Teas for Weight Loss
It’s about that time of year where we’re fed up of feeling the extra flab and ready to do something about it besides going to the gym. One of the most underrated methods of spiking our metabolism is through antioxidant rich teas. Some teas are actually more than 90% more effective at helping the body burn fat than coffee. While green tea has made most of the headlines in this regard, there are many others which are even more effective and go way beyond weight loss with the ability to detox, help tooth decay and even keep cancer at bay.
1. Star Anise Tea – Promotes Digestion
Star anise, the fruit of a small evergreen tree (Illicium verum) native to China, can be used in the treatment of digestive troubles such an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea etc. One may drink a tea made from it by steeping a whole pod in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain this and sweeten it if required. Sip on this slowly when an upset stomach occurs.
[Read: Green Tea Side Effects And Who Must Avoid It]
2. Porangaba tea – Assists In Fat Loss
The tea plant produces red fruit that resembles coffee beans. These plants grow in South America and are sold at most beach vendors in Brazil. Porangaba Tea is Brazil’s weight loss potion, containing caffeine, allantoin, allantoic acid and even potassium. It has been reported to aid in boosting weight loss, reducing appetite, acting as a diuretic and even reducing fatty deposits and cellulite. Porangaba also suppresses the appetite leading to less food intake minus the crash.The recommended dose is 1 tea bag 30 minutes sipping before every meal.
3. Peppermint Tea – Controls What You Eat
Peppermint tea speeds up digestion and thus helps you burn more calories. The peppermint leaves can be used to make a light, refreshing tea, which can be taken either hot or chilled. To prepare the tea, take a tablespoon of fresh or dried leaves and add them to boiling water and let it steep for four to five minutes. Strain and add honey, if needed.
4. White Tea – Stimulates Fat Burning
Made from the youngest leaves and buds, white tea is your best bet to reduce fluoride exposure compared to other teas. White tea has also been found more effective than green tea in fighting germs. White tea has an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal effect. White tea stops the generation of new fat cells and at the same time stimulates the burning of fat. White tea leaves can withstand longer infusion times than other tea types before pouring. It is usual to steep for 7 to 10 minutes
5. Green Tea – Builds Metabolism
Research says the chemical EGCG found in green tea that speeds up the body’s metabolism, is responsible for helping people lose the kilos – it can burn a whopping 70 calories a day! According to 17 clinical trials, green tea is linked with significantly lower blood sugar. Green tea also raises the level of antioxidants. It’s believed the antioxidant catechins in green tea boost metabolism and helps burn fat. Caution is warranted on green tea as some sources appear to contain excessive levels of sodium fluoride, so try and stick to organic sources. Steeping time for the tea: two to three minutes at 85 Degrees Celsius.
