Slimming Teas: Myths, Risks and What to Know

"Tea for weight loss," "weight loss tea," and "weight loss with tea" are the top searches on search networks. Surely you yourself at least once typed these phrases in the search bar. The popularity of herbal weight loss gatherings is impressive, but are they really capable of a miracle, or behind this is the competent work of marketers?

In our article we will honestly tell you all about teas and herbal gatherings for weight loss. And also about how not to harm the body in pursuit of the figure of your dreams.

 

Types of tea for weight loss

All weight loss tea are divided into 4 main groups:

• Laxatives. This group includes teas based on the leaves of senna alexandria (a semi-shrub from the legume family) and any other natural laxatives. Despite the fact that this type of teas has been used for weight loss effects since antiquity, it has a number of significant drawbacks and can cause negative effects on the body.
• Diuretics. Such teas make you lose water, not fat. Herbal diuretics are used as medicines: when using them, it is necessary to follow a number of rules, and before starting the course to consult a doctor.
• Cleansing (detox tea). Manufacturers claim that they remove toxins and impurities from the body.
• Fat-burning teas. Teas aimed at speeding up the metabolism.

 

The benefits and harms of tea for weight loss

Benefit

Let's start with the claimed benefits: almost all manufacturers of "tea for weight loss" promise to cleanse the body of toxins. But in medicine, detoxification does not mean getting rid of mythical "toxins," but rather cleansing the body of heavy metals, poisons, and drugs.

Detoxification can be natural (phagocytosis, removal of carbon dioxide by the lungs, toxins and metabolites by the liver and lactic acid by the skin) and artificial (administration of vaccines and serums, plasmapheresis, etc.).

Detoxification therapy is used only in the treatment of acute exogenous (external) poisoning. Alcohol and drug detoxification is aimed solely at alleviating withdrawal syndrome. It is impossible to eliminate toxic substances with the help of a herbal decoction.

According to the official statement of specialists from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, no long-term scientific studies of detox diets have been conducted in the world, but it was found that immediately after canceling the teas or juices "tea for weight loss" the weight came back.

 

How can one really benefit from such products?

Use as a natural herbal laxative when medically necessary. But in these cases, doctors recommend using them for no longer than 2 weeks, while constantly monitoring the levels of potassium and other minerals responsible for the heart and cardiovascular system. Reduce weight with the help of such remedies is possible only through increased defecation and reduction of fluid levels in the body.

Use as a natural diuretic for edema. Used only after consulting a doctor, especially in cases of diseases of the kidneys and urinary system. Weight reduction with diuretic decoctions and teas can only be achieved by removing fluid from the body.

Add flavor without calories. Ginger contains compounds called gingerol and shogaol that researchers are studying, but no tea will melt fat.

 

Harm

If many people are familiar with the "benefits" of tea for weight loss, then their possible harm is not known to everyone. What can the uncontrolled use of detox tea lead to?

The main danger of drinking diuretic and laxative teas - dehydration and withdrawal from the body of vital minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium), minerals and vitamins. The loss of potassium, which is one of the first to be eliminated, is especially dangerous.

This is due to the tremendous impact of potassium on the body: it is responsible for normalizing blood pressure, is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and protein synthesis, as well as normalizing the excretory function of the kidneys.

With the constant use of detox tea deficiency of micronutrients becomes chronic, which leads to deterioration of the skin, hair and nails. Chronic lack of potassium affects a person's mental health and may be one of the factors of endogenous depression.

Constant irritation of the intestines aggravates pre-existing gastrointestinal diseases and becomes the "impetus" for the emergence of gastritis and ulcers.

In addition to physiological problems, a person "hooked" on detox tea, may have psychological, in particular eating disorders. It is what pushes even a completely healthy person without excess weight to try to lose weight and can eventually lead to such diagnoses as anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa.

 

Contraindications

Individual intolerance to the components

Allergy to one or more of the components of herbal tea - a good reason to give it up or pick another collection. With the slightest symptom of allergy (rash, cough, sneezing, swelling, eye pain, difficulty breathing) should cancel the product.

 

Chronic diseases

• Endocrine disorders.
• Kidney and liver function disorders.
• Heart disease.

 

Tea for weight loss during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a contraindication for any diet teas, especially diuretic teas. If necessary, only a doctor can prescribe them.

 

Tea for weight loss in adolescence

Children and adolescents laxative and diuretic teas can be used only after consulting a doctor, in short courses.

 

How to choose the right tea for weight loss?

 

Study the composition carefully.

The composition of any tea for weight loss should include only plant components: leaves, flowers, roots and pieces of dried fruits and berries.

The composition of numerous dietary supplements "tea for weight loss" includes an antidepressant sibutramine, banned in the United States and European countries because of its many side effects. Such supplements are dangerous to health and can lead to death.

 

Check for contraindications and allergic reactions

This is especially true for multicomponent teas: it is worth checking all the components of the herbal collection, since allergies can occur to each of them.

 

Pay attention to the information on the package

Be sure to include the full composition, action, instructions for use, recommendations for use, expiration date and the full address of the manufacturer.

 

Buy from a trusted place

Herbal gatherings designed for weight loss should be sold either in pharmacies or in specialized official tea stores (and online stores, too). Do not buy them from unlicensed distributors (in most cases, these are members of financial pyramid schemes with inflated prices for products of unclear quality).

 

Types of tea for weight loss

Green Tea

The rumor that regular green tea can be used for weight loss has been around for a long time. Unsweetened green tea is a calorie-free drink, and researchers have studied its catechins and metabolism, but any effect is small, so don't expect miracles. To avoid the temptation to snack, you can have a cup, but, of course, without sugar, honey and other fast carbohydrates.

 

Ginger Tea

Ginger is a popular ingredient in weight-loss teas, but the research is limited and it won't replace a balanced diet and exercise.

 

Carcade

The famous sour hibiscus tea, which came to us from Eastern countries, is a tangy, caffeine-free drink. Some small studies have looked at hibiscus and weight, but the evidence is limited.

 

Mint Tea

Peppermint itself does not have any fat-burning properties, but it can be an effective aid in the weight-loss process.

• First, a warm cup can help you pause before reaching for a snack.
• Secondly, many people find peppermint tea refreshing after a meal.
• Thirdly, many people find a cup of mint tea a calming pause.

 

Sea Buckthorn Tea

Sea buckthorn has a rich chemical composition, including organic acids, fatty oil and the antioxidant quercetin.

Sea buckthorn makes a tangy, fruity tea (without sugar or honey, of course).

 

Two Homemade Herbal Teas

You can also make simple herbal teas at home. By the way, in this case you can always control the composition of the drink.

Green tea with ginger

Ingredients: 2 tsp of green tea, 15 g of ginger root, water.

Boil the ginger and green tea with hot water, no higher than 80 degrees. Higher temperature kills flavor and aroma of green tea and useful substances (catechins, flavonoids and amino acids). Allow to infuse, drink warm, without adding sugar or other sweeteners.

 

Quince and hawthorn tea

Ingredients: 15 g of chopped quince and 12 g of hawthorn berries, 600 ml of water.

Pour boiling quince and hawthorn, cook over low heat for 5 minutes, then strain and cool.

Quince and hawthorn make a fruity, tangy tea.

 

Conclusion

No, you can't lose weight easily without a proper diet and a gym membership. No tea, even ginger tea, will help you lose weight without a specially selected diet, reduction of sweets in the diet and the addition of exercise.

But it is practically impossible to harm yourself by using herbal teas at one time. However, before long-term use (a course of a week or more) it is necessary to consult with a therapist, and ideally also to pass a number of tests.

This article is for general information and isn't medical advice.