Green tea, also known by its botanical name, Camellia sinensis, has many traditional health-related uses, although medical research has not confirmed the validity of many of the claims of supplement manufacturers. Promoters of green tea extract supplements claim it can help you lose weight, help your heart be healthier and heal wounds, among other things. If you need a diuretic to help control your blood pressure, talk with your physician about it before attempting to use green tea extract or other supplements. High blood pressure poses serious health problems that require a doctor’s intervention.
Diuretic Effects
The caffeine contained within green tea extract increases the amount of urine your body expels, MedlinePlus reports. This works as a diuretic in your body, similar to the way medications work. Because caffeine makes you produce more urine, you have less water in your body, especially in your bloodstream. Less blood reduces blood pressure.
Green Tea Benefits
Green tea extract may help you lose weight, and it may help you become more alert. It provides these benefits, among others, largely because of its stimulating effect. Green tea extract contains caffeine, a stimulant of your central nervous system. This heightens your alertness and gives you more energy. Caffeine also helps you to lose weight, because it keeps you from eating more and keeps your metabolism higher so you burn more calories. Caffeine also constricts your blood vessels, especially in your brain, which means it can help fight migraine headache pain.