move over diet cola because carbonated green tea is in town. The name is Enviga and it comes in three flavors each with 90 milligrams of the green tea antioxidant EGCG and 100 milligrams of caffeine per 12 ounce can. The company also lists "natural plant micronutrients" and claims that drinking three cans of Enviga a day burns 60 to 100 calories.

Caffeine is a mild central nervous system stimulant and has been known to increase metabolism slightly, as most stimulants do. And while the research suggesting EGCG extract promotes weight loss is encouraging, more research needs to be done, particularly on the Enviga beverage itself. You should also be aware that the drink is sweetened with aspartame and Sunette (acesulfame potassium).

Is this the obesity cure America is waiting for? No. But if it replaces regular sugar sodas and sweetened bottled tea, it probably will help matters along. Keep in mind though that if you are already a big coffee drinker, each Enviga adds 100 milligrams of caffeine and 300 mg a day of caffeine is the amount of caffeine considered to be safe and moderate.

~~Elaine

Related Topics: Artificial Flavors May Sabotage Weight Loss, Antioxidants in Green and Black Tea

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