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Being in the health and wellness industry for over 20 years now, I’m often asked what advice I can give on the best ways to lose weight – Should I go high protein, low carb? Should I have smoothies all day? Should I detox?
I’ve long held the belief that the most important aspect to sustainable weight loss is sticking to daily healthy habits that will benefit you over the long-term. Consistency is key.
While it’s no secret that you should be eating healthy and exercising, few people realise that their small daily habits - such as going for a store bought snack, having a few cups of coffee or milky café beverage every day, or having dessert a few times a week- can hinder, rather than support, their body shaping goals.
The good news is that swapping your store bought treats, milky drinks and desserts with one of the teas below instead, can actually assist with weight loss. Read on for my top teas that can play a powerful role in supporting weight loss.
ORGANIC MATCHA TEA
What is it?
A fine powdered green tea obtained from the grinding down of green tea leaves. Matcha green tea is essentially a more potent and concentrated form of green tea as it provides all the nutrients from the entire leaf rather than loose leaf green tea.
How does it help with weight loss?
Matcha is an excellent source of EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), with levels significantly higher than regular green tea.
EGCG is a molecule which is known to be a dieter’s best friend: studies have shown the compound can simultaneously boost lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and block adipogenesis (the formation of fat cells), particularly in the mid section.
One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found participants who drank green tea containing 136 mg EGCG — what you’ll find in a serving of matcha — lost twice as much weight than a placebo group (-5.3 vs. -2.8 lbs), and four times as much belly fat over the course of 3 months.
Is it for me?
Matcha is strong, bold and energising. Look for higher quality grades of matcha as it will have much more antioxidants as well as deliver a more delicious flavour experience. When buying matcha, you get what you pay for, so look for Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha and the best quality you can find, this is what I use in our Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea. It’s the perfect wake me up morning tea and it's also wonderful added to your breakfast protein shake.
ORGANIC GREEN TEA
What is it?
If Matcha isn’t your cup of tea, this organic tea is a milder tasting green tea that can also provide wonderful body shaping benefits. Unlike Matcha where you consume the entire leaf, Organic tea is a less concentrated form where you steep it in hot water and then discard the leaves. What I love about our green tea (named Uplifting Zen) is that you can drink multiple infusions from the same cup all day long. It's my tea of choice at my work desk and has wonderful subtle notes of roasted rice and popcorn.
How does it help with weight loss?
Just like matcha, green tea is also rich in the powerful antioxidant ECGC. The combo of caffeine and ECGC found in the green tea has been found to help with weight loss and weight maintenance, as shown in a meta-analysis of 11 studies in the International Journal of Obesity.
According to Journal of the American College of Nutrition, green tea has a higher total antioxidant capacity than black tea and higher antioxidant activity than vegetables such as garlic, kale, spinach and brussels sprouts.
Is it for me?
Genmaicha (Uplifting Zen) is a delicious and popular form of green tea as it contains both green tea with subtle notes of popcorn and roasted brown rice. I love this tea when I want a soothing and refreshing drink between meals. It has minimal amounts of caffeine, making it easier to sip any time of day without having an effect on your sleep later that night.
OOLONG TEA
What is it?
Our Oolong tea is named Green Goddess. It is a light, floral tea that, like green tea, is also packed with catechins, which help to promote weight loss by boosting your body’s ability to metabolize lipids (fat). A study in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that participants who regularly sipped on Oolong tea lost 3 kilos over the course of a six-week time period. Green Goddess also has a calming effect on the nervous system.
How does it help with weight loss?
Oolong tea is rich in the polyphenol Eeasaponin. Easaponin accelerates the process of metabolism, assisting the body to burn more fat.
Studies in the International Journal of Obesity have shown that drinking 2 cups of unsweetened Oolong tea daily supports sustained weight loss.
Is it for me?
Oolong leaves are partially oxidised (black teas, for instance, are fully oxidised), lending a smooth, but bold taste to the brew. Oolong has also been known to support bone health and prevent osteoporosis. A great nourishing tea for overall health + wellbeing.