Discover two teas associated with weight management

Was losing a few kilograms one of your plans for this year? Is your exercise schedule ready, along with your diet plan? There is something else you can consider during weight management: tea. You drink it every day, but have you explored its potential role in supporting your efforts? Discover two tea types often discussed in this context.

Tea for weight management — does it really work?

If tea is one of your favourite drinks and you also want to lose excess weight, there is a reason to smile. Several types are associated with effects on metabolism. In fact, teas can support metabolic processes to varying degrees. That does not mean drinking tea alone will produce impressive changes on the scales. Nevertheless, its relationship with digestion and metabolism makes it interesting in the context of weight management.

For noticeable results, the best approach combines a balanced diet and physical activity, with your chosen tea as an addition. But which one? Let us explore two popular choices.

Green tea — is it the best choice?

Green tea receives plenty of praise and is considered one of the world's healthiest teas. Its role in weight management has attracted research interest. Catechins are studied for their effects on fat accumulation, while polyphenols may influence enzymes involved in fat and carbohydrate breakdown and absorption.

Its caffeine — often called theine — also matters, with around 30–50 mg in a serving. Its stimulating action can be useful during fatigue, drowsiness or a dip in concentration, and may support exercise performance. These qualities make green tea a popular addition to a weight-management routine; two or three cups of warm green tea a day are commonly suggested.

Choose tea that is as little processed as possible. Loose-leaf green tea offers a clearer view of quality than the contents of tea bags, and you can find it in our online shop.

Green-tea extract also appears as a main ingredient in many weight-management supplements, an option sometimes considered by people who dislike the infusion's taste.

Red tea as a “fat burner” — how much truth is there in the name?

Red tea, particularly pu-erh, is another variety discussed in weight management. Its action is described somewhat differently from green tea. Polyphenols are studied for their potential role in thermogenesis and fat metabolism.

Pu-erh is traditionally associated with regulating bile secretion, supporting intestinal activity and digestive-tract movement, and helping maintain regular bowel movements. Its tannins are also discussed in relation to bile production and fat absorption. Regular consumption is sometimes associated with helping prevent weight regain.

One study described people taking 3 g of red-tea extract regularly for five months, with reported reductions in body weight and measurements around the arms, thighs and abdomen without radical dietary changes.

How often should it be drunk? Because of its traditional digestive role, a commonly cited approach is three to six cups daily, around 30 minutes after heavy, fatty meals. Drinking it immediately after eating is less desirable because tea can interfere with iron absorption from food.

Which red tea should you choose? As with green tea, loose-leaf tea is preferable when you want to see what you are buying. Bags may contain finely ground leaves or remnants from tea production, making quality harder to judge. Look for loose-leaf red tea. Can you find it in our online shop? Absolutely!

Explore our own Albert Tea Relax teas!

Read also: How to store tea: a few lasting rules