Natural Herbal Teas for Weight Loss
Introduction
Obesity and increasing weight have become a common problem in today’s era, which not only affects personality beauty but is also the root of many dangerous diseases like heart diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure. To lose weight, people resort to dieting, hard exercises, and expensive medicines, which can have harmful side effects. But herbal teas hidden in nature’s gift are a safe, cheap, and highly effective alternative. These teas not only speed up the body’s metabolism but also activate the natural process of converting fat into energy. They control appetite, help eliminate toxins from the body, and improve digestion. The purpose of this article is to introduce you to ten such powerful herbal teas that are scientifically proven and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. If you want to make your weight loss journey fast, safe, and delicious, then this article is for you. Let’s learn about these natural beverages that can turn your weight loss goal into reality.
Green Tea
Green tea holds the status of king in the world of weight loss teas. This fame is due to the powerful antioxidants called “catechins” present in it, especially “Epigallocatechin Gallate” (EGCG). EGCG has the ability to significantly speed up the body’s metabolism. Metabolism is actually the process in which our body converts food into energy. When metabolism is fast, the body starts burning fat more efficiently, even if you are in a resting state. Green tea also activates the process of “thermogenesis”, during which the body starts burning more calories by increasing its temperature. Furthermore, this tea speeds up the breakdown of fat cells, especially belly fat (visceral fat), so that fat can be used as energy. Additionally, green tea has a positive effect on appetite-controlling hormones, which reduces unnecessary food cravings. The best way to make it is to put one teaspoon of green tea leaves in one cup of hot water (not boiling) and cover for two to three minutes. Use honey instead of sugar or drink it without sweetener. Drinking two to three cups of green tea a day can speed up the weight loss process, but avoid drinking it in large quantities because it contains caffeine.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is somewhat between green tea and black tea. It is partially processed, which gives it a unique type of antioxidants. Oolong tea is known for its amazing weight loss capabilities. Research has found that oolong tea may prove even more effective than green tea in increasing metabolism while burning body fat. This tea improves lipid (fat) metabolism, meaning it helps the body break down stored fat and convert it into usable energy. The polyphenols in oolong tea inhibit enzymes responsible for fat cell formation. Another benefit is that it slows down carbohydrate digestion, which stabilizes blood sugar levels and prevents sudden insulin release. Insulin release is a major trigger for fat storage. To make oolong tea, put one teaspoon of oolong tea leaves in one cup of hot water and cover for three to five minutes. Its taste is fruity and deep. Regular use will not only reduce your weight but also improve your digestion and skin health.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is famous for its refreshing aroma and taste, but it is also an excellent companion in the weight loss journey. Peppermint’s most important characteristic is its positive effect on digestion. It smooths the digestive process by relaxing the digestive system muscles, which relieves complaints like bloating, gas, and indigestion. A healthy digestive system is essential for weight loss. Peppermint tea naturally suppresses appetite. Its fragrance alone stimulates the parts of the brain that control hunger emotions, as a result of which you don’t feel hungry at odd times and avoid overeating. Additionally, peppermint is a natural energizer, which saves you from lethargy and laziness and forces you to stay more active, so that the process of calorie burning continues in your daily activities. To make peppermint tea, soak fresh or dried peppermint leaves in hot water for five to ten minutes. Drink it without adding any sugar or sweetener. Drinking one cup of peppermint tea after meals is not only best for digestion but also reduces the desire to eat sweets.
Ginger Lemon Tea
Ginger lemon tea is a powerful and proven combination for weight loss. Ginger is known for its thermogenic properties, meaning it temporarily increases body temperature and metabolism, as a result of which the calorie burning process speeds up. It activates digestive enzymes, which improves food digestion and nutrient absorption. Ginger also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which reduces untimely hunger and fat accumulation. On the other hand, lemon is rich in vitamin C, which is an important nutritional component for fat metabolism. Lemon cleanses the liver and helps eliminate toxins from the body; a clean liver can effectively break down fat. To make this tea, boil a few thin slices of ginger in one cup of water for ten minutes, then turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice into it. You can also add honey to it. Drinking one cup of this tea on an empty stomach will activate your metabolism for the whole day and keep you hydrated.
Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon not only enhances the flavor of foods but is also an amazing herb for weight loss. Cinnamon plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels. It improves insulin sensitivity, which means your body needs less insulin to convert sugar into energy. When insulin levels are low, the body starts burning fat instead of storing it. Cinnamon speeds up metabolism and helps reduce appetite. Research has found that cinnamon is particularly effective in reducing belly fat. To make cinnamon tea, put half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder or one cinnamon stick in one cup of hot water and cover for ten to fifteen minutes. Strain and drink it. You can also add one teaspoon of honey to this tea. Daily use of cinnamon tea will not only control your weight but also improve your heart health and reduce inflammation.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea, also known as “golden milk”, is an excellent beverage for weight loss and overall health. Turmeric’s active compound “curcumin” is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Inflammation is deeply related to obesity and weight gain, as it can increase insulin resistance and trigger fat cell growth. Curcumin works against these problems by reducing bodily inflammation. It increases bile production, which is essential for fat digestion and can help reduce fatty liver. To make turmeric tea, heat one cup of milk or water with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a little black pepper (which helps curcumin absorption), and cinnamon. You can also add honey for taste. Using turmeric tea before bedtime at night will not only help burn fat but also give you peaceful sleep.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is generally known for its calming effects, but it can also play an important role in weight loss. This tea’s connection with weight is primarily through stress and sleep. During stress, our body releases a hormone called “cortisol”, which increases appetite and causes fat accumulation around the belly. Chamomile tea is a naturally nerve-calming tea that helps control stress by reducing cortisol levels. Furthermore, this tea improves sleep quality. Good and deep sleep is essential for maintaining proper metabolism, balancing hunger hormones, and energy conservation. When you get complete sleep, your body becomes able to burn fat more efficiently. To make chamomile tea, put one teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers in one cup of hot water and cover for five to ten minutes. Drinking one cup of chamomile tea before sleeping can help you get better sleep and reduce stress, which indirectly promotes weight loss.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea, also called “sorrel tea”, is popular for its sour and fragrant taste and is also excellent for weight loss. The compounds called anthocyanins present in hibiscus tea are antioxidants that help improve fat metabolism. Research has found that hibiscus tea prevents the process of fat accumulation in the body. It inhibits enzymes that help digest carbohydrates and sugar, as a result of which carbohydrate absorption is reduced and the possibility of weight gain decreases. Hibiscus tea works as a natural diuretic, which helps eliminate excess water and sodium from the body, resulting in immediate weight loss feeling and reduced bloating. To make this tea, soak dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for five to ten minutes. It can be drunk both hot and cold. It has a naturally sour taste, which you can balance by adding a little honey.
Pine Bark Tea
Pine bark tea is a relatively less known but highly effective herbal tea. The active compound of this tea is “pycnogenol”, which is a powerful antioxidant. Pycnogenol improves blood flow, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles. Better blood flow can improve exercise performance, allowing you to exercise longer and more intensely, thus burning more calories. This compound also has a mild thermogenic effect, which speeds up metabolism. Pine bark tea also helps reduce inflammation, which is associated with obesity. To make this tea, boil small pieces of clean and organic pine bark in water for ten to fifteen minutes, then strain and drink. Its taste is somewhat earthy and light. Before starting to use this tea, make sure you are not allergic to pine, and always use it with expert advice.
Fennel Tea
Fennel tea is known for its sweet and licorice-like taste and is an excellent helper for weight loss. Fennel seeds are famous for relieving digestive problems. It relieves bloating, gas, and indigestion, so the stomach doesn’t feel swollen. Fennel tea helps control appetite. The fiber in it makes you feel full for longer, which reduces your overall calorie intake. Fennel is a natural diuretic that helps eliminate excess water from the body. Additionally, fennel seeds speed up metabolism and promote the fat burning process. To make fennel tea, grind one teaspoon of fennel seeds and soak in one cup of hot water for five to ten minutes, then strain and drink. Drinking one cup of fennel tea before meals can reduce appetite, while drinking after meals can aid digestion.
Nettle Tea
Nettle, also called Stinging Nettle, is a nutrient-rich herb that can help with weight loss. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Nettle tea works as a natural diuretic, which helps eliminate excess water and waste from the body. It improves the digestive process and helps relieve constipation. Nettle tea helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which reduces untimely hunger and fat accumulation. The antioxidants in it reduce bodily inflammation, which is associated with obesity. To make nettle tea, soak dried nettle leaves in hot water for five to ten minutes, then strain and drink. Its taste is somewhat earthy and green. Regular use of this tea will not only promote weight loss but also provide your body with essential nutrients.