People can struggle with excess pounds, attempting different diets and programs to help them lose weight. Weight-loss supplements contain a variety of substances, including certain herbs that may promote weight loss. While capsules and pills are one method for consuming these herbs, sipping herbal teas made with the active ingredients in these herbs is an option. Although herbal teas may help you notice a decrease in the numbers on your bathroom scale, the loss you notice might not be from fat.
Weight Loss
According to the Mayo Clinic, weight loss is all about calories, regardless of claims made by proponents of fad diets. Your body uses the calories you consume to convert to physical energy or store as fat for later use. Weight loss is a balancing act that requires eating fewer calories than you burn or burning more calories than you eat. Unlike sugary sodas and juices, drinking clear fluids such as water and herbal teas may help you quench your thirst without adding extra calories.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas contain dried plant parts including leaves, flowers, stems and roots. Many herbs contain certain medicinal properties that affect your body in a specific way. Many teas used in weight loss regimens, such as buckthorn, senna, aloe, cascara and rhubarb root include substances that have a laxative effect. Some herbal teas such as guarana, kola nut and ma huang contain caffeine. While proponents claim caffeine may increase metabolism, there is little evidence to support this statement, according to Columbia University Health Services.
Method
You may lose some weight while drinking herbal teas, although this is likely due to a loss of body fluids. The lost weight usually returns as you rehydrate your body with fluids. Although herbal teas that contain caffeine won't increase your metabolism, they might increase your energy, possibly helping you to reach a higher level of activity.
Precautions
Herbal teas that act as laxatives in your digestive system may endanger your health. According to Columbia University Health Services, the overuse of laxatives can lead to electrolyte disorders, chronic pain, constipation and a colon that depends on the use of these substances.
Safe Alternatives
The Mayo Clinic advises that reducing your caloric intake can help you lose weight. Eating about 500 fewer calories each day may help you lose about one pound each week. Reduce your caloric intake by cutting out unhealthy sources of calories such as fried pastries, potato chips and candy. Instead, select low-fat dairy products, whole-grain cereals and breads, lean meat and fish, and fruits and vegetables.
Member Comments