Is Tea Good For Weight Loss? Know Here!

A cup of hot tea | is tea good for weight loss?

Tea is the most loved beverage enjoyed by many cultures worldwide, from Great Britain and China to Japan and India. Despite its widespread consumption, do we truly understand the calorie count in a single cup of tea? Keep reading to find out.

1 cup of tea calories

Tea is an excellent source of hydration and provides beneficial anti-oxidants known as flavonoids that support overall health. However, the calorie count in a cup of tea varies depending on the inclusion of other ingredients like milk and sugar. So, what exactly are the calories in a cup of tea?

A cup of tea without any milk or sugar added contains:



Value per serving

Calories

23

Carbohydrates

1g

Fibre

0.1g

Fats

0.0g

Protein

0.1g

Sodium

15mg

Potassium

73mg


A cup of tea with any milk or sugar added contains:



Value per serving

Calories

62

Carbohydrates

5.2g

Fibre

0.1g

Fats

3.2g

Protein

3.1g

Sodium

4.3mg

Potassium

161mg


Is tea good for burning calories?

While tea contains anti-oxidants and other beneficial compounds, there is limited evidence to suggest that it has a significant impact on burning calories or weight loss. Certain types of tea, such as green tea, may have a slight metabolic-boosting effect, but this effect is generally considered to be modest at best. Diet and exercise are likely to have a greater influence on weight loss than other factors.

How to drink tea to lose weight?

Drinking tea alone may not lead to significant weight loss, but it can be a part of a healthy weight loss routine. Here are some tips for drinking tea to aid in weight loss:

Choose the right type of tea: 

Some types of tea, such as green tea, oolong tea, and black tea, contain compounds that may aid in weight loss. These teas contain anti-oxidants and caffeine, which can help boost metabolism and increase fat burning.

Avoid adding sugar or milk: 

Adding sugar or milk to tea can add extra calories and negate any potential weight loss benefits. Instead, try adding a squeeze of lemon or a dash of cinnamon for flavour.

Drink tea between meals: 

Drinking tea between meals can help keep you hydrated and may help reduce appetite, leading to fewer calories consumed overall.

Use tea as a substitute for high-calorie beverages: 

Swapping out high-calorie drinks like soda or juice for tea can help reduce overall calorie intake and aid in weight loss.

Be mindful of portion sizes: 

While tea can be a healthy addition to a weight loss routine, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes. Stick to one or two cups of tea per day, and avoid drinking excessive amounts of caffeine, which can have negative side effects.

Regular Tea vs green tea for calorie burn

Both regular tea and green tea contain caffeine and catechins, which are anti-oxidants that may boost metabolism and help with weight loss. However, green tea has a higher concentration of catechins than regular tea, making it a more effective option for calorie burn.

Studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly can increase calorie burn by up to 4-5% over 24 hours. Regular tea, on the other hand, has been found to increase calorie burn by only 2-3%.

It's worth noting that adding milk, cream, or sugar to either regular tea or green tea can significantly increase the calorie count and negate any potential weight loss benefits. If you're looking to use tea as a weight loss aid, it's best to drink it plain and without any additional sweeteners or additives.

Take Away

Both regular tea and green tea can contribute to weight loss and calorie burn, but green tea may have a slight advantage due to its higher levels of catechins and caffeine. However, incorporating either type of tea into a balanced and healthy diet, along with regular exercise, can have a positive impact on overall health and weight management.

FAQs

How much tea should I drink a day to lose weight?

It's recommended to drink 3-5 cups of green tea per day for weight loss benefits.

Which tea burns the most fat?

Green tea is considered to be the most effective tea for burning fat.

Does milk tea add weight?

Adding milk to tea can contribute to weight gain, especially if consuming a high amount of calories throughout the day.

References

A G Dulloo, C Duret, D Rohrer, L Girardier, N Mensi, M Fathi, P Chantre, J Vandermander, Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans.

Stay Informed, Stay Healthy!

Get the best of health & wellness with our brands - Mars & Saturn. We believe in providing evidence-based, quality products & services that positively impact your personal well-being. That's why we've put together a team of experts to create informative & educational content related to various health topics. From skincare tips & advice on sleep habits to the latest news on sexual performance & personal hygiene, we strive to keep you informed & equipped with the knowledge you need to live your best life.
Delayed Popup with Close Button
Rewards
Offers Banner