Many weight loss supplements contain green tea extract, and green tea has definitely been promoted in the headlines as a healthy drink that can help you burn fat. But are the claims true?

Yes! Green tea can help you burn more calories in a variety of ways. First, because green tea contains caffeine, it acts as an appetite suppressant. The caffeine content can also perk you up, making you more active. And while you’re working out, the caffeine in green tea can keep your heart rate up for longer periods of time.

Green tea also contains plant substances that help you burn an additional 60 calories per day, according to Swiss researchers. That’s 60 calories gone, from doing nothing more than drinking a few cups of green tea.

Finally, if you substitute calorie-free green tea for sodas and creamy coffee beverages, you can save a lot of calories and still get your caffeine fix.