Introduction
mass loss
Catechins are polyphenolic flavonoids and are bioactive ingredients in green tea. The four main types of catechins found in green tea are epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin (EC) with the most abundant and pharmacologically active being EGCG [Green tea or its individual constituents have been shown to alter resting energy metabolism. Several short-term (< 3 days) supplementation studies have found an increase in resting energy expenditure [Whole body lipid oxidation rates may increase from resting values during submaximal exercise [Few studies have explored the working mechanisms of green tea catechins in modulating resting or exercise energy metabolism that might translate to alterations in lipid metabolism or body mass loss. The sympatho-adrenal system is important in altering basal and exercise metabolism [Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the impact of acute ingestion of the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on catecholamine, catecholamine metabolite, systemic metabolic and cardio-vascular variables across a range of exercise intensities during graded cycle exercise in man.