Tea for slimming: Which one is more effective?

Tea is a beverage that is enjoyed by many people around the world, mainly to relax. There are several varieties of  tea, such as white, black, green and oolong. Αll varieties contain large amounts of flavonoids. This reduces inflammation and can protect the body from various conditions such as  diabetes or heart disease.   (1)

Can tea help at weight loss?

A cup of any variety of tea is not likely to lead to maximum weight loss. But some studies have shown that tea can lead to a small weight loss combined mainly with diet and exercise. (2)

More specifically, catechins, which are a type of flavonoid, can boost metabolism so the body can break down fat faster. Also, caffeine, which is contained in many types of tea, increases energy use, forcing the body to burn more calories. (2) 

Listed below are some types of tea which research has shown they help in weight loss when someone follows a healthy diet. We must not forget that tea alone cannot do “miracles”.

Green tea

Green tea is one of the herbs with the most benefits for the human body. It is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which benefit the body. (4)

More specifically, green tea is high in catechins and especially in EGCG (French epigallocatechin). In combination with caffeine, it is believed to burn calories. (2)

One study found that people who consumed green tea extract for 12 weeks experienced significant reductions in body weight, body fat and waist circumference, compared to a control group (5). Another survey carried out in 2008 also showed exactly the same result. It involved 60 obese people who followed a standardised diet for 12 weeks and either drank green tea or placebo. The results showed that those who drank green tea lost 3.3 kg more than those who drank placebo (6) (1)

We should not forget that green tea contains a generous dose of caffeine, thus increasing stress or disturbing sleep. Also, the consumption of high doses of green tea has been linked, in rare cases, to severe liver damage. (3) 

Black tea

Black tea has undergone the most oxidation compared to other species such as green or white tea. This oxidation results from the chemical reaction when the tea leaves are exposed to the air, causing them to turn black and get the characteristic color (1) (2).

From time to time, various studies have been contucted to determine whether black tea enhances weight loss. Indicatively, a study involving 111 people concluded that drinking three cups of black tea every day for three months significantly increased weight loss and reduced waist circumference, compared to the consumption of a caffeine – placebo. (7) (1)

Many believe that weight loss because of black tea is due to the rich content of flavones, which are a kind of pigment with antioxidant properties. (3) (1) However, it is advisable to emphasize that the consumption of black tea combined with milk can limit its abilities to block fat. (3)

Oolong tea

Oolong tea is a partially oxidized tea with a fruity flavor and wonderful aroma, which however can vary significantly depending on the level of oxidation. (3)

It contains a mixture of polyphenols and in particular contains catechins, such as green tea and theoflavines such as black tea. Research has also shown that it contains caffeine, which in combination with polyphenols can enhance weight loss. (2)

The results of a study with 102 obese or overweight people showed that drinking 8 g oolong tea every day for six weeks can help reduce both body weight and body fat. In particular, the researchers argued that tea did this by improving fat metabolism in the body. (8)

White tea

This is the least processed tea and has a light sweet taste.  Based on the results of various studies, it has been shown that white tea can improve oral health. (9)

Also a study in a test tube showed that white tea extract increased the breakdown of fat cells and prevented the formation of new ones. (10)  However, in order to be able to say for sure that the same thing happens in the human body, further research is needed.

Hibiscus tea

This tea, derived from hibiscus leaves, contains catechins, such as EGCG and has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In a review of studies involving animals and humans, it became apparent that hibiscus extract can help treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol, although more research is needed before recommendations are made. (2)

Hibiscus tea can also help maintain weight in healthy levels. In an other study, adults who were overweight or obese and received hibiscus extract for 12 weeks, had a reduced body weight, body mass index, body fat and hip-to-waist ratio, compared to a control group. The researchers attributed these privileges to plant compounds of hibiscus extract. (2)

Generally, even if these results exist, further research is needed in order to make sure if and to what extent different varieties of tea can promote weight loss. 

Summing up all the above, however, we need to emphasize that any variety of tea cannot work wonders and lead to weight loss on its own. The right weight loss results from the combination of exercise and healthy diet. Tea is just a factor that can make it easier to lose pounds!

Find at Vita4you.gr a great variety in tea for weight loss!

Βibliography

1. The 6 Best Teas to Lose Weight and Belly Fat
2. 5 Types of Tea That May Help With Weight Loss
3. Could Tea Help You Lose Weight?
4. The 10 Best Teas To Help Boost Your Metabolism, Burn Fat, And Lose Weight
5. A green tea extract high in catechins reduces body fat and cardiovascular risks in humans
6. Effectiveness of green tea on weight reduction in obese Thais: A randomized, controlled trial
7. Effects of black tea on body composition and metabolic outcomes related to cardiovascular disease risk: a randomized controlled trial
8. Beneficial effects of oolong tea consumption on diet-induced overweight and obese subjects
9. White tea: A contributor to oral health
10. White Tea extract induces lipolytic activity and inhibits adipogenesis in human subcutaneous (pre)-adipocytes