Does tea make you gain weight?

[Article updated on 19/09/2023]

Aromatic drink produced from the leaves of the tea plant (Camelia sinensis), tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Its consumption has exploded in Western countries due to the many beneficial properties attributed to it. Faced with this craze, one question keeps coming up: does tea make you gain weight? To answer this question, I will take a close look at this drink.

What is tea?

Tea is generally prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over dried leaves of the tea plant (Camelia sinensis). The tea plant grows naturally in the wild across much of Asia.

It is grown in a variety of environments, from small home gardens to giant estates covering thousands of hectares. The best tea is generally grown at higher altitudes and often on steep slopes.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water. Originating from southwest China, tea became popular during the Chinese Tang dynasty. It then spread to other East Asian countries. Portuguese priests and merchants introduced it to Europe in the 16th century. In the 17th century, tea conquered Great Britain, where it became a tradition. We owe the large-scale production and marketing of tea to the British.

What are the different types of tea?

Various types of tea exist around the world, but the main ones are black tea, green tea, oolong tea and white tea.

Oolong tea

Oolong is a traditional Chinese semi-oxidized tea. It is produced by a process including wilting the plant under intense sunlight and oxidizing before bending and twisting. Oolong teas are generally produced from unique tea plant cultivars.

Oolong teas combine the properties of black tea and green tea. Oolong contains both theophylline and caffeine, which has a stimulating effect on the body. In addition, it contains many minerals and vitamins, such as iron, phosphorus, calcium, vitamins A, E, K, C and B.

Green tea

Green tea is obtained by simply drying tea plant leaves and buds. Unlike oolong teas and black teas, green tea does not undergo withering or oxidation. It is a source of antioxidants and nutrients that have a powerful effect on the body.

Green tea reduces the risk of lung, breast, skin, stomach, large intestine and pancreatic cancer. It facilitates slimming and prevents cellulite. It also stimulates circulation and improves mental performance. Green tea improves the appearance of the skin and increases body immunity.

Black tea

This tea is more oxidized than oolong, green and white teas. Black tea generally has a stronger flavor than other teas. It is a particularly effective antioxidant drink, in particular thanks to the polyphenols it contains.

Antioxidants inhibit the production of free radicals, slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of cancer. Black tea also contains flavonoids which delay aging by neutralizing free radicals.

In addition, they strengthen blood vessels. Catechins lower bad cholesterol and may protect against atherosclerosis. Black tea also has disinfectant properties. It effectively fights against fatigue, refreshes and puts you in a good mood.

White tea

White tea comes from China, where it was the privilege of the rich. Its uniqueness is determined by the production process. White tea is the least processed form of tea, meaning it contains more nutrients than black or green tea. In addition, it has a delicate and slightly sweet taste.

Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants that protect the skin against the harmful effects of free radicals. For this reason, it inhibits skin aging. Thanks to the flavonoids it contains, it prevents cardiovascular diseases and soothes allergic reactions.

The infusion is used to lower blood pressure and prevent various types of cancer. Additionally, White tea is a source of vitamin C, which supports immunity and also relieves tension and stress.

What is the nutritional value of tea?

Tea is a complex combination of substances that have a multifaceted and generally beneficial effect on the human body. The total number of chemical compounds included in its composition is approximately 300. We find there in particular:

• tannins, responsible for the characteristic tangy taste of tea;
• essential oils that impart aroma to tea and affect its taste;
• alkaloids, mainly theine which affects the nervous system;
• proteins and amino acids that affect metabolism;
• biological pigments responsible for the color of tea;
• vitamins.

In addition, tea contains organic acids, minerals, fluoride and potassium compounds, carbohydrates and pectins.

Does tea make you gain weight?

Tea does not make you gain weight. On the contrary, it can help you get rid of your excess pounds in different ways. One of these processes is improving gut health. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition revealed that tea contributes to weight loss through the gut microbiome. The study also found that tea decreased gut bacteria associated with obesity.

Another mechanism is the reduction of triglyceride levels. Flavonoids found in tea lower visceral fats and triglyceride levels. By doing so, they inhibit inflammation-induced obesity.

Tea is also a low-calorie drink. Tea only has about 2 calories per cup. It also contains zero percent cholesterol and saturated fat. To get the best weight loss benefits from tea, it is best to take it without sugar and milk.

Since tea is a natural appetite suppressant, it has a powerful stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels. A few cups a day can significantly reduce your urge to ingest sugary foods. To the question “does tea make you gain weight?” ”, the answer is therefore “no”.