From green to black to red and white, there’s no drink more soothing than a hot cup of tea. Find out which teas you can sip to manage your health and weight.
It’s hard not to go through your Instagram feed without seeing sponsored photos with companies promoting their “fit” or “skinny” teas. Do they really work? We don’t really know. But what we do know from experts and medical studies is that herbal teas are not only comforting and soothing, they also have health benefits.
To perk you up or calm you down, tea has been the traditional go-to drink for centuries for variety of reasons. But with so many different types promising to maintain and balance your weight, which one should you choose?
Green Tea
Researchers in Tokyo found that people given a green tea extract lost body fat and reduced cholesterol. You would need about five to six cups a day to reap its benefits, though. The mix of catechins in the tea is what revs your metabolism. We recommend trying the Matcha kind, which is more potent.
(Read about the benefits of Matcha Green Tea here)
White
White tea — which is made from only the delicate buds of the tea plant — has the highest levels of antioxidants, which protect against harmful free radicals. White tea contains ECGC, an antioxidant that prevents new fat cells from forming and researchers have found that it also fights signs of aging, like wrinkles.
Black
Black tea has many benefits like helping to keep your breath fresh by inhibiting plaque build up but it also helps stop belly fat from forming. Studies show that polysaccharides in black tea have glucose-inhibiting properties – which can help those with diabetes.
Oolong
Oolong tea is known to boost the metabolism, helping you burn fat faster. Its unique catechin (an antioxidant) and caffeine combination is reported to ignite your body’s fat-burning mechanism. Oolong tea also contains polyphenols that help block fat-building enzymes. Studies have shown that drinking oolong tea has led to sustained weight loss over time. According to a study in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, participants who regularly sipped oolong tea lost six pounds over the course of the six-week time period.
Yerba Mate
Popular in South America, yerba mate tea is full of antioxidants and vitamins said to help you lose fat. It contains the fat-fighting compound mateine, which gives you a metabolism and energy boost. It’s also known to curb cravings.
Rooibos
Rooibos tea is made from the leaves of the “red bush” plant, grown exclusively in South Africa. What makes rooibos tea good for your health is a unique blend of powerful flavanoids, specifically Aspalathin. This compound can reduce stress hormones that trigger hunger and fat storage.
Mint
Peppermint oil found in this tea is effective at reducing abdominal pain and diarrhea in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Sipping a cup after a meal helps by relaxing the muscles of the intestinal tract.
Chamomile
According to Japanese researchers, daily consumption of chamomile tea can help soothe the stomach and cramps. It’s also said to help soothe your entire body, helping you to sleep better.
—Toni-Marie Ippolito
Leave a Reply