As summer approaches, cups of tea feel like slimming potions. Say goodbye to sugary drinks: green tea, Oolong or ginger promise a natural boost to your metabolism. But are they really effective? And which ones to choose first?
Alexandra Murcier, dietician-nutritionist, reviews the best allies to restart the digestive machine, regulate blood sugar, limit cravings and potentially help you lose weight without frustration. Provided, of course, that you integrate them into a balanced lifestyle.
The most effective teas to help burn fat
In the family of natural appetite suppressant and fat-burning teas, green tea remains the undisputed king. If it is so popular, it is because it ticks all the boxes: rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, it has the ability to stimulate fat oxidation and improve basic metabolism. And combined with physical exercise, its effects would be even more notable.
Another essential: Oolong tea, less known but just as interesting. This semi-fermented tea is full of polyphenols. A study conducted over several weeks found that people who consumed it regularly lost body fat and improved their triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
For a gentle detox effect, Pu Erh tea, from China, is also becoming increasingly popular. Alexandra Murcier explains that “protects against cardiovascular diseases” And “facilitates lipid metabolism“, while being an excellent support against hepatic steatosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver).
These infusions which regulate appetite and blood sugar
If you’re looking to avoid sugar highs and 4 p.m. cravings, certain teas can make all the difference. This is the case with cinnamon tea, which acts as a natural blood sugar regulator. Thanks to its active compounds, it “improves insulin sensitivity” and limits sugar cravings. A valuable ally for people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
Ginger tea, especially when infused with lemon, combines several benefits: “it stimulates digestion, reduces inflammation, and increases calorie expenditure“, indicates the dietitian. Gingerol, one of its key components, is known for its thermogenic properties.
And if you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, mint tea can also act as a slimming ally. Low in calories, it facilitates digestion, provided you do not flood it with sugar. “We tend to sweeten it too much, which ruins all its beneficial effects.“, alerts Alexandra Murcier.
Here are the infusions cited by the dietitian as being able to support a weight loss process:
- Green tea: rich in catechins, metabolism stimulant;
- Oolong tea: improvement of the lipid profile and loss of fat mass;
- Pu Erh tea: action on liver fats and cardiovascular protective effect;
- Cinnamon tea: regulates blood sugar and reduces sugar cravings;
- Ginger and lemon tea: digestive, anti-inflammatory and thermogenic action;
- Mint tea: facilitated digestion, without caffeine;
- Earl Gray tea: caffeinated, rich in flavonoids and antioxidants;
- Adaptogenic plants (ashwagandha, rhodiola): reduction of stress and cortisol.
The real role of tea in weight loss
Drinking tea, as effective as it may be, is not enough to melt away the pounds. Alexandra Murcier is clear: “There aren’t really any foods that help you lose weight.“. On the other hand, certain infusions can indirectly support a better metabolic balance.
This is particularly the case for teas which regulate blood sugar, “because we will have less variation in glucose levels, therefore less insulin production, which promotes less fat storage“. Others act as mild diuretics, helping the body eliminate excess water.
As for adaptogenic plants, they follow a different logic: they do not act on metabolism directly, but on stress. “They help combat increases in cortisol, which promotes better sleep and can indirectly affect weight.“, concludes the specialist.