How Does Tea Aid Weight Loss?

Calorie Burning

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, physiologist William Rumpler performed a study to examine the effects on tea--specifically oolong tea--in burning calories and weight loss. Subjects who consumed tea burned an average of 67 calories per day more than those who did not consume the tea. It is a convincing find for those who look to tea as their method of weight loss. The caffeine in tea can also be beneficial in giving subjects more energy to burn more calories.

Appetite Supressant

A study in the 2006 "British Journal of Sports Medicine" considered certain stimulants and their affect on sports medicine. One of the findings from that study was that caffeine, which is naturally found in tea, is a mild appetite suppressant. That means that while drinking tea, you may find that your desire to consume other foods is diminished, something that is especially helpful for those who suffer from a food addiction or a constant need to eat. Drink tea after meals and you may find that you eat less overall, helping you to lose weight.

Snack Replacement

Some may find themselves reaching into their cupboard for a snack during the day either from boredom, hunger or even habit. Tea can help you snack less, replacing your snacks with a hot substance and something that is satisfying as a ritual. A 12-oz. cup of leaf tea contains fewer than four calories, making it an ideal snack-substitution beverage. Just be careful when adding sugar, milk or cream, as each of these ingredients will increase the calorie count.

Bottom Line

While tea is not a cure-all for substantial weight loss, it can be a healthy addition to your weight-loss regimen. While you can't expect to shed pounds, drinking tea can help you burn a few extra calories, suppress your appetite and snack less, three things that can affect overall weight loss.

References

Article reviewed by Roman Tsivkin Last updated on: Oct 20, 2009

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