Delicious Teas For Weight Loss

     For many years, Chinese teas have been considered an aide to weight loss. In fact, drinking a cup of tea with every meal is considered a protocol for using tea successfully as a metabolic stimulant. As you may know, tea by itself has about four calories per serving, and it is most healthy when taken with nothing added.

According to some experts, the Chinese weight loss teas are produced based on the belief that the caffeine in tea increases body function to help burn more calories. One of the components of tea are polyphenols which seem to aid in the digestion of fat. Individuals sensitive to caffeine in tea may consider shorter steepings and cooler water to reduce the amount of caffeine released into the water.

Generally, all types of Chinese teas are deemed great for weight loss. The Chinese usually take their tea without the addition of sugar and milk. The bio-availability of the beneficial ingredients in tea are not masked or compromised when consumed in their natural state. Teas offer a low calorie alternative to commercial beverages. However, the Pu-erh and Oolong teas have received the most attention regarding weight loss. Let's take a look at these two well-known Chinese weight loss teas.

Pu-erh Tea

Although green tea has gotten has gotten quite a bit of the press, the pu-erh teas have become part of the American vernacular and are finally being enjoyed here. This is because many have believed that pu-erh, which is also known as "medicinal tea" in China, merits a place on the tea shelves in the West.

Some of the pu-erh tea trees are said to be ancient, the oldest known tree is more than 2000 years old. These trees are believed to be an older variety of the modern although smaller leafed, tea bush. Pu-erh tea has many benefits. Based on the principles in Chinese Energy Medicine one of the benefits of Pu-erh tea is the release of heat from the liver. The leaves of this variety are processed differently than green tea leaves. The oxidation process is similar to that of the oolong tea, but not as long as black tea. What happens is that the leaves are fired in a such a way as to retain some mositure. They are then stacked or piled and the resulting bacteria present on the leaves goes to work. The tea is aged in underground caverns which aid in the development of it character and aging of the leaves improves them. The leaves can be dried loose or compressed into tea bricks, tea cakes or Tuo Chas that look like a birds nest. Compression of the tea leaves was done in earlier times for conveneince during travel, and like the Yixing teapot, the reduction in size made transport much easier. For some, this Chinese weight loss tea in this state is a unique visual experience. Some of the tea cakes have been aged in caves just to develop their earthy flavor and can like fine wine, be aged for an extended period up to 100 years or longer.

What makes pu-erh great for weight loss is that it helps to decrease blood cholesterol levels and helps the body to effectively metabolize fat. Also, it is thought that the unique double fermentation done with this popular Chinese tea provides the body with micronutrients essential for digestion and weight loss.

Furthermore, one cup of pu-erh tea with each meal has been shown to stimulate weight loss as well as balancing the body's systems and stimulating a more functional metabolism.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is but a well-known variety of semi-fermented or oxidized tea. Oolong tea is the middle child of black and green tea. Oolong (sometimes called wulong) has ranges, but is in between green and black teas. It is moderately oxidized unlike green tea; but not oxidized as much as black tea. It is particularly noted for its flowery and intense qualities. Accordingly, the Oolong ranges from bright green and slightly fermented, to dark-leafed and hearty is fully dried , locking in the rich flavors that this Chinese tea is known to offer. It is actually this unique drying process which allows oolong to possess a number of stimulating attributes which can be applied for weight management in addition to a well-balanced diet.

As mentioned, pu-erh and oolong teas are just two of the well-known Chinese teas that can be used for weight loss. Aside from green tea, black tea, compressed tea, and other varieties, pu-erh and oolong teas are now readily available for those who wish to attain weight loss and better health.

1. Prev:Does Green Coffee Bean Extract Work? A Short Guide to Healthy Weight Loss
2. Next:The Best Dancing Video Games For Losing Weight