Tea is one of the oldest beverages known, and one of the healthiest ones.
It is a major beverage of choice and has a lot of significance in cultures across the world.
There are several kinds of tea which are known to benefit various health problems particularly in weight loss.
The choice of tea, the way it is consumed and how much, are all important factors to know when considering the best weight loss tea.
The best way to prepare and consume tea for weight loss is to do a fresh brew with hot water just under boiling and let the tea steep for a few minutes.
It is best to consume the tea without milk or sugar since they will add extra calories.
The natural taste of tea can be quite invigorating and so can the various flavors available.
The reasons that different teas are useful in weight loss are due to the range of naturally occurring compounds in certain plants.
In classical terms, tea is a beverage made from leaves of the tea plant, Camellia Sinensis and its variations.
The trend in recent years has been to refer to beverages made from other kinds of plants such as hibiscus, mint or chamomile, also as tea, referring more to the way the beverage is prepared.
These are more commonly called herbal teas and this helps differentiate them from tea plants.
The classical teas are Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong tea, White Tea and Pu-erh Tea.
The main difference between all these is the extent of fermentation and leaf treatment. Green and White teas are not fermented, and the others are fermented to different degrees.
This changes the way they taste and the profile of compounds present in them.
The main classes of compounds found in the tea plant are xanthines, flavonoids and phytophenols.
Xanthines include the caffeine, theobromine and theophylline.
Special compounds such as EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) are also found in green tea.
These help in increasing wakefulness, mental alertness, suppressing appetite and increasing exercise ability.
Apart from these effects, several studies show that tea helps with weight loss by increasing the amount of calories expended daily.
Tea even lowers cholesterol levels and prevents clogged arteries, promoting a healthy heart. Tea may also be of general benefit in conditions like cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
EGCG in particular is known to be a potent antioxidant and reduces fat deposition in the body.
Recent research has also indicated tea may have antimicrobial qualities.
The ability of tea to decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease is an active area of research.
A few commonly found herbal teas that have gained popularity are Hibiscus Tea, Mint Tea, Star Anise Tea, Rose Tea and Chamomile Tea.
Components of these teas have been found to have beneficial effects on digestive and skin problems, nausea, arthritis, and insomnia.
These teas however tend not to have the xanthine compounds found in the classical teas which are significantly responsible for weight loss.
Overall, a freshly brewed cup of classical tea and green tea is best for weight loss. Up to four cups a day should be adequate. It is best to avoid them late at night since they can interfere with sleep.
Although originating from China, the plant from which most Chinese teas are made from is now being cultivated in over 30 countries with the major producers being Japan, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Indonesia, and India.
While there are four major types of teas namely the white, green, Oolong, and black tea, they are all however derived from the same Camellia sinensis plant.
However, the term “green tea” has been used to synonymously refer to virtually all Chinese teas despite their varied classification notwithstanding that they originate from the same plant source.
So why it is common for most people to refer to most weight loss teas as simply being green tea, it is however important to understand that their different classifications have a lot to say about the actual nature and properties of each of these teas.
The differences between these four tea types can be said to be a function of their different processing procedures which mostly has to do with the length of time the tea leaves are allowed to “ferment” or “oxidize”.
This is so because despite the fact that the basic processing concepts remain the same globally, the way of handling and processing the buds and leaves of the plant after harvesting varies from country to country.
Table of Contents on The Best Weight Loss Tea
White
This can be said to be most delicately and least processed tea in the world.
It is made from leaves that are picked before they are fully open, when the buds are still covered with fine, white hairs which give it the white look.
It is essentially made from young leaves that are not fermented at all as they are simply harvested, cleaned, dried and packaged.
It does not have the grassy taste of green tea but has a rather mild flavor and natural sweetness.
Research has shown that white tea has the highest amounts of antioxidants of all teas having as much as three times the antioxidant content of green tea.
