Teas that help with weight loss

TEAS have been used for many years to assist the weight loss process.

For some kinds of teas, it is said that their hidden properties can act as a diuretic, laxative or metabolic stimulant, which causes the body to lose water, solids, and rev up the metabolic rate, resulting in a lower body weight.

Below, nutritionist Donovan Grant categorises teas and explains how they work in three categories:

1. Diuretic/laxative

According to Grant, some of the commercial detox teas contain fennel, dandelion, parsley and cascara, which are all herbs that assist in weight loss. He added that another important ingredient is aloe vera, and though it is not a tea, it helps a great deal with losing weight.

He said the diuretic properties allow you to lose water, which will give the impression that weight is lost. He said the same thing happens when the laxative properties kick in and a “washout” takes place.

2. Appetite suppressants

“Teas like coffee and bissy suppress the appetite, and if the appetite is suppressed then you won’t eat as much, resulting in fewer calories taken in and ultimately weight loss,” Grant explained. He pointed out that in some parts of Africa people chew the kola nut, which he says is used for energy purposes, and also cuts the appetite.

3. Metabolic stimulants

The nutritionist said teas that contain cayenne pepper and fennel, and teas like coffee, sarsaparilla, cinnamon, ginger and green tea burn fat and rev up the metabolism.

Grant noted that when taking these teas, you should ensure that you are not taking other medications with them, or are allergic to the teas.

He advised that it is best to take them along with a programme that will effect lifestyle change, and they should be taken in moderation.

“For example, the China Slim Tea can cause gripe because of the fennel in it. Continuous use can lead to prolonged diarrhoea which can lead to dehydration,” he cautioned.

Grant also said it is best to take these teas at night at least two hours after meals.

“You don’t want to wash out your good food, so you take it after your meals have digested, so what you’re washing out is things you don’t need. If you take it directly after a meal you will be washing out nutrients, and you could become malnourished,” he said.

Grant said the same goes for the metabolic stimulants. If taken too late at night, they could affect your sleep pattern.