Oftentimes, tea can be one of the healthiest drinks out there. Whether you’re reaping the benefits of antioxidant-rich green tea or restoring your gut with some probiotic-loaded kombucha, there are so many types of tea can help you achieve optimal wellness. However, there is one type that may actually set you back in your health goals, especially if you’re trying to lose weight: sweet tea.
To learn more about why you might want to limit your intake of sugary sweet tea (especially the store-bought variety) if a flatter belly is what you’re after, we spoke to Catherine Gervacio, registered dietitian for Living.Fit, and Sara Chatfield, MPH, RDN. They broke down the health risks of this high-sugar beverage. Find it all below!
Store-bought sweet tea
Gervacio acknowledges that "teas are often seen as a healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks or juices." Many times, this is true. After all, soda comes with a wide range of health risks, and tea typically offers a ton of benefits. Unfortunately, though, many of the bottled teas you find in the store are packed with sugar. It's important not to be fooled into thinking that these are healthy options. "By adding hidden sugars, companies can maintain the illusion of a healthier product while still providing a sweet taste," Gervacio warns.
Additionally, she points out that "sugar can act as a preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of bottled teas." But this is bad news for your body. As Gervacio notes, "Consumers may unknowingly consume higher amounts of sugar than they expect, potentially undermining their efforts to reduce their sugar intake."
It's no secret that excessive sugar consumption can set you up for a range of health complications down the line. One of the biggest issues is weight gain. "Excess sugar in the bloodstream triggers the release of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels," she says. "Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose (sugar) into cells, including fat cells. In the presence of high insulin levels, fat storage is stimulated, particularly in the belly area," Gervacio tells us. Yikes!
The bottom line
Of course, sipping on a bit of sweet tea every now and then won't necessarily lead to immediate weight gain. However, limiting your intake of sugary beverages like this one is a crucial part of losing weight—and also living your healthiest life in general. By choosing unsweetened tea and other health-conscious alternatives, it will be much easier to stay on track with your weight loss goals and slim down at a steady rate. Your body will thank you!
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