Can drinking tea help you lose weight? You’re probably aware of recent studies suggesting that green tea can increase metabolism and may play a role in helping to prevent weight gain. It appears that the catechins in green tea have a positive effect on thermogenesis, the rate at which fat is broken down into heat and energy. Now, according to a new study, white tea may also have the power to boost fat loss. This exciting research suggests that one of the effects of drinking white tea may be a decrease in body fat stores.

Effects of Drinking White Tea: The Study

In this new study, human fat cells, cultured in the laboratory were exposed to white tea extract. Cells that were exposed to the extract showed a decrease in the formation of new fat cells. In addition, pre-existing fat cells actually broke down in the presence of the extract. What does this mean? White tea extract may help to reduce body fat content, at least in a laboratory setting.

How White Tea is Different

How does white tea differ from green tea and how might it help to prevent weight gain? White tea is derived from the same Camellia sinensis plant as green and black tea, but white tea is the least processed of all the teas, meaning it retains more of its polyphenols. Polyphenols are the chemical components associated with most of the health benefits of tea. One of these polyphenols known as EGCG is thought to be responsible for most of the health benefits of drinking white tea as well as the ability of white tea to potentially prevent weight gain. Other benefits attributed to white tea include anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties although most of these benefits have been demonstrated in animals and will need further confirmation in human trials.

Can White Tea Help to Prevent Weight Gain?

Since this study was performed on human cells in the laboratory, it’s difficult to draw conclusions. In some cases, substances have different effects in the human body than they do in the laboratory. There’s also the issue of how much white tea is needed to prevent weight gain. This study used white tea extract which has higher levels of polyphenols than what would likely be absorbed from drinking white tea.

Should You Use White Tea to Prevent Weight Gain?

Until further human studies confirm these results, it’s to avoid using white tea extract or other concentrated forms of white tea. A better option would be to sip this tasty beverage throughout the day. It’s a healthy alternative to coffee or soft drinks.