Most of us interested in healthy living know that green tea is good for us.
However, a Chinese tea has now taken centre stage because it seems that drinking it actually helps you lose weight.
And the name of this fat busting hot beverage? – Pu Erh (pronounced Poo er).
It helps that the trendy tea appears to be popular with image conscious celebrities who are all swigging the hot brew, with Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow reported to be fans.
So what’s all the fuss? And do we believe the hype?
Well the science goes something like this:
Studies have shown that the tea actually suppresses fatty acid synthesis (FAS).
And the actual process of fat creation in your body (called lipogenesis) is actually impinged by the properties in this tea.
So it seems to reduce your body’s ability to make fat.
On top of that, the caffeine in Pu Erh triggers your body to secrete the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine which increases the mobilisation of stored fatty acids in fat cells.
Which means that your body can use up stored fat more easily.
There is even research to suggest that the tea can also help reduce your cholesterol levels.
However, it seems that the time you drink this fat-busting beverage is also important.
To help with weight loss reports suggest that you need to drink it an hour after a meal to maximise its benefits.
Trials in China have shown that three cups a day for a month can lower blood fats by up to 30%.
For weight loss, it is recommended to drink three cups a day for three months, then a cup a day for weight maintenance.
The even better news is that you don’t have to travel to the Yunnan Province in China, where it grows, to get some.
If you are lucky enough to live in East Lothian, you don’t even have to go to the bother of ordering it online because it’s available in a shop on North Berwick High Street.
Pop into Paul’s Yard and ask him for some Pu Erh – he’s got plenty for sale.
It’s available from his Howdah Tea and Coffee Company in the shop which also sells a great selection of freshly roasted coffee beans ground to size as well as specialist loose leaf teas from around the world.
So get brewing!
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