Tea to Lose Weight

Weight loss results from burning more energy than the energy you consume. But regular tea consumption combined with a low-fat diet and a daily exercise routine may help you lose even more. Teas derived from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, such as oolong, green and black teas, contain caffeine and antioxidants for maximum weight loss.

Caffeine

Oolong, green and black teas naturally contain caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the metabolism, causing increased energy expenditure. According to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," your energy expenditure may increase up to 16 percent from drinking 125 mg of caffeine a day. An 8 oz serving of oolong tea has 9 to 50 mg of caffeine, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. In a 2001 experimental study appearing in "The Journal of Nutrition," participants boosted their fat-oxidation rate by 12 percent for 24 hours after drinking oolong tea.

Antioxidants

Oolong, green and black teas contain varying amounts antioxidants that can help with weight loss. For example, they contain ployphenols, an antioxidant containing catechins. Catechins curb your appetite and stop fats from obstructing the arteries; they also assist in metabolizing surplus fat. In a 2003 study published in the "Journal of Medical Investigation," participants drinking oolong tea increased their energy expenditure by 10 percent, and participants drinking green tea increased their energy expenditure by 4 percent. These results indicate the amount of energy expenditure may depend upon the quantity of polyphenols in the tea, since the oolong tea used in the study had more polyphenols than the green tea.

Other Benefits

Tea, particularly green and oolong tea, contains numerous antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from causing harm to the body. These same antixoidants may help suppress the growth of cervical dysplasia, halt the progression of cardiovascular disease, inhibit periodontal disease, prevent skin cancer and improve symptoms of the influenza and cold viruses, as reported by New York University Langone Medical Center.

Warnings

Too much caffeine can cause dehydration, which can cause water retention; drink an 8 oz serving of water for every serving of tea. Additionally, while very rare, oolong tea may cause caffeine toxicity. If you take Lamisil or Tagament, these drugs can amplify negative effects of caffeine. If you are pregnant, consult your physician prior to drinking green, oolong or black teas, because caffeine consumption increases your risk for miscarriage and low birthweight.