metabolism - The Tea Kitchen

Can Tea Help You Lose Weight?

August 30, 2021

According to an online survey, over 50% of Americans list weight loss as one of their top New Year’s Resolutions. It is no secret that obesity is a prevalent issue in America with over 40% of our population fitting into that description. But when it comes to losing weight, there are thousands of unsustainable “fad diets” out there that people subscribe to. People all over the world are always looking for the next best “quick fix” to reach their goal weight or shed a couple pounds. But the truth is, there is no quick fix. Everyone’s body reacts different to different things, which makes it impossible to have a single solution to help you lose weight. One thing people have looked at to aid in their weight loss journey is tea, but does it really help you lose weight? Let’s break it down.

While one cup of tea is not going to instantly make you lose weight, researchers have suggested that pairing tea with a sustainable diet and exercise can help you to shed a couple pounds. Although tea will not directly lead you to weight loss, there are weight loss properties that can assist. Tea contains specific compounds that can aid in weight loss, but it is not the end-all be-all answer to losing weight. It is important to remember that losing weight is an independent journey that requires individuals to find what works best for your body, so don’t be discouraged if something that works for a friend does not work for you.

According to WebMD, the caffeine and flavonoids found in tea have been proven to boost your metabolism, improve insulin activity, and increase fat oxidation. This means your body can break down fat at a faster pace. There are also polyphenols found in tea that are plant compounds that can help block fat absorption, which can prevent you from gaining weight.

Appetite Suppression

Tea is a natural appetite suppressant that can help you lose weight. Herbal teas have been proven effective in suppressing one’s appetite because of the plant compounds and antioxidants found in tea. The hormones found in tea can also activate the sympathetic nervous system which results in a decreased desire to consume food. Caffeine is also an active ingredient in tea that is a known stimulant and appetite suppressant.

Metabolism Booster

Although it is at a much lesser scale than other stimulants or supplements, tea can serve as a metabolism booster. It contains specific flavonoids called catechins that when paired with the caffeine compounds found in tea, can speed up one’s metabolism. (via Medical News Today)

Improves Insulin Activity

According to a study found in the National Library of Medicine performed by Richard A. Anderson and Marilyn M. Polansky, black, green, and oolong teas were all shown to increase insulin activity, but not herbal teas. Insulin activity matters in association with weight loss because it plays a key role in your metabolic health. When someone loses weight, it can improve insulin sensitivity which is an added benefit to someone who might be at risk for developing diabetes. Balanced insulin levels are also something that can stem from a balanced diet and routine exercise/activity.

Increases Fat Burning

With the help of caffeine and a fast metabolism, tea can help your body to break down fat at a quicker pace. According to Healthline.com, one study showed that “men who took green tea extract before exercise burned 17% more fat than men who didn’t take the supplement. The study suggests that green tea can boost the fat-burning effects of exercise…. Several other studies confirm these findings, indicating that EGCG boosts the burning of fat — which may lead to reduced body fat in the long term.”

Different types of tea contain different amounts of compounds and properties that may be associated with weight loss. Some examples of how to include tea to potentially supplement weight loss include drinking a cup before working out to increase fat burning and drinking a cup of tea at the beginning of the day or before a meal to avoid overeating. However, it should be noted that a healthy diet and moderate exercise are recommended to experience weight loss. There are weight loss properties associated with tea-drinking, but it is not a simple solution.

The moral of the story is that drinking tea while maintain a healthy diet and exercise can lead to weight loss, but it is a time-consuming process that requires you to figure out what works best for your body. Whether you decide to opt for a green tea that contains high caffeine amounts to see the above results or a different type of tea for a different reason, we recommend conducting your own research to figure out which tea will benefit you the most in regard to weight loss and check out our online collection to start your journey today. Consult a doctor before making any extreme lifestyle changes.

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Tea Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Tea

October 28, 2015

From chai to green, black to oolong, tea is a delicious and comforting brew that is chock full of healthy antioxidants and other goodies. Tea is a zero-calorie, hot or cold drink that has potential health benefits for you – incorporating a cup of tea or two in your daily life could only help you. True teas all come from the same plant, and are fermented at different rates to bring out unique flavors. These result in four main types of tea: black, oolong, green, and white tea.

Black tea is made from fermented leaves, which is why it has a dark black or red colors. Many flavors of tea fall under the black tea umbrella, such as darjeeling, earl gray, and chai. Although drinking dark brews, including coffee, is blamed for teeth staining, black tea could actually be great for your smile, perhaps due to the tannins found in the tea. The Tea Trade Health Research Association has funded studies that suggest that black tea can reduce plaque build-up and control bacteria. Additionally, a research study has shown that black tea could lower your risk of diabetes. In this study, people who had been drinking black tea on a long-term basis had a 70% lower chance of having or developing type 2 diabetes. Black tea could also boost your immune system since it contains antigens that can boost immune response, and tannins that are able to fight viruses. Lastly, since black tea has a lower amount of caffeine, it can increase blood flow to the brain without over-stimulating the heart – it won’t leave you jittery with a caffeine crash later. Definitely worth the switch over from your morning coffee!

Oolong is similar to black tea but is only partially oxidized. Like black tea, it can reduce some chronic health diseases like high cholesterol levels and heart disease. It has also been hailed as a weight management aide, supposedly due to a polyphenol compound found in it. Studies are still being done to prove the effectiveness of weight loss, but in one study, mice that were given polyphenols in addition to a fattening diet still lost overall weight and body fat. The same polyphenolic compounds have been attributed to the anti-cancer properties of oolong tea, since they can act as a chemo-preventative weapon against carcinogenic cells.

Green tea is made from leaves that are dried or heat-treated to prevent fermentation and oxidization. This process leaves it with more amounts of antioxidants than black tea, which combat free radicals in your system. These same antioxidants do wonders for your skin, and can reduce wrinkles and signs of aging. Like oolong, green tea can contribute to weight loss. It boosts your metabolism by suppressing your lipid metabolism, which reduces fatty accumulation. In a study done in Japan, mice that were fed green tea powder gained less weight and had less adipose tissue.

White tea leaves are picked when they’re very young – which makes them rare – and have a mild, delicate flavor, as well as the least amount of caffeine. It contains the same kinds of antioxidants as green tea, but in even greater quantity because they are the least processed out of all the teas. It contains fluoride, which keeps teeth strong and healthy, and possesses many of the same benefits as green tea because of their closeness with green tea. White tea is also a natural killer of bacteria and viruses due to its antioxidants that guard the immune system against many illnesses. White tea is also believed to improve bone density and strength.

So whether it’s a bold cup of black tea to kickstart your day or a soothing cup of white tea in the afternoon, incorporate tea into your daily routine for a more healthy and energizing lifestyle. Given the benefits of weight loss, bone health and cancer and diabetes prevention there’s no reason not to drink a cup of tea a day! It might even keep the doctor away!

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