It also has the least amount of caffeine (15mg per serving) and is believed to contain approximately twelve times more antioxidants than fresh orange juice.
In fact, white tea is revered as the “Tea of the Royals” and was introduced as recently as in the 1990s to western countries.
It is prized for its cooling and refreshing nature while also providing anti-bacterial, anti-viral, heart-strengthening and other numerous antioxidant benefits.
Green
The distinctive light color of green tea is because of the incomplete or partial fermentation of its leaves.
Similar to white tea, the buds and leaves used are picked, cleaned and dried, but are allowed to undergo a minimal amount of fermentation.
After harvesting and cleaning, the leaves are generally quickly baked, roasted, sun dried, or steamed to stop the fermentation process. They are then cut, ground, or rolled into a variety of unique shapes.
Due to the fact that they are so gently processed, green and white tea retain higher amounts of their beneficial antioxidants.
The high concentration of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is green tea’s most active ingredient helps to increase thermogenesis and thereby fat oxidation.
Green tea is a popular beverage known for its numerous health benefits.
Rich in antioxidants, green tea can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
It has been linked to improved brain function, boosting memory and alertness.
Additionally, green tea has fat-burning properties that can aid in weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Its antibacterial properties may also help with oral health by reducing bad breath and preventing cavities.
Regular consumption of green tea has been associated with a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer.
It is also believed to promote heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Overall, green tea is a versatile and beneficial beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold throughout the day for both its taste and potential health advantages.
Oolong
Unlike green tea, Oolong tea is regarded as a semi-fermented whole-leaf tea.
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea known for its weight loss benefits.
This semi-fermented tea has gained popularity for its ability to boost metabolism and promote fat burning.
Oolong tea contains antioxidants, such as catechins and polyphenols, which can help in reducing weight by increasing energy expenditure.
The caffeine content in oolong tea can also aid in stimulating the central nervous system, leading to improved focus and endurance during exercise.
Additionally, oolong tea is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, which can prevent spikes and crashes in energy levels throughout the day.
Its unique combination of nutrients makes it an excellent choice for those looking to support their weight loss journey.
Incorporating oolong tea into a balanced diet and regular exercise routine may contribute to overall health and well-being.
Overall, oolong tea offers a natural way to support weight loss efforts, providing not only physical benefits but also mental clarity and focus.
This versatile beverage can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a convenient addition to any daily routine.
So why not add a cup of refreshing oolong tea to your day and experience its potential weight loss benefits firsthand?
Black
This is the most widely drunk tea in western cultures and has a 75% production rate of global tea production and an 87% consumption rate by American tea drinkers.
This is the most fermented of the four different tea varieties.
Black tea is a popular beverage known for its potential weight loss benefits.
Studies have suggested that the caffeine and antioxidants found in black tea may help boost metabolism, leading to increased calorie burning.
Additionally, black tea contains compounds that could potentially reduce the absorption of fat in the body.
Regular consumption of black tea, along with a balanced diet and exercise, may support weight management efforts.
It is important to note that while black tea can be a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle, it is not a magic solution for weight loss on its own.
When incorporating black tea into your routine, opt for unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars and unnecessary calories.
Enjoying a cup of black tea as part of a well-rounded diet can be a pleasant way to support your overall health goals.
Remember to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle regimen.
In Conclusion
There is therefore incontrovertible evidence suggesting that regular drinking of tea – be it white, green, Oolong, or black tea so far as it is made from the Camellia sinensis plant – has significant weight loss benefits.
However, attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight involves more than one factor. It is therefore advisable to use any weight loss tea as a supplement to an active lifestyle of regular exercise and eating of a healthy and balanced diet.
Tava Tea is a highly recommended weight loss tea brand. Tava Tea is a blend of three of the best Chinese and Japanese teas in one healthy pack designed to maximize the weight loss benefits of tea drinking. Tava Tea is today considered to be the strongest weight loss tea ever created.