Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world today. Plain black tea has long been popular in Europe, and green tea is becoming increasingly popular in the West. It’s just as well that the evidence suggests that tea is pretty good for you.
Tea contains several powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from disease. There is evidence that tea can protect the body’s cells against damage and reduce the risk of heart disease.
When we think of tea, most people think of tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. However, there are many herbal teas available, and they are also increasing in popularity.
Although there is evidence that tea has a variety of excellent health benefits, can it actually help you lose weight? There is no definitive answer to this question, but there is some evidence that tea can help you shed some unwanted pounds and shed belly fat. If you want to know what type of tea can help you lose weight and how it works to achieve it, please read on.
Best Tea For Weight Loss
More exotic than regular black tea and green tea, herbal teas like rooibos and jasmine are available these days. Most teas are thought to be good for you, especially when consumed instead of your regular caffeine-filled cup of joe or sugary soda. When it comes to potential weight loss, the following teas are some of the best.
Green Tea
Green tea is very good for you and is one of the most popular drinks in the world today. It’s a great source of antioxidants, including antioxidants called catechins, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits.
Green tea can be an excellent choice of drink if you are trying to lose weight. In fact, there is a growing body of evidence that green tea is associated with both body fat and body weight loss.
One study, published in 2008, examined the effects of green tea on 60 obese adults. Participants were divided into two groups and followed the same diet and exercise program for 12 weeks. Half of the participants drank green tea, and the rest were given a placebo.
The results of this study were very promising. Those in the green tea group lost an average of 3.3 kilograms (7.3 pounds) more body weight than those in the placebo group.
Another study, published in 2007, reached very similar conclusions. The study involved 240 participants for a period of 12 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups; 123 were given green tea extract daily, and the rest drank a placebo.
The results were very promising. Body fat, body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference were significantly reduced in the green tea extract group compared to those given a placebo. People in the green tea group also had significantly lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
Researchers hypothesize that the high levels of catechins found in green tea may be responsible. These antioxidant compounds can boost metabolism and burn fat.
Matcha Tea
Matcha is another form of tea that is growing in popularity around the world. It is a highly concentrated form of green tea in powdered form.
Like green tea, matcha is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It has the same benefits as green tea in terms of catechin content and health benefits. Like regular green tea, matcha tea can help you lose weight and reduce body fat.
Making a cup of matcha tea couldn’t be easier. No need to wait for the brewed cup to steep. Just add a teaspoon of matcha powder to a cup or mug of hot water. Stir it until it becomes frothy and drink it two or three times a day.
Black Tea
“Black tea is probably the tea most familiar to most of us who grew up in the West. It is also made from Camellia sinensis leaves but undergoes more oxidation than other varieties such as white tea and green tea.
Oxidation occurs when the leaves are exposed to air, a chemical reaction that turns the leaves into the dark brown color we are familiar with in black tea.
Besides plain black tea, there are many other blends and types of black tea to choose from. These include popular varieties like English Breakfast Tea, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey.
When it comes to the potential weight management benefits of black tea, several studies have shown promise.
A recent study, published in 2014, examined the effects of black tea on body weight as well as cardiovascular health. The study involved 111 people, and the results were very promising.
Researchers found that those who drank three cups of black tea daily for 12 weeks lost significantly more weight than the control group. Waist and hip circumferences also decreased more in the black tea group.
Although the exact cause of these weight loss results remains unknown, it is speculated that the high flavone content of tea may be responsible for its weight loss effects.
In fact, a study involving 4000 adults followed for more than 14 years may support this theory. The study found that people who consumed more flavones in their diet had a lower BMI than those who consumed fewer flavones.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is another tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. It is becoming extremely popular and has developed a reputation for promoting weight loss. In fact, the belief that oolong tea helps control body weight is not new and dates back centuries in China.
This traditional Chinese tipple is partially oxidized and sits somewhere between white and black teas on the color and oxidation scale. It has a fragrant and slightly fruity aroma and quite a unique taste.
You will be happy to know that it can help you lose weight. At least that’s what research suggests. According to research it can speed up your metabolism and help you burn fat.
A study published in 2009 looked at the effects of drinking oolong tea daily for 6 weeks. The study, which involved 102 overweight and obese adults, found that those who drank oolong daily lost both body fat and body weight. Researchers speculate that oolong may be effective because it helps improve the body’s fat metabolism.
A previous study looked at the effects of oolong tea on energy expenditure in male adults. The men were given oolong tea or water for three days and their metabolic rates were measured. Researchers found that those who drank oolong tea had a 2.9% increase in energy expenditure compared to those who drank water.
