Teas can be a powerful ally when it comes to tackling belly fat, especially for those over 40 who want to boost metabolism naturally. Certain teas, rich in antioxidants and metabolism-enhancing compounds, can help the body burn fat more efficiently and support digestion. Drinking these teas at night not only promotes relaxation but can also aid in reducing stubborn belly fat by supporting a healthy metabolism as you age.
We checked in with various health experts to find out eight different teas that can help to “burn belly fat” and boost metabolism after 40. They revealed that some of the best choices are peppermint tea, Rooibos tea, chamomile tea, and more. Read on to discover all eight!
1. Oolong tea
Rich in antioxidants and caffeine, oolong tea has been shown to help increase energy expenditure, improve fat oxidation, and promote overall calorie burn.
Dr. Madathupalayam Madhankumar states that this tea "raises the metabolic rate and enhances the rate of fat loss. If consumed every day, it can further the metabolic rate and have individuals expend more energy, losing calories even as they sleep." He adds, "Drinking it before sleep helps to cover several hours of fat breakdown even during the night."
2. Ginger tea
Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting properties, ginger contains compounds like ginger and shagaol, which help rev up metabolism and aid in fat-burning.
"Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can boost digestion. It also slightly increases your body’s heat production, helping you burn more calories. Ginger tea is also good for calming the stomach and encouraging your body to burn belly fat more effectively," says Gervacio.
READ MORE: How Green Tea Can Help Blast Belly Fat, According To Doctors
3. Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is known for its digestive benefits but can also reduce bloating, which can help achieve a flatter belly. The natural compounds in this tea support efficient digestion, and some research notes that it can help the body break down fats.
"Peppermint tea can aid digestion and curb late-night cravings, which often lead to overeating. It’s also known for reducing bloating and making your belly feel flatter. Plus, the refreshing flavor keeps you from reaching for snacks," says Gervacio.
4. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects, but it can also be an excellent beverage for weight management and metabolic health. Chamomile promotes relaxation and better sleep quality, both essential for metabolism health and effective fat-burning.
Although "this tea does not directly burn fat, it does help you relax and sleep better, which is important! Lack of sleep messes with your hormones and can slow down your metabolism. Chamomile helps keep your metabolism humming and reduces stress-related belly fat in relation to sleep quality," Gervacio notes.
5. Green tea
Packed with powerful antioxidants like catechins, green tea supports fat oxidation, helping the body burn calories more efficiently.
"Green tea is already well-known for boosting metabolism. It contains a compound called EGCG, which helps your body burn fat more efficiently. Plus, the caffeine in green tea can slightly raise your body’s temperature, leading to more calories burned—even while you rest," says Catherine Gervacio, registered dietitan and nutrition writer for Living.Fit.
READ MORE: Why People Who Drink This Before Bed Sleep Better And Wake Up More Rested
6. Rooibos tea
Rooibos tea contains aspalathin, an antioxidant that helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces stress hormones.
"Naturally caffeine-free, it promotes relaxation and can help improve sleep quality, which is crucial for effective weight management. Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly aspalathin and nothofagin, which may aid in reducing inflammation and regulating fat metabolism. Its unique flavonoids can help stabilize blood sugar levels, curbing cravings and preventing unhealthy late-night snacking," says Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD from Balance One Supplements.
7. Cinnamon tea
Nathalie W. Rhone, MS, RDN, CDN of Nutrition by Nathalie, says, "Cinnamon helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and improves sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which can help curb cravings and achieve and maintain a healthy weight."
She adds, "With a naturally sweet taste, adding cinnamon to your foods and/or beverages is a great way to sweeten up recipes without using sugar."
8. Dandelion tea
This warm drink is not only soothing but also offers so many benefits when it comes to digestion, potentially aiding in weight management.
First off, there's the fact that dandelion tea contains bile-producing compounds. While this may not conjure up the most pleasant image in your head, Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, says it can be great for digestion.
"The compounds (sesquiterpene lactones) found in dandelion tea cause the gut to produce digestive juices more quickly and efficiently," she explains. "These juices, including bile, work to break down fat in the body and ultimately act as a moderate laxative."
