Tea is the 2nd most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. It’s loaded with heart healthy antioxidant polyphenols and naturally contains l-theanine – an amino acid that helps boost cognitive functioning and produce a relaxed, yet alert, state of mind. And, it may boost your weight loss efforts.
In a recent six-week study, 102 overweight, obese and morbidly obese individuals drank 8 grams (approximately 4-5 cups) of oolong tea daily. Seventy percent of the severely obese subjects showed a decrease of more than 1 kg body weight and 22% lost more than 3 kg. Sixty-four percent of the obese subjects and 66% of the overweight subjects lost more than 1 kg. Twelve percent of all participants showed a decrease in subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin). In addition to the effects of oolong tea on weight and fat loss, those with hyperlipidemia showed significant decreases in triglycerides and total cholesterol.
This study showed that adding oolong tea to your day may help boost weight loss and do so even if you don’t change your diet. Now, I recommend changing your diet as well if weight loss is your goal. But, that is pretty powerful – just add tea and lose weight & fat! And think about it this way, even if you don’t lose weight you’ll be boosting your health by consuming a calorie-free drink that is tied to a decreased risk of coronary heart disease, some cancers, and gum disease.
Beneficial effects of oolong tea consumption on diet-induced overweight and obese subjects. Chin J Integr Med 2009;15(1):34-41.