One reason many friends fall in love with tea is the belief that drinking tea can help with weight loss. So, can drinking tea really help with weight loss?
Firstly, drinking tea does not directly reduce fat in the body. Although some components in tea, such as theophylline, can indeed inhibit lipase, this effect is very limited. Green tea has a diuretic effect, which may create the illusion of weight loss, but this does not equate to actual fat reduction.
Secondly, some people believe that drinking tea can “scrape off oil,” meaning it can reduce fat absorption from food or promote fat excretion in the body, but this is unrealistic. Components in tea, such as caffeine and tea polyphenols, can stimulate gastric acid secretion, accelerate gastrointestinal peristalsis, and aid in food digestion, resulting in a feeling of reduced fat or quicker hunger. However, this feeling does not imply that fat is being broken down or excreted.
Additionally, some studies show that catechins in tea may help enhance energy expenditure, promote fat oxidation, and lower body fat percentage, but these findings are inconsistent, and there is currently no unified conclusion. Some studies have found that tea drinkers can have reduced waist circumference and BMI compared to non-drinkers, but there is no significant correlation between tea consumption and weight changes in overweight or obese young people.
Therefore, we can conclude that while drinking tea may have some help in weight loss, one cannot solely rely on tea to achieve weight loss goals. To lose weight effectively, it is also necessary to combine a reasonable diet with appropriate exercise. At the same time, it is important to note that different people have different sensitivities to tea, and drinking strong tea is not recommended, especially for children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with gastrointestinal conditions.
For those seeking weight loss, it is more important to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients during the weight loss process, rather than simply focusing on weight reduction. Losing weight does not mean restricting food intake or depriving the body of necessary nutrients, but rather achieving a balance through a reasonable diet and choosing low-calorie, high-nutrient foods to meet the body’s needs. For example, increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, can help boost metabolism and provide a sense of fullness. Moreover, an adequate intake of high-quality protein, such as fish, chicken, and beans, is also essential, as it helps maintain muscle mass and promote fat burning. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure sufficient water intake to support the body’s physiological functions.
The rich nutrients found in spirulina can help those trying to lose weight supplement their nutrition while maintaining health and vitality. It contains 60-70% protein, as well as abundant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The protein content in spirulina is seven times that of milk and five times that of eggs, and it is also rich in vitamins A, B group, C, D, E, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Furthermore, spirulina has good digestibility and does not burden the digestive system. Consuming spirulina in the summer can meet the body’s nutritional needs without overburdening the digestive system.
