Thinking of trying a detox tea to help you lose weight? Detox teas have become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, many celebrities claim to have relied on them to maintain their weight or shed some excess pounds before red carpet appearances.
I was staggered to learn from Consumer Reports that in the US alone $62 million was spent in 2017 on detox, cleansing, laxative, and weight loss teas in retail outlets.
But are detox teas or weight loss teas really effective in helping you to lose weight? Let’s find out.
What Are Detox Teas?
According to the companies that sell detox teas, the teas are made from a blend of leaves and herbs which have a number of benefits. They are said to help boost your metabolism, flush out toxins, reduce bloating, improve your digestive system, and increase your energy.
Basically, detox teas can be regular tea packed with extra herbs and ingredients that are designed to help you lose weight.
Most companies that sell these products offer two blends. One is a caffeinated beverage that’s intended to be consumed every day after waking up and the other is a herbal blend that must be consumed every other evening before bedtime.
The detox period usually lasts for 30 days. Most companies recommend taking a break for up to six weeks in between detox sessions. Some companies have also highlighted the importance of using the teas in conjunction with regular exercises and healthy eating which is more sensible.
Can Detox Teas Help You Lose Weight?
Will a detox tea really help you lose weight? The answer is emphatically No! According to Amy Gorin, a registered dietitian nutritionist in New York,
“There aren’t magic bullets when it comes to eating a healthy diet and losing weight and detox tea is no exception. Its commercial appeal is understandable — just drink it twice a day and you’ll be skinny! — but the truth is that no one food or drink is responsible for weight loss.,”
Although there are studies that show green teas may help minimally with weight maintenance and weight loss, there’s not any scientific studies that could back the claim that detox teas are effective for losing weight.
Related reading: Is Matcha Green Tea Good For Weight Loss?
Long lasting weight loss will only happen as a result of many factors, but not by drinking tea alone. If you combine tea drinking with following a healthy low carb diet like keto, then you can potentially achieve weight loss.
Dangers of laxatives in detox teas
It’s also worth noting that many of these teas contain laxatives to induce bowel movements and treat constipation. Contrary to what many people seem to think laxatives only lead to water loss. You may be lighter on the scales but you will not have had any fat loss. They will not lead to long-lasting weight loss results.
Excessive use of laxatives can lead to dangerous side effects, such as electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, digestive upsets and even eating disorders.
Conclusion
It’s easy to be tempted to buy detox teas because their advertisements are pretty compelling. But the truth is that there’s not a single food or drink that’s capable of detoxing your body or make you lose weight.
As already mentioned some of the ingredients used in these teas could lead to unpleasant and dangerous side effects. Some detox teas have even been found to contain banned substances and drugs.
Living a healthy lifestyle and following a low carb diet like keto can help in your body’s natural ability to detox the chemicals that interfere with the weight control system. You can still drink good quality tea along with your diet but make sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.
