TOKYO (Kyodo) — The government is considering measures to prompt Japanese green tea farmers to shift more production to “tencha” leaves that can be ground into matcha powder, from “sencha,” commonly consumed in Japan, to boost tea exports, according to farm ministry sources.

It seeks to capitalize on the booming market abroad for matcha, often used in desserts and drinks, to make up for falling green tea consumption at home.

Tencha is made by steaming and drying tea leaves grown in the shade, which are then processed into a fine powder when producing matcha. Sencha, by contrast, is made by steaming, kneading and drying sun-grown leaves.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries plans to earmark subsidies to help tea farmers prepare for tencha production in its fiscal 2025 budget.

Japan’s green tea exports had surged around nine-fold to a record 29.2 billion yen ($185 million) over the 15 years through 2023, lifted mainly by matcha on the back of the increased popularity for Japanese food among health-conscious consumers in Europe and the United States, the ministry said.

Japan’s tea production, on the other hand, dropped by over 20 percent during the same period, reflecting the aging farm population and a nearly 40 percent drop in the average annual spending on green tea per household, according to government data.

The shift to tencha will be stipulated in the farm ministry’s basic policy for tea production, set to be revised in spring in its first review in five years.

“Production of high-value-added tea is important. We will advance our discussions so that all parties concerned can have a broad common understanding,” a ministry official said, as the members of a ministry panel discuss the basic policy.

The government is stepping up efforts to provide matcha-related information through social media. Its tea promotion account on Instagram, run by the Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center, has gained more than 30,000 followers.

Berberine is a natural compound in flowering plants like barberry, coptis root, and goldenseal. Although berberine has been around for centuries, it has recently garnered more attention due to its potential benefits for energy metabolism and weight loss. 

Although some individuals refer to berberine as “Nature’s Ozempic,” evidence of its effects on weight loss is still emerging.

Berberine and Weight Loss

The bottom line: There is no magic supplement that will make you lose weight. You need to have a calorie deficit to lose weight.

That said, there are ways that berberine may impact your body composition or weight, including:

• Fat storage: Berberine may have multiple effects on fat metabolism and storage. Some research indicates berberine may influence genes that regulate the development and spread of fat cells. Berberine may also affect the size and number of fat cells in some regions of the body and processes that convert fat cells into fat tissues.
• Impact on brown adipose tissue: Berberine may lower weight by increasing brown adipose tissue, a type of fat tissue that burns more energy. By increasing brown adipose tissue, which is vital to energy balance, berberine may also improve insulin sensitivity.
• Insulin sensitivity: Berberine may enhance the body’s responsiveness to insulin by lowering fasting insulin levels and improving the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), a marker of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can make losing weight more challenging.

Berberine vs. Other Weight-Loss Supplements

In general, most supplements for weight loss are ineffective. Many weight loss supplements contain the following ingredients; however, research on their effectiveness is minimal:

• Green tea: Caffeine and plant compounds called catechins in green tea may work together to support weight loss by increasing energy expenditure and fat burning while reducing fat absorption. Some research indicates that supplementing with green tea catechins (not through drinking tea) for 12 weeks reduced body weight. However, additional research is necessary to determine if the effects of green tea on weight loss are clinically meaningful. 
• Caffeine: Caffeine may increase energy expenditure and fat burning, but it is unclear how these effects influence weight loss. Caffeine has side effects, such as anxiety or jitteriness. It is not recommended for adults to consume more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily.
• Carnitine: Carnitine encompasses many compounds that occur naturally in animal and dairy products. Carnitine is essential for fat metabolism and has been suggested for weight loss, although it may only produce modest effects.
• Capsaicin: Capsaicin is a compound that gives chili peppers their spicy flavor. Adding capsaicin to meals may reduce food consumption, but little about how this translates to weight loss is known. Capsaicin supplementation can cause gastrointestinal side effects.
• Curcumin: Some research shows that high-dose supplementation of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, for 12 weeks reduced body weight, waist circumference, and BMI. 
• Chromium: An essential trace mineral necessary for glucose metabolism. Chromium may influence food intake, hunger, and fat cravings, but research shows no significant effect on weight loss.

Despite limited research on berberine for weight loss, even fewer studies exist on other supplements. Compared to these supplements, berberine’s effect on weight loss may be more promising.

Berberine vs. Weight-Loss Medications

Berberine is not a weight-loss medication because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it. Berberine acts on pathways involved in energy metabolism. On the other hand, many FDA-approved weight-loss medications target specific hormones that regulate areas of the brain that involve appetite. 

