Green tea is a staple of traditional Asian medicine and cuisine, but in recent decades it has become popular in the West thanks to studies showing the many health benefits of green tea.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the main compound in green tea that’s known to have health-enhancing properties. Here is what research says about EGCG and which EGCG supplements are worth buying.
Introduction to EGCG
Also known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, EGCG is one of the most potent antioxidants found in green tea, called catechins. Catechins’ bioavailability in green tea is often too low for significant health benefits, which is why extracts and EGCG supplements have great potential.
Research shows a variety of minor but important health benefits of EGCG. It seems to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and green tea consumption could also decrease carbohydrate absorption. These effects highlight the weight-loss potential of green tea and EGCG.
EGCG has minor effects on blood flow, oxygen uptake, insulin sensitivity, cerebral blood flow, glucose, and HDL cholesterol homeostasis. It can also reduce diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and LDL cholesterol. Some studies have hinted at possible anxiety-reducing effects of EGCG through interaction with GABA receptors. It’s also reported to stimulate the immune response, with possible senolytic effects.
The ability of EGCG to induce apoptosis and eliminate damage and tumor cells has excellent potential for skincare products. Research shows that topical application of EGCG or green tea benefits UV-damaged epidermal cells, helping ease sunburn. Also, EGCG seems to improve skin hydration, moisture retention and decrease wrinkle formation for an anti-aging effect.
When talking about EGCG dosage, 400-500 mg per day seems to be most effective. The amount of EGCG in a cup of green tea usually varies between 50-100 mg, so you’d need to drink a lot of tea to experience these benefits. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warns that dosages over 800 mg/day can induce liver damage, so people need to be cautious about staying within limits.
EGCG vs Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract contains many catechins besides EGCG. They include catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and EGCG. So, green tea extracts will get you several of these compounds, although research is still not set on whether this has any health benefits.
EGCG is the primary compound found in green tea extracts, but many labels are standardized to show the overall catechin amount– or simply the amount of extract. On average, most brands state that their extracts contain about 50% of EGCG, so you’ll need around 1 gram of green tea extract with EGCG to get the daily 400-500 mg.
The Best EGCG Supplements – EGCG Green Tea Extract Reviews
We reviewed what the market has to offer to bring you the best EGCG green tea extract supplements. After reading countless EGCG supplement reviews of different EGCG tablets, EGCG powder, EGCG capsules, EGCG pills, other products containing EGCG on Amazon, and green tea extracts, we identified the best options for people who want to buy EGCG supplements.
Best EGCG Green Tea Extract
NOW Supplements Thermo Green Tea with EGCG
This dietary supplement contains 700 mg of green tea extract and 350 mg of EGCG, so you’ll need one or two capsules per day. The bottle comes with 90 capsules that are vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and free of most allergens. In addition, they have very little caffeine, which is vital if you are trying to avoid this ingredient.
Thermo Green Tea with EGCG adheres to GMP quality standards, and it’s produced and packed in the US.
It’s important to note that NOW offers another green tea extract supplement, but our EGCG reviews found the dosage to be suboptimal, so this one is a better choice.
Best EGCG Supplement For Immune Support
Life Extension Cytokine Suppress with EGCG
Cytokine Suppress with EGCG is a dietary supplement that contains a blend of mung bean seed coat extract and EGCG from green tea. With the help of EGCG, vitamins, and minerals, this supplement helps modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.
Cytokine Suppress contains 300 mg of EGCG, so you’ll potentially need to take two capsules per day for optimal effects.
Best High-Dose EGCG Capsules
Horbaach Max Potency EGCG Green Tea Extract Pills
This high-dose EGCG supplement contains 1200 mg of green tea extract per serving, translating to 540 mg of EGCG. One package includes 180 capsules, which accounts for 90 servings.
Horbaach’s green tea extract is packed and tested in the US, and is GMP certified. The company doesn’t use any artificial ingredients, and the capsules are free of allergens and GMOs.
The brand also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you can always return the product if you are not satisfied with the results.
Best Topical EGCG For Skin Health
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
This caffeine and EGCG solution from The Ordinary is a perfect example of how topical EGCG can benefit the skin. It reduces puffiness and those dark circles around the eyes that make you look like you haven’t slept in days. In addition to EGCG’s skin health effects, caffeine is also linked with improved autophagy, decreased fat accumulation that leads to cellulite, and reduced UV damage.
Editor’s note: we are regularly updating this review. If you see any problems, weird interpretations of the data, or just want to say hi, please reach out to hello@the-unwinder.com.
