The 4 Best Teas for Weight Loss

Tea & herbal teas offer us so many health benefits - one of the most interesting is the way herbs used in teas can support weight loss.

When consumed in moderation alongside a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating & exercise, these teas can help improve metabolism, support improved digestion, reduce water retention, increase energy and support healthy detoxification.

The Benefits of Teas for Weight Loss:

There are many teas that can support weight loss, and they do so in several ways: 

1. Boosting Metabolism: Certain herbs have thermogenic properties, meaning  that they can increase the body's metabolic rate.

2. Suppressing Appetite: Natural compounds in some herbs can help reduce cravings, and also keep you feeling full longer.
   
   
3. Detoxifying the Body: Many herbs act as diuretics, helping to flush out toxins and excess water from the body.
   
   
4. Improving Digestion: Herbal teas can support the digestive system, promoting better nutrient absorption, reduced gas & bloating, and improving regularity.

Best Herbs for Metabolism

When it comes to choosing the best teas for weight loss, we suggest looking for  herbs that specifically target metabolism & increase energy. Here are some of our favourites:

1. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis): Known as one of the best teas for weight loss, green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that boost metabolism and increase fat burning. The most potent catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to enhance metabolic rate.

2. Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Peppermint tea can help control appetite and also reduce sugar cravings. It's been shown to improve digestion, and reduce gas & bloating.

3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger tea is renowned for its thermogenic properties, meaning it helps increase body heat and metabolism. It also aids digestion and can reduce inflammation.

4. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Cinnamon in tea can help regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn helps control appetite and reduce sugar cravings. Its thermogenic properties also aid in boosting metabolism & energy.

5. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion leaf in tea acts as a diuretic, helping to eliminate excess water weight. Dandelion root in tea supports liver function, which is essential for detoxification and metabolism.

The Science Behind Weight Loss Herbs

Understanding how these herbs work to support you in your weight loss can actually help you appreciate their benefits even more. Here's some of our favourites:

1. Green Tea: Studies have shown that the catechins in green tea, particularly EGCG, increase fat oxidation and thermogenesis.(1, 2). This means that green tea helps your body burn more calories, even at rest. Additionally, green tea can improve exercise performance, which can further aid in weight loss.

2. Peppermint: Peppermint's aroma has been found to reduce appetite and curb cravings - particularly for sugar & sweets. Its digestive benefits help the body process food more efficiently, reducing bloating and discomfort (3).

3. Ginger: Ginger contains gingerol and shogaol, compounds that stimulate metabolic rate and fat breakdown. Ginger also improves digestion and reduces inflammation, making it a valuable herb for overall health and weight management (4).

4. Cinnamon: Cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity - encouraging our cells to take up glucose and therefore reducing blood sugar levels. This reduces insulin spikes, which lead to fat storage. Ginger's thermogenic effect also means that it helps increase the number of calories burned during digestion.

5. Dandelion: Dandelion is rich in antioxidants, with it's leaves acting as a diuretic, helping to flush out toxins and excess fluid from the body. Its root also supports liver health, which is essential for detoxification and efficient metabolism.

6. Schisandra Berry: Known for its adaptogenic properties, schisandra berry helps combat stress and improve endurance, which can support weight loss efforts.
   
   
7. Acai Berry: Rich in antioxidants and fibre, acai berries promote healthy metabolism and promote healthy digestion.
   
   
8. Calendula Petals: These petals have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, aiding in overall wellness and supporting digestive health.
   
   
9. Hibiscus Flowers: Hibiscus tea is a natural diuretic, helping to reduce bloating and support weight loss by flushing out excess fluids.
   
   
10. Rooibos Leaf: Caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, rooibos tea helps balance blood sugar levels and reduce stress, aiding in weight management.
    
    
11. Fenugreek Seeds: These seeds are known for their ability to suppress appetite and improve metabolic health, making them beneficial for weight loss.
    
    
12. Blue Butterfly Pea: This vibrant flower is rich in antioxidants and helps boost metabolism, making it a beautiful and beneficial addition to weight loss tea blends.

The Perfect Weight Loss Tea Blends

Not sure which tea is right to support your weight loss? 