Multiple weight-loss medications exist with different mechanisms of action:

• Semaglutide (Wegovy) mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormones that act on areas of the brain responsible for appetite and food intake.
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound) has a more pronounced effect than semaglutide because it acts on another hormone involved in appetite and food intake: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). You may need to take tirzepatide indefinitely to maintain weight loss.

Berberine’s effects on weight loss yield conflicting results; evidence unanimously shows significant weight loss with FDA-approved medications.

Studies of semaglutide (Wegovy) reveal an average weight loss of 14.7 pounds (6.7 kilograms) with weekly injections for three months compared to a 4.5-pound (2.07 kilogram) decrease in weight with berberine. Moreover, taking semaglutide long-term for four years supports weight loss of 10.2 percent of body weight. 

How to Use Berberine for Weight Loss

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to ensure it will be safe and effective for you. 

There is limited uniformity across studies for berberine dosage and duration. However, most research supports consuming 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine two to three times a day (1,000 mg to 1,500 mg) for weight loss. 

Berberine affects fat and carbohydrate metabolism, so aim to take berberine 30 minutes before or with a meal. Consuming berberine before a meal may help minimize increases in blood glucose that occur with eating. 

Some studies suggest taking berberine for at least eight weeks to see some weight loss. However, other research recommends supplementing with berberine for at least three months to see positive results. Some research shows weight loss after six months of supplementation. 

Nutrition and physical activity are the cornerstones of a weight loss plan. Sustainable and maintainable weight loss requires dietary changes and exercise.

Potential Benefits of Berberine Beyond Weight Loss

Because of its role in energy metabolism, berberine may have additional benefits beyond weight loss.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Berberine reduces the production of inflammatory molecules.  
• Blood pressure: Taking berberine with blood pressure-lowering medications may lower blood pressure more effectively than prescription medication alone. 
• Brain health: Very preliminary research suggests berberine may improve depression and mental health by increasing levels of mood-related neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Berberine crosses the blood-brain barrier, influencing its potential for brain health. Still, research in this area is new and limited. 
• Gut health and microbiome: Animal studies show that berberine supports a healthy gut microbiome, boosting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Berberine affects gut health in doses of at least 500 milligrams daily. Berberine may influence harmful bacteria associated with inflammatory bowel diseases and mediate the production of anti-inflammatory molecules in the gut.
• Improved cholesterol levels: Berberine may help lower triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)—or “bad” cholesterol—in people with elevated cholesterol levels. Berberine affects pathways in the body that lead to the breakdown of fats and reduced fat production. Moreover, berberine may contribute to the greater removal of cholesterol from the body. Berberine inhibits cholesterol absorption in the intestines and blood. 
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): In people with PCOS, berberine may improve blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, waist-to-hip ratio, and testosterone levels. Insulin resistance is a component of PCOS, and berberine may reduce insulin resistance to help improve ovulation. 

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Berberine

Berberine is generally well tolerated. However, it is not without some potential risks and side effects.

• Allergy: Avoid berberine if you are allergic to it or its parts. 
• Precautions: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take berberine. Berberine can cross the placenta and reach the infant via breastmilk, where it can cause harm. Do not give berberine to infants because it can cause or worsen jaundice and lead to life-threatening issues.
• Side effects: Berberine’s most common side effects include stomach (abdominal) pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. 
• Interactions: Berberine may interact with some medications, like cyclosporine, a drug that prevents organ transplant rejection. Berberine may increase the effects of blood sugar-lowering medications, causing blood sugar levels to drop too low. Berberine and metformin interact, so taking them two hours apart is recommended. Berberine may affect medications broken down by the liver. Taking berberine with blood pressure-lowering medications (antihypertensives) may cause blood pressure to fall too low. Berberine may delay blood clotting, so exercise caution when taking it with blood thinners (anticoagulants). 
• Taking berberine long-term: Berberine’s safety has been evaluated in doses of up to 1.5 grams daily for six months. However, some adults take berberine for up to two years. 

Other Weight Loss Strategies

Other lifestyle strategies support weight loss with minimal risks, such as the following:

