Week after week we're tackling fitness' most baffling questions, and this week we're going after the green tea weight loss claims. Green tea has taken the fitness world by storm. It is said to be beneficial for metabolism, among other things, thereby influencing weight loss. In 2004, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, popular clinical and research dermatologist and Fellow of the American College of Nutrition appeared on Oprah claiming that if someone were to switch coffee for green tea they could lose 10 pounds in six weeks. That's not all. Oprah herself is a big advocate of green tea as well as Gwyneth Paltrow. The buzz caught on. Recently, green tea has really grown in popularity. It's not just in tea; it's in other drinks, vitamins, fat burners, and some foods. So what's the big deal with this stuff? Can it really help you lose weight? Our verdict: Yes.

A study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea does in fact increase metabolism. It's not an appetite suppressant, but it does help you burn off fat by increasing fat oxidation. It is also a great relaxant because it contains Theanine. This special ingredient promotes a sense of well-being and increases productivity and concentration, which we all know is a seriously hot commodity in the stressful world we live in.

We must warn however, that green tea is not the magic bullet. Nothing we can advise you of will take the place of a sound workout and nutrition plan. There is nothing in this world that can bring you weight loss results safely overnight. Anything advertised as quick and easy is normally either exaggerated or dangerous. We're not going to lie to you. Green tea's effects will manifest themselves in time like all other natural lasting improvements. Change involves patience. So invest in that more than anything. You must believe in yourself more than you believe in any product, any workout plan, or any goal that you might have. Your determination and commitment will get you there. Don't even look for the easy road, it leads to nowhere.

Whatever reason you choose to use green tea, you will be wise to at least give it a try. Strive to improve every day. But before you leave the house with your cup of coffee, put it down and grab some green tea. There, now you're ready to seize the day.