When it comes to losing weight, there are as many different methods – and diets – as there are people trying to slim down. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dieting, some foods are known to boost weight loss significantly more than others. Here, we’ll review three teas that have been proven to boost weight loss and two that have been demonstrated to hinder it.
Red Tea For Weight Loss
The first tea on our list is red tea. The compound found in red tea that helps to boost weight loss is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Theobroma cacao – or the cocoa bean – is the source of the catechin and caffeine in chocolate. Theobroma cacao, like tea, is known to be high in antioxidants and polyphenols which act as small fighters in your body, battling and defending your cells against the damage caused by free radicals.
It is known that those who consume theobroma cacao regularly lose weight faster than those who don’t. One reason behind this is that the compounds in chocolate prevent the absorption of fat in the intestine. When absorbed, the fat is burned in the body, creating a calorie deficit. The result is that the individual loses weight regardless of whether they consume fewer calories or not.
Green Tea For Weight Loss
The second tea on our list is green tea. Like red tea, green tea is high in antioxidants and polyphenols which help to protect the body’s cells from damage. This, in turn, can help to promote weight loss.
The main compound found in green tea that has been proven to boost weight loss is called EGCG. As with the case with red tea, the compound found in green tea that inhibits weight loss is called cafestol. Cafestol is thought to hinder the body’s absorption of nutrients such as iron and calcium – both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy diet – as well as cause the fat to be more readily deposited in the body.
There are several theories behind why cafestol hinders weight loss, but the most convincing one involves the pancreas. The compound is known to stimulate the pancreas which, in turn, releases enzymes into the small intestine. The enzymes break down the food we eat into smaller particles – known as chyme – which the body’s cells can more easily absorb. Eating foods rich in cafestol before a meal can result in quicker digestion and, ultimately, an increased desire to eat. This, in turn, can cause weight gain.
Black Tea For Weight Loss
The third and final tea on our list is black tea. This is the most popular of the three because it is the only one that doesn’t contain caffeine. This makes it a safer alternative for people who are sensitive to caffeine or have anxiety issues.
The compound found in black tea called thearubigin significantly boosts collagen synthesis. This, in turn, can help to improve the skin’s elasticity and reverse the signs of aging. Collagen, in general, is known to be vital for connecting and structuring protein molecules which are essential for the body’s cells. These molecules make up the scaffolding on which new cells grow. Just like with the other teas we’ve discussed, antioxidants and polyphenols in black tea are also known to fight free radicals – which cause damage to the cells – and promote weight loss.
Free radicals are unstable molecules which the body creates as a result of normal metabolism. Normally, these unstable molecules are kept in check by antioxidants and polyphenols which prevent them from causing widespread cellular damage. What this means is that, although black tea doesn’t contain caffeine, it still provides significant amounts of nutrition for the body. This, in turn, can help to boost weight loss, improve metabolism, and reverse the damage caused by aging. When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to look for nutritional supplements which provide essential nutrients which the body needs, but may be lacking in its daily diet.
As you can see, there are several different ways the body can benefit from tea. All of the compounds in the teas we’ve discussed are known to provide numerous health advantages – some of which are even thought to contribute to weight loss! If you’re looking for a healthier option than sugar-laden beverages, then try one of these three teas for weight loss today!