An aromatic beverage commonly enjoyed around the world, tea is prepared by simply pouring hot water onto tea leaves.
Drinking tea has been linked to several health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing cell damage.
Certain types of tea have also been found in some studies to promote weight loss and help fight belly fat.
So here are 8 best teas to help you lose weight and belly fat.
1. Green Tea
Green tea, one of the most common types of tea, has been linked to several health benefits. It has also been shown to reduce both weight and body fat. There are many other green tea benefits.
In fact, people who consumed green tea extract for 12 weeks have been found in one study to experience significant reductions in waist circumference, body fat, and body weight.
These positive results may be attributed to green tea extract’s naturally occurring antioxidants called catechins, which may increase your metabolism and boost fat burning.
You might want to ask, does green tea have caffeine? Well, green tea contains caffeine but not enough to produce an effect.
Containing similar beneficial ingredients as regular green tea, matcha also offers the same result.
2. Black Tea
Black tea has undergone more oxidation compared to the other types, such as oolong, white, and green teas. Oxidation is a process wherein the tea leaves are exposed to the air to dry and darken.
Does black tea have caffeine? Apparently, it has the most caffeine of all the types of tea. Earl Grey and English breakfast are just two of the many different types and blends of black tea available.
Black tea has been found in several studies to be effective when it comes to weight management.
In fact, 111 people who consumed three cups of black tea every day for three months have been found in one study to experience an increased weight loss and a reduced waist circumference.
The tea’s potential weight loss benefits have been attributed to its antioxidant-containing plant pigment called flavones.
A 14-year study following 4, 280 adults found that those who consumed higher flavone from foods and beverages like black tea had a lower BMI compared to those who have a lower flavone intake.
However, further research is necessary to account for other factors that may be involved other than the association between flavone intake and BMI.
3. White Tea
White tea is minimally processed and harvested while the tea plant is still young. This is what makes this tea stand out among the other types.
Having a distinct flavor very different from other types, white tea tastes subtle and slightly sweet. Its well-studied benefits include improving oral health and fighting cancer cells.
Moreover, white tea may also be beneficial when it comes to weight and body fat loss; however, further research is necessary.
Green tea and white tea have been shown in several studies to have comparable amounts of catechins, which may aid weight loss.
In addition, white tea extract has been shown in one test-tube study to increase fat cell breakdown while preventing the formation of new ones.
However, it is important to note that this was a test-tube study; the effects of white tea on humans are yet unclear. Further research is necessary to confirm the tea’s potential beneficial effects on fat loss.
4. Puerh Tea
Puerh tea, also known as pu’er or pu-erh tea, is a type of fermented Chinese black tea that is often enjoyed after a meal. Its earthy aroma tends to develop the longer it is stored.
It has been shown in some animal studies to reduce blood triglycerides and blood sugar. In addition, it has also been shown in animal and human studies to help enhance weight loss.
A 3-month study in 70 men administered with either a capsule of puerh tea extract or a placebo found that those who took the puerh tea capsule lost approximately 1 kg more than those in the placebo group.
Another study in rats showed the same effects: the tea extract had an anti-obesity effect and helped prevent weight gain.
However, further research is necessary to determine whether or not the same effects apply to drinking it as a tea, as current research is limited.
5. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a partially oxidized traditional Chinese tea. In terms of color and oxidation, it is somewhere between black tea and green tea.
Depending on the level of oxidation, it can have a unique flavor and a fruity, fragrant aroma.
This type of tea has been shown in several studies to help improve fat burning and speed up metabolism, thereby promoting weight loss.
A three-day small study in men gave them either water or tea to measure their metabolic rates. Oolong tea increased energy expenditure by 2.9% compared to water—it is equivalent to burning an additional 281 calories per day.
Although further research on the effects of oolong tea are necessary, findings show that oolong could promote weight loss.
6. Herbal Tea
A tea involving an infusion of fruits, herbs, and spices in hot water, herbal teas are not made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and do not typically contain caffeine. They are different from traditional teas.
Common herbal tea varieties include hibiscus tea, rooibos tea, rosehip tea, and ginger tea.
Although their ingredients and formulations can vary significantly, herbal teas have been found in some studies to promote weight reduction and fat loss.
Researchers in one animal study gave obese rats an herbal tea, and there observed a reduced body weight and normalized hormone levels.
When it comes to fat burning, rooibos tea may be especially effective. In fact, it has been shown in one test-tube study to increase fat metabolism and help block fat cell formation.
However, further human studies are necessary to confirm the effects of herbal teas like rooibos on weight loss.
7. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is an aromatic drink that is low in calories, curbs unwanted hunger cravings, and improves digestion—all these have a direct relation with weight loss.
The tea’s strong scent is known to suppress appetite and reduce cravings. What’s more, it contains catechins, which may help improve your metabolism.
This tea is an amazing pre-workout drink too.
8. Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea can also help you lose weight and belly fat. The potassium it contains can act as a diuretic and improve your daily urine output, leading to a reduced water weight. This may be helpful when you are retaining water for some reason.
Conclusion
Though tea is known for its delicious taste and soothing quality, it may also provide several health benefits.
Drinking tea, instead of high-calorie beverages like soda or juice, can help reduce your overall calorie intake and cause weight loss.
Certain types of tea have been shown in some animal and test-tube studies to promote weight loss while blocking fat cell formation. Human studies are however necessary to investigate this further.
In addition, many types of tea are rich in beneficial compounds like catechins and flavones, which could promote weight loss as well
A cup or two of tea each day, combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, could help you prevent harmful belly fat and boost weight loss.