• Sleep: Not getting enough sleep may increase cravings for highly palatable, sugary, or high-fat foods, which can interfere with weight-loss goals. Sleeping for fewer than six hours per night is associated with eating more, contributing to weight gain. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep nightly to support weight loss and establish good sleep hygiene to help improve sleep quality.    
• Adequate hydration: Replacing sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, sweet tea, and energy drinks with water reduces overall calorie intake to support weight loss. Drinking water before a meal may lead to feeling full sooner, contributing to eating less. 
• Exercise: Incorporate more movement into your routine to facilitate a calorie deficit and help achieve and maintain sustainable weight loss. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and two to three sessions of strength training weekly. Brisk walking, cycling, dance classes, Pilates, and yoga are some ways you can meet these recommendations. 
• Nutrition: Eating fewer energy-dense foods (high-calorie, lower-nutrients) helps facilitate weight loss. Instead, prioritize a balanced diet of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like poultry, fish, legumes, and soy. Registered dietitians can help support weight loss—look for RDNs with the Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM) certification.
• Stress management: Stress increases cortisol levels in the body. Higher circulating cortisol levels contribute to blood sugar fluctuations and can increase food cravings. Additionally, stress eating is a typical stress response, working against weight-loss goals. Mindfulness helps manage stress levels and encourages greater awareness of hunger and fullness cues. 
• Support: Social support can help with weight loss. Groups like the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) help people at risk of developing diabetes due to weight and other factors to change their lifestyles and lose weight.

Summary

Berberine is a supplement that may reduce blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. However, despite its mainstream popularity, limited research exists on its effects on weight loss. Compared to prescription medications, berberine’s effects on weight loss are modest.

Still, berberine is generally well tolerated and safe for most individuals. Supplementing with berberine for three to six months alongside nutrition and exercise may support additional weight loss.

Many people have never heard of lutein, yet it has a notable presence in vegetables, fruits, and even egg yolks. This pigmented compound offers multiple health advantages, particularly for vision, though it can play a role in other areas of the body too.

Dr. Karen Robinson from the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences led a detailed analysis on the health benefits of lutein.

“Our review was the first to evaluate the effects of both dietary and supplemental sources of lutein on healthy eyes,” explained Dr. Robinson.

Lutein may safeguard eye health

Lutein is classified as a carotenoid with antioxidant properties. It cannot be made by the human body, so it must come from food sources like spinach, kale, and corn.

Experts note that it is found in certain dietary supplements for those who struggle to get enough from meals. Evidence suggests that regular intake might help safeguard eyesight over the long haul.

“Two tissues of the eye that play a key role in the vision process are the macula and the lens. Of all the carotenoids present in the human diet and serum, only two, lutein and zeaxanthin, are present in these two important tissues,” researchers noted in the current study.

How lutein supports eye health

Some research indicates that lutein can help people who have difficulty seeing in low light. This guidance aligns with observations of improved night vision once the nutrient becomes a staple in the diet.

Evidence has also shown possible benefits in reducing the likelihood of cataracts by shielding delicate eye tissues from ultraviolet light. It appears to act as a protective layer in the macula, which is key for healthy sight.

“Daily lutein supplements of 10 mg or more increased macular pigment after 3 months,” said Dr. Robinson.

Daily amounts of 10 mg or more may support macular pigment in adults who have normal eyes, according to some meta-analyses. 

Researchers have also associated lutein intake with a lower risk of glaucoma, which often arises from increased eye pressure.

The nutrient’s antioxidant role is potentially very important in lowering the stress that harms the optic nerve.

Skin and cognitive function

Lutein’s antioxidant action has been observed in the upper layers of the skin. It may ease harmful changes caused by ultraviolet exposure and preserve the skin’s appearance over time.

There have been intriguing discussions of lutein’s effect on memory in both younger and older adults. Although research is ongoing, some studies suggest that lutein intake is associated with improved cognitive function.

The idea of a single compound benefiting both vision and brain health has sparked interest among researchers

Recommended intake and usage

Nutrition specialists generally suggest taking between 10 mg and 20 mg of lutein per day, if supplements are used.

Most recommend pairing it with a meal that includes some healthy fat, like olive oil or nuts, since fats help the body absorb carotenoids.

Exact doses can vary, based on individual health goals, so a professional opinion is wise before starting a supplement routine.

Some individuals prefer getting lutein from spinach, squash, and other colorful produce, but it can also be found in capsules for convenience.

Benefits beyond eye health

A growing number of researchers see potential cancer-preventive links for lutein. Its antioxidant activity helps manage free radicals in cells, which can otherwise damage DNA over time.

Though it is not a cure-all, it often appears in broader discussions about immune function. Experts believe that a balanced diet featuring lutein gives the body a valuable tool in overall wellness.

Including leafy greens, corn, and egg yolks in meals can boost lutein intake without too much effort. Many of these options also offer protein, fiber, and other nutrients that support holistic health.

Some people wonder about the best time to take a lutein supplement. Professionals often say it’s ideal alongside the biggest meal of the day, especially when that meal contains unsaturated fats.

Lutein is important for supporting normal vision, but it seems to have extra perks for the skin and perhaps the brain. Anyone eager to include it in a daily routine should think about combining dietary and supplemental sources for the best effect.

The study is published in Advances in Nutrition.

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