Does black tea lose weight?

In addition, many people are still questioning what is the ideal recipe for black tea and what are the possible combinations, such as cinnamon, lemon or mate tea. But it is also common to arise doubts involving the benefits and harms of this drink.

Therefore, it is important to know the components and properties of this infusion. So if you have any of these questions, know you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll cover a little more about the effects of black tea and facts about this drink.

Does black tea really slim down?

In general, black tea can promote weight loss due to two main factors, they are: diuretic action and thermogenic effect. (1)

Like other teas, this infusion has a diuretic action. This means that drinking this drink helps the body to eliminate toxins. Furthermore, it is also able to reduce swelling in the body.

Another reason why a person loses weight when drinking black tea is the thermogenic effect. With this, the body speeds up the metabolism helping to burn calories .

According to pharmacist Maria Júlia Pereira Reis, this drink is also low in calories. For this reason, it is a great tip for those who want to lose those extra pounds.

Also according to the pharmacy specialist, Camellia sinensis has flavonoids in its composition. Through these substances, the fats are not digested and the others already obtained by an inadequate diet are eliminated.

But of course black tea alone does not work a miracle. Therefore, it is important to put into practice a regulated diet and daily physical exercise.

Benefits of Black Tea

According to Maria Júlia, the flavonoids found in the black tea plant also contribute to an antioxidant effect . For this reason, they block the action of free radicals, agents responsible for disease and premature aging.

The pharmacist also remembers that this infusion is rich in caffeine, so it helps to improve the symptoms of fatigue and migraines. 

But those aren’t only benefits of black tea, as it also treats diarrhea due to the presence of tannins. “ Stress , gastric problems, sty”, according to Maria Júlia, are some of the problems treated with black tea.

There are also studies that show the medicinal properties of this tea in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer . “In non-obese patients, black tea reduced glucose levels, indicating that it could be included in public health strategies for managing diabetes.” (two)

In addition, this drink has a strong role in fighting inflammation. That’s because it has anti-inflammatory action helping to fight rheumatic diseases. (3)

Other benefits are: anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, reduces the incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular dysfunctions and cancer, improves vasomotor function, decreases total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins. (4)

how to make this tea

To make black tea, it is necessary to boil 200 ml of filtered water and turn it off right after the boiling process. Then just add 1 teaspoon of Camellia sinensis leaves and let the infusion muffled for 2 or 3 minutes.

Finally, it is necessary to strain before drinking this drink. “ The best time to consume it in the
morning and right after lunch , and it should be avoided at night, as it is rich in caffeine and can cause insomnia,” explains nutritionist Tamara Mazaracki. (1)

black tea with cinnamon

Black tea with cinnamon is ideal for those who want to lose a few extra pounds, since the spice enhances the thermogenic power of the plant.

In this case, the recipe for black tea is repeated, but when the water is boiling, add one or two cinnamon sticks. Drink after the infusion process.

In addition, it is important to emphasize that this recipe has contraindications. “Cinnamon is abortive and can increase pressure”, warns pharmacist Maria Júlia.

Combined with lemon

Also according to the pharmacy specialist, lemon can also be added to the black tea recipe. With this, the patient is able to enhance heart care.

To make this recipe, just boil 200 ml of water and add the medicinal leaves. Then, the liquid must be infused for up to 5 minutes.

Then it is recommended to add the juice of a lemon and ice water. If you prefer, you can even place an ice cube. Thus, the result is an iced black tea that is good for the heart.

black tea and mate tea

Many people believe that black tea is the same as mate tea. But actually they are two different plant species. While the first is from Camellia sinensis, the second is from Ilex paraguariensis.

Nevertheless, these two herbs combined make a potent cholesterol-lowering tea . In addition to contributing to weight loss.

To enjoy these benefits, just make black tea as in the original recipe in this article and add 1 teaspoon of mate tea. Leave everything to infuse for approximately 5 minutes and drink right after straining.

Curiosities about Camellia sinensis

For those who don’t know, Camellia sinensis does not only originate from black tea. In fact, depending on the process the plant goes through, it can be made into other types of tea, such as white, green, yellow and oolong (also called red) tea .

For example, “white tea is composed of young leaves of Camellia sinensis, whose buds are protected and do not undergo oxidation.” (4) Green undergoes a process of fermentation of young leaves, but it is not fully fermented. (two)

In the case of yellow tea, the procedure is similar to the previous one. However, the leaves undergo a slower drying, so they can turn yellow. (two)

There is also the oolong type that has an intermediate fermentation process, remaining between the time of green and black. Also at this stage of production, the herb gains the red color which gives it its name.

Lastly, the black type that is fully fermented . “The main steps for its preparation consist of dehydrating the fresh leaves and stems, mixing the dried leaves and stems, fermentation (the specific flavor and color of black tea are accentuated in this step) and drying through evaporation of all the water present in leaves and stems.” (two)

Even knowing the types of teas made with Camellia, it is also important to be aware of the origin of the plant. According to experts, the herb originates from southern China and Southeast Asia.

Despite this, it is being spread around the world. “According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2012), the production of tea in the world (black, green and oolong) reached 4.1 million tons in 2010.” (5)

Care and contraindications of black tea

According to the pharmaceutical, the use exaggerated black tea can cause digestive problems. “Like constipation, irritable bowel or stomach problems,” cites the expert. In addition, black tea in excess can cause insomnia, since it has caffeine in its composition.

With regard to contraindications, pregnant women, children and the elderly should avoid this infusion. It is also not recommended for lactating and hypertensive women , even if they use black tea to lose weight.

With all this in mind, knowing the benefits and harms of black tea, you can know if this infusion is right for you. But remember to always consult a doctor if the symptoms of problems persist.