The Tea To Help Your Gut Microbiome

Study Shows Drinking Tea Can Help Burn Fat and Improve Your Gut Function

When we think about boosting our caffeine levels in the morning, what is the first drink reach for? Coffee. But instead of coffee, what if we decided to reach for a cup of tea? Professor Kumpei Tokuyama found in his study that drinking oolong tea provides that caffeinated boost of energy we crave,  along with burning fat properties.

According to the professor and his findings, oolong tea contains the caffeine we need to impact energy metabolism by increasing our heart rate. But in addition to the effects of caffeine, his team wanted to study how the consumption of tea may also increase fat breakdown in our bodies. After participants had consumed 2 cups of tea for the duration of 14 consecutive days, the results showed that oolong tea and our caffeine boosted fat breakdown by an estimated 20 percent compared to those participants who received the placebo. And interestingly enough, oolong continued to show effects its effects on the participants even while asleep.

"Oolong tea has been shown to help increase metabolism (energy expenditure) and fat burning."-- Tim Bond, PhD., Tea Advisory Panel UK

How does tea affect our gut? Tea has the ability to shift the bacteria in our gut to help us lose weight and keep it off. Most people experiencing obesity have lower levels of bacteria called Bacteroidetes than healthier populations. In addition, they may also have increased levels of a bacteria called Firmictures that has the potential to reduce your health. New research demonstrates that micronutrients called polyphenols in green and black tea have the ability to positively adjust the balance between these two bacteria. 

Other Health Benefits to Drinking Tea

• Tea provides our bodies with the benefits found in nature. Beneficial compounds like flavonoids help regulate our cells and fight off free radicals that may cause stress on the body. Flavonoids are found in plants like cocoa, fruit, and vegetables. 
• Promotes overall healthy lifestyle decision-making. A study done by journal Nutrients resulted in participants opting for less high-calorie, high-sugar beverages and foods.
• Reduction of tooth decay and tooth. Black and green teas contain fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral commonly found in water and most foods. Tea can help prevent cavities by controlling bacteria and reduce the amount of acid in your mouth.
• Strengthens immunity to prevent diseases. Based on the amount of antioxidants and what kind of herbs are in your tea, some natural ingredients provide benefits. For example, chamomile has antibacterial properties and Hibiscus contains vitamin C.
• Promotes good digestion. Drinking tea can help reduce annoying symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome.

To find out more about how tea and find other recommendations on foods good for your gut and overall health visit www.mypsomagen.com.

References:

• Zhang S, Takano J, Murayama N, Tominaga M, Abe T, Park I, Seol J, Ishihara A, Tanaka Y, Yajima K, Suzuki Y, Suzuki C, Fukusumi S, Yanagisawa M, Kokubo T, Tokuyama K. Subacute Ingestion of Caffeine and Oolong Tea Increases Fat Oxidation without Affecting Energy Expenditure and Sleep Architecture: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded Cross-Over Trial. Nutrients. 2020 Nov 28;12(12):3671. doi: 10.3390/nu12123671. PMID: 33260552; PMCID: PMC7760339.
• Asp, Karen. “Study: Tea Helps You Lose Weight, Have a Healthier Gut Microbiome.” The Beet., The Beet, 28 Jan. 2021, thebeet.com/new-study-shows-hidden-benefit-of-tea-it-helps-burn-fat-improves-gut-health/.
• Watson, Kathryn. “Everything You Need to Know About Flavonoids.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 23 Oct. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/what-are-flavonoids-everything-you-need-to-know.
• “How Tea Stimulates Oral Health.” Affordable Dental Insurance, 2019, www.deltadental.com/grinmag/us/en/ddins/2019/winter/tea-strengthen-teeth.html
• Kalter, Lindsay, and Samantha Cassetty. “The Many Different Ingredients in Tea That Help Boost Immunity.” Insider, Insider, 27 Dec. 2020, www.insider.com/best-tea-for-immune-system.