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Thinking it’s time to get serious about losing weight? You’ve probably already begun throwing out all the unhealthy snacks in your cupboard and stocked up on fresh fruits and leafy greens, right? Excellent!
In addition to following a nutrient-rich diet, experts say that your metabolism can also benefit from having a daily cup of tea–particularly an anti-inflammatory tea like rooibos tea!
Keep scrolling to find out how this healthy tea can help you shed the pounds and stay on track with your new fitness resolutions:
Rooibos tea is a type of herbal tea that researchers believe contains fat-burning properties and can help promote weight loss in those who consume it frequently.
One test-tube study showed that rooibos tea increased fat metabolism and helped block the formation of fat cells, according to Healthline.
That's because rooibos tea contains 50 percent more antioxidants than green tea. Antioxidants clean up the harmful free radicals that can damage cells and cause cancer, curbing cellular damage and inflammation.
Livestrong notes that a study published in 2010 in the “Journal for Nurse Practitioners” found that herbal teas support weight loss by minimizing poor dietary choices and decreasing consumption of high-calorie, sugary beverages. That’s because herbal teas contain various metabolism-boosting herbs and spices that promote healthy and efficient calorie burning.
Though research is limited on the tea's direct weight loss benefits, experts note that rooibos tea is filled with metabolism-boosting benefits and still remains a healthy, weight-loss friendly drink.
Rooibos tea is great for those looking to lose weight because it's low in calories," explains New York-based nutritionist Regina Fazzini. "A cup has about 2 calories, which means you don't have to worry about any extra calories being stored as fat. Plus, the tea is naturally sweet and doesn't require additional sweeteners, which can pack on extra calories and sugar to your waistline."
But, Fazzini stresses that you won't see these results if you don't adjust your diet and exercise routine accordingly. "Having a cup of rooibos tea won't magically melt fat away," she says. "Make sure you're eating right and exercising frequently, too."
