Herbal teas are available in many different varieties, ranging from traditional caffeine-free chamomile or peppermint tea to green tea, rose tea or red raspberry leaf tea. As part of a calorie-controlled diet and exercise regimen, herbal teas may help your weight-loss efforts. However, not all herbal teas are considered safe for everyone, so consult your doctor for medical advice before changing your diet to include herbal teas.
Nutritional Information
Most herbal teas are virtually calorie-free and fat-free if you make the drink without sweetener or creamer. According to data from the USDA standard nutrient database, brewed Hohoysi or "Hopi" herbal tea contains only 2 calories per 100 g. The fat content of this tea is 0.2 percent -- the tea is 99.6 percent water. Most water-based herbal teas do not contribute any significant fat, calorie, protein, fiber or vitamin value to your diet.
Benefits
If you are dieting for weight loss, the most common method of doing so is by the creation of a calorie deficit. Simply put, this means that your daily intake of calories will be lower than the number of calories you burn through exercise and regular metabolism. According to the BMI Calculator website, a 3500-calorie deficit is necessary to lose a pound of body fat. Herbal teas may help your weight loss efforts, as they contribute almost zero calories to your daily totals, while providing a hot beverage which will hydrate and satiate you.
Considerations
Herbal teas may have unpleasant side-effects for certain individuals. Many herbal teas are decaffeinated, but those teas containing caffeine may cause symptoms in caffeine-sensitive individuals, those with heart conditions, or patients with epilepsy. Additionally, heavy consumption of dark or bright-colored herbal teas may stain your teeth over time. According to a MayoClinic.com article, "Pregnancy Week by Week," pregnant women should avoid herbal tea consumption. Unless your doctor advises you that herbal teas are safe to drink during your pregnancy, assume that herbal teas are potentially unsafe during pregnancy. In large quantities, certain herbal teas -- red raspberry leaf, for example -- can provoke contractions.
Weight Loss Teas
Several herbal teas are marketed as weight-loss aids, although the effectiveness of any tea in boosting weight loss has not been proven conclusively. Teas promoted for weight loss typically function in one of several ways. Some teas -- caffeinated herbal teas, for example -- give a temporary boost to your metabolism, which may increase the rate at which you move around and burn fat. However, it is possible that caffeine may also increase your appetite, negating this potential weight-loss benefit. Other teas function as laxatives or diuretics, making your body lose water or food before complete digestion occurs. Use of such teas can be dangerous, and weight lost through use of diuretics or laxatives is likely to return.
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