The Best Teas for Weight Loss

Last Updated on October 10, 2019 by Marc Seward

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world today. Plain black tea has been popular in Europe for a very long time and green tea is becoming increasingly popular in the West. It is just as well that the evidence suggests that that tea is pretty good for you.

Tea contains a number of powerful antioxidants that can help protect the body against disease. There is evidence that tea can protect the body’s cells against damage and may reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

When we think of tea, most people are thinking of the teas made with the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. However, there are plenty of herbal teas available and these are also growing in popularity.

While there is evidence that tea has a variety of excellent health benefits, can it actually help you lose weight?

There is no concrete answer to this question but there is some evidence that tea might help you drop some unwanted pounds and may help you shed belly fat.

If you would like to find out which types of tea might help you to lose weight and how it works to achieve this, please read on.

The Best Tea for Weight Loss

There are any number of teas to choose from these days. From regular black tea and green tea to far more exotic, herbal teas like rooibos and jasmine. Most teas are considered to be good for you especially when consumed instead of your regular caffeine-filled cup of joe or sugar laden 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 is a great source of antioxidants including antioxidants called catechins, which are linked to a wide variety of health benefits.

If you are trying to lose weight, green tea may also be an excellent choice of beverage. In fact, there is a growing body of evidence that green tea is linked to both a decrease in body fat and body weight.

One study, published in 2008, examined the effect of green tea on 60 obese adults. The participants were separated into two groups and followed the same diet and exercise program for 12 weeks. half of the participants drunk green tea while the remainder 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 the group given the placebo. (1)

Another study, published in 2007, had reached a very similar conclusion. This study involved 240 participants for a 12 week period. The participants were separated into two groups with 123 given green tea extract each day and the remainder drinking a placebo.

The results were very promising. Those in the green tea extract group experienced a greater reduction in body fat, body weight, waist circumference and hip circumference compared to those given the placebo. Those in the green tea group also experienced significant decreases in blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. (2)

Researchers speculate that the the very high level of catechins found in green tea may be responsible. These antioxidant compounds might boost the metabolism and promote fat burning. (3)

Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is another form of tea that is increasing in popularity around the world. It is a highly concentrated form of green tea in powdered form.

Like green tea, matcha is made with the leaves of the Camelia sinensis plant. It has all the same benefits as green tea in terms of its catechin content and health benefits. Like ordinary green tea, matcha tea may also help you to lose weight and reduce body fat.

Making a cup of matcha tea could hardly be easier. You do not even have to wait for the leaves to steep cup of boiled. Simply ad a teaspoon or so of matcha powder to a cup or mug of hot water. Stir it until it gets frothy and drink it up two or three times a day.

Black Tea

Black tea is probably the most familiar tea for most of us brought up in the west. Black tea is also made with the leaves of the Camelia sinensis but undergoes greater oxidation than other varieties like white tea and green tea.

Oxidation occurs when the leaves get exposed to air, this chemical reaction results in the leaves turning the dark brown color that we are familiar with in black teas.

As well as plain black tea, there are many other blends and types of black tea to choose from. These include popular tipples like English breakfast tea, Darjeeling and Earl grey.

When it comes to the potential weight control benefits of black tea, several studies have proved to be promising.

One 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.

The researchers found that those who drank three cups of the black tea every day for 12 weeks lost significantly more weight than those in the control group. The black tea group also had a greater reduction in waist and hip circumference. (4)

While the exact cause of these weight loss results remains unknown, there is speculation that the high flavone content of the tea may be responsible for its weight loss effects.

In fact, a study involving over 4000 adults followed over a 14 year period may support this theory. The study found that people who consumed more flavones in their diet had a lower BMI than people who consumed fewer flavones. (5)

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is another tea made from the leaves of Camelia 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 nothing new and dates back many centuries in China.

This traditional Chinese tipple is partially oxidized and sits somewhere between white and black tea on he color and oxidation scale. It has a fragrant and slightly fruity aroma and quite a unique taste.

You will also be pleased to know that it might help you lose weight. at least that is what the studies suggest. According to research it can help you get by speeding up the metabolism and promoting fat burning.

One study, published in 2009, looked at the effects of drinking oolong tea daily for a 6 week period. The study, which involved 102 overweight and obese adults, found that those who drank oolong each day experienced reductions in both body fat and body weight. The researchers speculated that the oolong may be effective because it helped improve the body’s fat metabolism. (6)

An earlier study looked at the effects of oolong tea on energy expenditure in male adults. The men were given either oolong tea or water for three days and their metabolic rates were measured. The researchers found that those who drank oolong tea had a 2.9% increase in energy expenditure compared to those who drank water. (7)

In terms of weight loss, the results may be significant as the increased energy expenditure equates to burning around 280 extra calories a day. It should be noted that this was a small scale study involving only 12 subjects, nevertheless the results are promising.

