Three varieties of tea experts recommend for 'torching visceral fat' and supporting weight loss
Certain varieties of tea may assist weight loss
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The body carries various types of fat, but it is fat cells around the abdomen that are most inflammatory. Left unchecked, this excess weight paves the way to all kinds of metabolic trouble.
Fortunately, the addition of tea to the diet could help shed belly fat, but only when adopted alongside other lifestyle changes.
Green, Oolong and Rooibos tea leaves contain a unique nutritional profile owing partly to a set of antioxidants known as catechins.
Antioxidants of this kind have been lauded for weight management because they boost metabolism and help break down fat cells.
Belly fat can cause metabolic issues
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Caffeine is the second most helpful ingredient in tea, boosting weight loss by turbocharging energy expenditure.
Along with the supposed benefits of supporting weight loss, herbal teas offer unmatched support to the cardiovascular system, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
Alanna Kate Derrick, an endurance sports nutrition coach writing on behalf of GoldBjj, told GB News: “While no single food or drink is a panacea, certain types of tea may provide some benefits when incorporated in an overall healthy lifestyle focused on diet and exercise.
“Green tea, in particular, has been extensively studied for its potential to promote fat burning, including reducing visceral/abdominal fat.
“This is largely attributed to compounds called catechins, especially EGCG. Research suggests the catechins in green tea may help increase metabolism and fat oxidation.
“If you find yourself battling snack cravings throughout the day, tea might offer some help in curbing your appetite.”
Green tea, yerba mate, and some herbal teas like rooibos are among the top helpers for appetite suppression.
They also help target fat in the abdominal regions. In 2014, a study published in the medical journal Phytomedicine found that Rooibos helped combat the formation of fat cells.
A subsequent body of research published in the Journal of Complementary Medicine Research in 2021 provided evidence that green tea can reduce body fat in the abdominal region.
“Anything that can give you that extra edge in lean muscle preservation while torching some of that visceral fat is worth considering,” noted Alanna.
“There is some preliminary evidence that oolong and white teas may also contribute to increased fat burning due to their catechin content. However, the effects seem less pronounced than with green tea.”
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The catechins in tea can prove helpful for burning fat
PAIt is worth noting that adding ingredients like milk and sugar to a brew will undo the benefits of weight management.
“Unsweetened black tea, thanks to its caffeine and flavonoid content, could also provide a modest boost to general weight loss,” said Alanna.
“However, the research on this subject is more mixed than on green tea. No matter which variety you choose, I recommend brewing your tea plain without any added sweeteners, milk or cream to keep calories in check.”
The key is viewing tea as just one complementary component of an overall calorie-controlled nutritious diet high in protein, healthy fats, and fibre. An exercise regimen that includes resistance training and cardio is also highly encouraged.