Teas for Weight Loss

Green tea

Just two cups of green tea can burn away as much as 70-80 calories a day. Green tea stimulates the nervous system making fat burning process faster. The tea is especially helpful in reducing abdominal fat. The antioxidant catechin in green tea boosts your metabolism and helps burn fat. The compound epigallocatechin (EGCG) also boosts your metabolic rate and reduces your appetite.

Steps to brew – For 1 cup of green tea
•Steep a bag of green tea in hot water for 2-3 minutes.
•Remove the bag and squeeze half a lemon into your cup.
•You can drink a cup of this tea in the morning or before your meals.

Oolong tea

According to research, oolong tea has a stronger effect on weight loss than green tea. It is a semi-fermented tea that contains larger quantity of polyphenols that can help boost your metabolism. It promotes fat burning while reducing cholesterol and the concentration of fat in the body. Oolong tea can be shopped online and can also be purchased from supermarkets and departmental stores.

Steps to brew – For 1 cup oolong tea
•Brew oolong tea leaves in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
•Strain the tea and add some sweetener, say honey, to the tea according to your taste.
•You can enjoy this hot cup of tea in between your meals.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea can speed up digestion, thus helping you burn more calories. This light and refreshing tea can balance sugar levels and reduce cravings, especially for sweets. The strong smell of mint has been shown to control appetite and suppress cravings. A hot cup of peppermint tea after dinner can actually curb your desires for desserts.

Steps to brew – For 1 cup peppermint tea
•In boiling water, put 2 tablespoons of dried peppermint leaves.
•Let it steep for 15-20 minutes and then strain.
•You can add some sweetener according to your taste and enjoy your hot cup of tea.

Cinnamon tea

The slightly spicy cinnamon tea is naturally low in calories and can help regulate blood sugar levels, which could lead to consuming fewer calories and helping with weight loss. It is also high in polyphenols, which can boost the rate of your metabolism.

Steps to brew - For 1 cup cinnamon tea
•Crush a handful of cinnamon sticks.
•In boiling water, add tea leaves, the crushed cinnamon sticks and some milk.
•You can add a little sugar to sweeten.
•Boil the mixture for five minutes so that the flavours infuse.
•Strain and enjoy your delicious cinnamon tea.

Rosehip tea

Rosehip is the fruit of rose plant that is typically red or orange in colour. Being rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, rosehip tea has good antioxidant properties that can bolster your metabolic rate. You can find rosehip fruit in stores. You can also directly brew the Lipton rosehip tea if you can’t find the fruit.

Steps to brew - For 1 cup rosehip tea
•Boil a cup of water in a bowl and place a handful of dried rosehips in the bowl of boiling water.
•Leave the rosehips in the boiled water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
•Strain the water and drink the tea immediately before it gets cold. more