Based on the limited research to date, oolong tea may well be worth trying as part of an overall weight loss plan.

White Tea

When many people think of white tea, they are referring to black tea with milk but real 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 its name, white tea is pale yellow in color when brewed. It also has a unique, slightly sweet flavor which marks it out from other types of tea.

It has been relatively well-researched and has a number of potential health benefits from anti-cancer effects to weight loss.

Studies have revealed that white tea has a similar number of antioxidant catechins to green tea. Evidence suggests that these catechins might promote weight loss and a reduction in body fat. (8)

One laboratory study also found that an extract of white tea helped stimulate the break down of fat cells and prevent new fat cells from being formed. (9)

While the results of this study are promising, more clinical research is needed to determine whether it has the same effect on humans as it had on cells in the laboratory.

Puerh Tea

Puerh tea, also commonly referred to as pu-erh or pu’er tea is a fermented variety of Chinese black tea. This aromatic and flavorful tea is traditionally drunk following a meal and may have a number of excellent health benefits.

Animal studies suggest that puerh tea can help reduce triflyceride levels and keep blood sugar in check. What is more, studies in both animals and adult humans have found that it may help promote weight loss. (10)

In a study, published in 2014, 70 adult males were treated with puerh extract or given a placebo for three months. by the end of the study, those who had taken the puerh tea capsules had lost over 2 pounds more than the control group. (11)

An animal study supported these findings. The researchers found that puerh tea extracts might help to suppress weight gains in rats and may have anti-obesity effects. (12)

These studies suggest that puerh tea may be an effective choice as part of a weight loss plan but the bulk of the research done to date has focused on extracts and we do not know whether drinking the tea would have the same effects.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is another antioxidant rich tea with a range of potential health benefits. This tea from South Africa is a rich source of antioxidants and has been researched for its beneficial effects on illnesses 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 drug, it is certainly a good option and contains absolutely no calories or caffeine.

Simply by replacing your regular unhealthy beverage with rooibos tea can help you lose weight in the long term. As is the case with other healthy herbal teas, consuming this red tea on a regular basis may also help suppress the appetite. This means you will eat less during the day. it may also help you feel fuller when drunk some 30 minutes before a big meal.

As regards scientific evidence, there is precious little. However one animal study found that rooibos tea may help promote fat burning. (13)

While there is little proof that rooibos tea will have a significant impact on your weight, it is a great source of antioxidants and a healthy choice. When drunk regularly, it may even help you to lose weight in the long run.

Other Herbal Teas

When it comes to herbal teas, there is plenty of choice. herbal teas contain no caffeine and are devoid of calories and also come with a wide variety of potential health benefits.

By replacing your normal glass of sugary soda or cup will be doing your body of caffeine-filled coffee with a healthy herbal tea, you will be doing your body a favor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tea can I drink to lose belly fat?

Drinking any tea with sugar and milk is not going to help you lose weight. However, various types of tea may well have a positive impact on your body weight and fat. According to studies, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea and puerh tea may all be a good choice if you are looking to shed a few pounds.

How much tea should you drink a day to lose weight?

That is a tough question with no concrete answer. Drinking two or three cups of tea a day may have an effect on your weight in the long run but how much effect it has will depend on various factors like metabolism and age. If the tea you are drinking is caffeinated, 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 not likely to be dramatic and some studies suggest it has no effect at all. nevertheless, green tea is generally regarded as a healthy choice and an excellent substitute for your regular unhealthy beverage.

How much tea can i drink safely?

Teas like black tea and green tea are considered to be good for you but they do contain caffeine. While they are considered safe to drink, you should be careful not to overdo your intake of caffeine. This applies especially to people with heart conditions or those at risk. Two or three cups a day should be safe for most people and drinking more is unlikely to have an especially negative effect.

Final Thoughts

Drinking tea is relaxing and very healthy. There are a wide variety of teas to choose from these days. Whether they come from the Camelia sinensis plant or are made with an herb, tea represents a healthy option for the body and maybe 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 impact. The effects of these teas on your weight is likely due to the antioxidant compounds they contain.

Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that teas can help break down fat cells and boost fat metabolism as well as energy expenditure.

If you are thinking of trying one of the herbal teas mentioned above, they are largely considered safe. However, it is always wise to consult a doctor if you are in any way concerned about negative side effects.

What is your favorite tea and do you find it helps you keep your weight under control?

Please let us know, We would be delighted to hear from you.