The Best Weight Loss Teas

Carrying around excessive pounds can put you at risk for many serious health problems. According to "The Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care," edited by Philip T. Hagen, M.D., being overweight can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic back pain, gallstones and respiratory problems. Although a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best method for losing weight, there are a variety of teas available to enhance weight loss. Consult with a physician before beginning any weight loss program.

Green Tea

Green tea is reputed for its ability to enhance weight loss. For this reason, green tea is a popular ingredient for weight loss pills and supplements. Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which promotes the release of fats into the blood stream and speeds the bodies metabolic rate. Green tea also has an energizing effect, promoting a more active lifestyle.

Aside from green tea's weight loss advantages, green tea contains antioxidants which can reduce the signs of aging and aid in preventing serious illnesses, such as cancer.

Green tea contains caffeine. Possible side effects from consuming too much green tea include insomnia, upset stomach, irritability and dizziness. Consult with your physician before taking green tea if you are pregnant or nursing. Drug interactions are also possible if you are taking certain medications or over-the-counter drugs.

Oolong Tea (Wulong Tea)

Oolong tea, sometimes called wulong tea, is another tea commonly used for weight loss. According to teasetc.com, oolong tea comes from the same plant as green tea, but is processed differently, giving it different properties and benefits than green tea. Like green tea, oolong tea energizes the body. It also blocks the absorption of carbohydrates and fats. Studies conducted by Chinese researchers in 1998 showed that women who drank oolong tea regularly, over a six week period, showed significant weight loss.

Oolong tea contains caffeine. Possible side effects include insulin resistance, slowed metabolism and insomnia. Consult with your doctor to avoid any possible drug reactions or if you are pregnant or nursing.

Ginseng Tea

Ginseng tea is a third option for weight loss. According to bodybuildingforyou.com, ginseng boosts the metabolism and increases energy, allowing for more endurance during exercise.

In addition to its weight loss benefit, ginseng improves circulation, regulates the body's reaction to stress, boosts the immune system, reduces blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, protects the blood cells during radiation therapy, protects the liver and reduces the risk of heart attack.

Possible side effects of ginseng tea include breast soreness, insomnia, increased blood pressure, asthma attacks and cardiac arrhythmia. Do not use ginseng tea if you have a history of asthma, high blood pressure, emphysema, blood clotting problems or cardiac arrhythmia. Talk to a health care professional before using ginseng tea for weight loss.