When it comes to the challenge of weight loss, there are a huge selection of diet plans to choose from no matter what your goal. While many weight loss theories are simply myths, there are some scientifically-proven foods that aid weight loss. There are also a number of types of teas that are linked with health benefits, especially green tea. According to Healthline, one of the most effective teas for weight loss is green tea, as there is substantial evidence linking green tea to a decrease in weight.
They explain: “In one 2008 study, 60 obese people followed a standardised diet for 12 weeks while regularly drinking either green tea or a placebo.
“Over the course of the study, those who drank green tea lost 7.3 pounds more weight than the placebo group.”
Another study found people who consumed green tea extract for 12 weeks experienced significant decreases in body weight, body fat, and waist circumference, compared to a control group.
Green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that haven’t undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make black teas.
Matcha tea also has the same effects, but is a highly concentrated type of powdered green tea.
Black tea, including earl grey and English breakfast have also proved to be effective at weight control.
Healthline add that one study of 111 people found drinking three cups of black tea each day for three months significantly increased weight loss and reduced waist circumference.
Chai tea is also a popular choice, and also has benefits for heart health and digestion.
Chai tea is made from a combination of black tea, ginger, and other spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, black pepper, and cloves.
Animal studies show that cinnamon, one of the main ingredients in chai tea, may lower blood pressure and in some individuals it helped reduce the levels of total cholesterol by up to 30 percent.
“Research also shows that compounds found in the type of black tea used to make chai may promote fat breakdown and help reduce the number of calories your body absorbs from foods,” the experts explain.
However it must also be noted that despite the amount of studies, by opting for a cup of tea instead of juice or fizzy drinks, this will help reduce overall calorie intake and lead to weight loss.
Teamed with a healthy diet and regular exercise, a cup or two of tea each day could help prevent harmful belly fat.
Tea is also helpful at relieving stomach bloating, especially peppermint tea.
Peppermint tea is loaded with antioxidants and minerals essential to immunity and digestion, including magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
Magnesium is a mineral that turns food into energy, boosting the digestion process and raising energy levels.
Potassium helps control the balance of fluids in the body, preventing water retention, which can lead to bloating.
When the body feels dehydrated, it holds onto any water it can find, which causes it to feel bloated.
Tea helps to hydrate the body, while potassium helps remove excess salt, allowing the body to let go of excess water.