When it comes to weight loss, the results can be significant because the increased energy expenditure equates to burning about 280 extra calories a day. It should be noted that this was a small scale study involving only 12 subjects, yet the results are promising.
Based on the limited research so far, oolong tea may be worth trying as part of an overall weight loss plan.
White Tea
When many people think of white tea, they may be referring to black tea with milk, but true white tea is a tea in its own right. Unlike black tea, it undergoes minimal processing, and the leaves are harvested while the plant is young.
Despite the name, white tea is pale yellow in color when brewed. It has a unique, slightly sweet taste that distinguishes it from other types of tea.
It is relatively well-researched and has several potential health benefits, from anti-cancer effects to weight loss.
Studies have shown that white tea contains the same antioxidant catechins as green tea. Evidence suggests that these catechins can promote weight loss and decrease body fat.
A laboratory study also found that white tea extract helps break down fat cells and prevent new fat cells from forming.
Although the results of this study are promising, more clinical research is needed to determine whether it has the same effect on humans as observed in laboratory cells.
PUERH TEA
Puer tea, also commonly called pu-erh or pu’er tea, is a fermented variety of Chinese black tea. This aromatic and flavorful tea is traditionally drunk after meals and may have several excellent health benefits.
Animal studies show that Puerh tea can help lower triglyceride levels and control blood sugar. Furthermore, studies in both animals and adult humans have shown that it can aid in weight loss.
In a study published in 2014, 70 adult men were treated with puerh extract or given a placebo for three months. At the end of the study, those who took the Puer tea capsules lost 2 pounds more than the control group.
An animal study supports these findings. Researchers found that Puerh tea extract can help suppress weight gain in mice and may have anti-obesity effects.
These studies suggest that pu-erh tea may be an effective choice as part of a weight loss plan, but most of the research to date has focused on the extract, and we don’t know if drinking the tea will have the same effect.
ROOIBOS TEA
Rooibos tea is another antioxidant-rich tea with potential health benefits. This South African tea is a rich source of antioxidants and has been studied for its beneficial effects on ailments ranging from cancer to diabetes and stress.
Despite the lack of scientific research, rooibos tea is often included in diet plans. While it may not be a miracle weight loss drug, it is definitely a good option and has absolutely no calories or caffeine.
Simply replacing your regular unhealthy drinks with rooibos tea can help with long-term weight loss. Like other healthy herbal teas, regular consumption of this red tea can also help suppress appetite. This means you will eat less during the day. Drinking 30 minutes before a large meal can help you feel fuller.
As for scientific evidence, there is precious little. However, an animal study found that rooibos tea may help burn fat.
Although there is little evidence that rooibos tea will have a significant effect on your weight, it is a great source of antioxidants and a healthy choice. If drunk regularly, it can also help you lose weight in the long run.
Other teas that may help with weight loss include:
- Ginger tea
- Hibiscus tea
- Jasmine tea
- Rose tea
- Menthol tea
Frequently Asked Questions
What tea can I drink to reduce belly fat?
Drinking any tea with sugar and milk will not help in weight loss. However, different types of tea can have a positive effect on your body weight and fat. According to studies, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and puerh tea can all be good choices if you’re looking to shed a few pounds.
How much tea should you drink a day to lose weight?
This is a difficult question with no right answer. Drinking two or three cups of tea a day can have an effect on your weight in the long run, but how much of an effect it has will depend on various factors such as metabolism and age. If the tea you are drinking contains caffeine, you should be careful not to overdo it.
Does green tea burn belly fat?
Research suggests that green tea can have a positive effect on both body weight and body fat. The effects are unlikely to be dramatic, and some studies suggest that it has no effect. Still, green tea is generally considered a healthy choice and an excellent alternative to your regular unhealthy drinks.
How much tea can I drink safely?
Teas like black tea and green tea are considered good for you but contain caffeine. Although they are considered safe to drink, you should be careful not to overdo your caffeine intake. This is especially true for people with heart disease or those at risk. Two or three cups a day should be safe for most people, and drinking more may not have particularly negative effects.
Last thought
Drinking tea is relaxing and very healthy. There are a variety of teas to choose from these days. Whether they come from the Camellia sinensis plant or are made with an herb, teas represent a healthy option for the body and possibly the mind.
When it comes to weight loss, there is some evidence that green tea, oolong tea, puerh tea, and black tea can have a significant effect. The effect of these teas on your weight is probably due to the antioxidant compounds they contain.
Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that tea may help break down fat cells and increase fat metabolism as well as energy expenditure.
If you’re thinking of trying one of the herbal teas mentioned above, they’re generally considered safe. However, it is always wise to consult a doctor if you are in any way concerned about negative side effects.