Here's the 4 best teas for weight loss:

1. Energise Tea - Metabolic Support Blend:

This tea features the weight loss super stars of Dandelion Leaf, Sencha Green Tea, Schisandra Berry & Acai Berry. With a focus on firing up the metabolism & increasing energy, this tea is the perfect tea for supporting weight loss.

1. Cleanse Tea - Liver Detox Blend
   
   Cleanse Liver Detox Tea includes powerful herbs that support your natural detoxification, including Rooibos Leaf, Dandelion Root & Fenugreek Seed.
2. Sencha Green Tea
   
   Our award-winning Sencha Green Tea is a great energy & metabolism boosting brew that will provide plenty of energy, reduce inflammation & encourage healthy cells. The perfect tea for supporting you on your weight loss journey.
3. Blue Butterfly Pea Tea
   
   This delicious bright blue hued tea is high in anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and has been shown to increase metabolism & fat burning.

Organic Ingredients for a Holistic Approach

As a holistic nutritionist, I understand the importance of using ONLY organic ingredients in our teas. Organic herbs are free from pesticides and harmful chemicals, ensuring that you receive the full health benefits without any unwanted toxins. When selecting herbs for your weight loss tea, always choose organic options to align with your values of health & wellness.

Incorporating Weight Loss Tea into Your Routine

To make the most of weight loss tea, consistency is key. Here are some tips on how to incorporate it into your daily routine:

1. Morning Boost: Start your day with a cup of metabolism-boosting tea to kickstart your energy levels and set a healthy tone for the day.  
   Our Picks?  Energise Metabolism Support Blend & Sencha Green Tea for an energetic start to the day.

2. Midday Pick-Me-Up: Enjoy a cup of herbal tea in the afternoon to curb cravings and sustain energy levels.
   We'd enjoy....a cup of Blue Butterfly Pea Tea

3. Pre-Workout: Drinking a cup of tea with ginger or green tea before exercise can enhance performance and fat burning.
   We'd drink.....our award winning Sencha Green Tea

4. Evening Relaxation: Opt for a caffeine-free blend in the evening to support digestion and help your body wind down naturally.
   Our favourite evening weight loss support tea?  Without a doubt, it's our Cleanse Liver Detox Tea

Additional Tips for Holistic Weight Loss

While weight loss tea can be a powerful tool, it works best when combined with other healthy habits to support weight loss. Here are some additional tips to support your weight loss journey:

1. Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your day.
   
   
2. Regular Exercise: Incorporate both cardio and strength / resistance training exercises to boost metabolism and build lean muscle (which helps you burn more fat, even when resting).
   
   
3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support metabolic processes. Aim for 2 - 3L per day depending on your activity levels, and remember caffeine-free herbal teas count toward this total ;)
   
   
4. Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by paying attention to hunger cues and savoring each bite.
   
   
5. Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough restorative sleep each night, as poor sleep can negatively impact metabolism and weight management (and increases sugar cravings for a fast energy hit!).

Weight Loss Teas - A powerful addition to your weight loss journey

Weight loss tea, made from various blends of powerful herbs, can be an effective addition to your holistic weight loss journey. By choosing the best teas for weight loss and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can boost your metabolism, curb cravings, increase fat burning, improve energy and support overall health.

Remember to select organic ingredients to stay true to your values of natural health and healthy living.

Combine these herbal teas with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and other healthy habits to achieve your weight loss goals naturally and holistically. Enjoy the journey to a healthier, happier you with every sip of your weight loss tea :)

REFERENCES:

1.  Hodgson, A; Randell, R; Jeukendrup, A; "The Effect of Green Tea Extract on Fat Oxidation at Rest and during Exercise: Evidence of Efficacy and Proposed Mechanisms" Advances in Nutrition, 2013 Mar; 4(2): 129–140.

2. Kappor, M; Sugita, M; Fukuzawa, Y; Okubo,T; "Physiological effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on energy expenditure for prospective fat oxidation in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis", Journal of Nutritional Bichemistry2017 May:43:1-10

3.  C Ravikumar  "Review on Herbal Teas',Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, 2014, Volume 6, Issue 5 May 2014.

4. Mansour et al; "Ginger consumption enhances the thermic effect of food and promotes feelings of satiety without affecting metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight men: A pilot study". Metabolism. 2012 Oct; 61(10): 1347–1352.