Although drinking tea might not be your first thought when trying to shed a few pounds, it can be an effective addition to your weight loss plan. All teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and contain different amounts of antioxidant polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. Evidence indicates that green, oolong and white tea may help stimulate your metabolism and enhance weight loss. Consult your health care provider before consuming any tea.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea might boost your metabolism and decrease body fat, according to a study performed by researchers at the University of Tokushima School of Medicine in Japan. Healthy females were assigned to receive water, oolong tea or green tea. Scientists reported in the August 2003 issue of the "Journal of Medical Investigation" that those in the oolong tea group experienced increases in calorie-burning compared with those in the water group.
White Tea
White tea undergoes the least amount of processing and as a result contains the highest polyphenol content of all teas. Scientists at Research Special Skincare in Germany studied the effects of white tea extract on human fat cells in the laboratory. They observed that white tea extract can promote fat loss by stimulating the breakdown of fat cells, a process known as lipolysis. Although these results are promising, human trials need to be conducted. The findings were reported in the May 2009 issue of "Nutrition & Metabolism."
Green Tea
Green tea is perhaps the most well-known tea associated with weight loss. One of the ways green tea raises your metabolism is by preventing the breakdown of norepinephrine, a hormone that increases calorie-burning. In fact, scientists at Maastricht University in the Netherlands found that green tea catechins are effective for stoking your metabolism and decreasing body weight, according to the September 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Obesity."
Side Effects and Interactions
Green, oolong and white tea may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulant, fluconazole and verapamil, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. In addition, caffeine found in tea may cause irritability, insomnia and nervousness. If you experience any of these symptoms, reduce your tea intake. As always, consult your health care provider before drinking tea or taking tea supplements.
References
- "Journal of Medical Investigation"; Oolong Tea Increases Energy Metabolism in Japanese Females; T. Komatsu et al.; August 2003
- "Nutrition & Metabolism"; White Tea Extract Induces Lipolytic Activity and Inhibits Adipogenesis in Human Subcutaneous (pre)-Adipocytes; J. Sohle et al.; May 2009
- "International Journal of Obesity"; The Effects of Green Tea on Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance: a Meta-Analysis; R. Hursel et al.; September 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute; Tea; July 2009
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