There are many teas that supposedly help with weight loss, such as green tea. Opinions differ on whether or not drinking tea really assists in weight loss, but one thing is true: there are many health benefits to drinking tea, because tea contains high concentrations of minerals and antioxidants. Antioxidants help slow degenerative diseases by helping to stop free radicals. According to the National Cancer Center Research Institute in Tokyo, drinking tea may also be one of the most practical methods of cancer prevention currently available.
The Facts
Though it seems like a current fad, tea has been used as an aid for weight loss for centuries, especially in Asia. It is believed that drinking a cup of tea at each meal is the best way to successfully use tea as a metabolic stimulant. A cup of tea only has four calories per serving if it's consumed without added sugar. The caffeine in tea has also been proven to increase bodily functions and burn more calories. Also, the polyphenols found naturally in tea aid in the digestion of fat.
Types
There are many types of teas associated with weight loss, but the most popular is green tea. It is believed that green tea increases metabolism, thus promoting weight loss when combined with exercise and a healthy diet. Green tea also has a number of other health benefits. For example, it increases bone density in women, and there is strong evidence that suggests it helps prevent cancer and heart disease and lowers cholesterol levels. Wu-long tea is marketed as a fat-burning tea, though it's not really certain how effective the tea is overall. That being said, the Department of Applied Nutrition at Tokushima University in Japan reportedly found that drinking a cup of Wu-Long tea before consuming carbohydrates reduces how much fat the body absorbs, leading some to believe that the tea is a natural fat inhibitor.
Effects
The weight loss effects of some teas aren't fully known, but what we do know for sure is that teas are a metabolic stimulant, meaning the caffeine helps burn calories by increasing bodily functions. Teas also have virtually no fat and very few calories, so they serve as the perfect alternative to sugar-filled sodas and other unhealthy drinks. Some of the healthiest teas come from China and Japan, and these teas in particular contain polyphenols, which burn fat.
Misconceptions
You cannot lose weight just from drinking tea. Weight-loss teas should be considered a small aspect of your weight-loss plan. When combined with healthy eating, exercise and portion control, they can be very beneficial to your health. If, however, you decide to continue eating poorly and not exercise, drinking green tea will have added health benefits, but it won't aid in weight loss.
Benefits
The benefits to drinking tea--especially green tea--are endless. Green tea is thought to fight off cancer, strengthen your immune system, assist in weight loss, increase metabolism, help with skin elasticity and fight illness, among other benefits.
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