Potency of Green Tea in Enhancement of Lipid Profile and Anthropometry of Obese and Overweight Learners in a Tertiary Institution, Uzairue, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the potency of green tea in enhancement of lipid profile and anthropometry of obese and overweight learners in a tertiary institution at Uzairue, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard procedures and well-structured questionaires. Data obtained reveals that alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and phenols were found in three locally sold green tea kinds (La bott, Qualitea, and Heladive) after phytochemical screening. Green tea had a total phenolic content of 43.39 ± 0.21 to 84.64 ± 0.18 mg GAE/g and a DPPH radical scavenging activity of 66.07 ± 0.36 to 69.73 ± 2.19%. The study continued to utilize La bott green tea since it had the highest potential for antioxidants. The subjects' anthropometric values were not considerably (p < 0.05) affected by the short-term administration of La bott green tea, however their lipid profile was significantly (p > 0.05) changed. As such, short-term administration of La bott green tea would be beneficial for individuals with hyperlipidemia but may not produce desirable effects in overweight and obese individuals.