If you name any food or drink, there’s probably a detox out there that centers on it. One of the more recent, and more reputable sounding, detoxes is one that centers around tea; the teatox.
Teatox plans usually add a variety of ingredients to the beverage which allegedly help with weight loss, detoxification, and increased energy.
It sounds like a pretty good deal for those of us who already love tea. Tea is good. Cleanses can be good. So the two of them together should be good.
Sadly, that doesn’t seem to be the case. According to Shape, teatoxes really won’t help you slim down. “There’s no published research to show teatoxes are safe or effective for weight loss or anything else.”
In fact, there is some evidence to suggest teatoxes may contain harmful and unnecessary ingredients. One such ingredient is the senna leaf. Though approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a nonprescription laxative, it’s not really something you should consume on a daily basis.
So, if you’re looking for a plan to help with weight loss, a teatox probably isn’t your best bet. However, there are plenty of other great health benefits associated with tea consumption, as long as you’re drinking the right kind.
Obviously, a sweet tea-a-day habit isn’t going to do much for your overall health or your waistline. The added sugar pretty much cancels out any health benefits you might be receiving from the tea.
As far as choices in tea go, you have plenty. There are the types derived from the Camellia sinensis plant which include black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh, and herbal teas.
With the exception of yerba mate, herbal teas are usually caffeine free, and teas from the Camellia sinensis plant are caffeinated.
Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach Pamela Hernandez is something of a tea aficionado. While she touts the benefits of several varieties of tea, she says pu-erh is her favorite to drink when she gets up in the morning.
“According to WebMD, pu-erh tea naturally contains small amounts of a compound called lovastatin, which is found in prescription cholesterol lowering drugs,” she said. “A cup or two a day could help lower your triglycerides and LDL. Just don’t stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first!”
There is definitely plenty of scientific evidence suggesting tea is a healthy beverage choice. Research has shown it can protect your heart, skin, brain, and bones. It can also help you manage stress.
Tea may not be the the best way to go for detoxes, but that doesn’t make it any less of a good thing!
Also Read:
The Dos and Don’ts of a Healthy Way to Detox