After water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world. The ketogenic weight loss diet can include tea. There are several basic tea varieties. Black tea is the most common, making up 75% of global consumption. Tea has its characteristic black colour. This is because the harvested leaves are fully fermented. Black tea tends to be higher in caffeine than other varieties. Semi-fermented Oolong tea undergoes a shorter period of fermentation.
Green tea is non-fermented
Instead the freshly harvested leaves immediatly undergo a steaming process to stop fermentation, giving green tea a much more delicate and floral taste. Green tea is naturally much lower in caffeine than coffee, amking this drink ideal to those who are sensitive to caffeine’s stimulating effects.
Green tea contains large concentrations of powerful antioxidants
Catechins are antioxidants in green tea. They may play a role in inhibiting carbohydrate-digestive enzymes resulting in lower glucose levels and protecting pancreatic beta cells. Fermentation (black tea) changes the catechins to a variety of theaflavins. Polyphenols in green tea area also believed to boost metabolism which may aid in fat burning.
Drinking green tea provides many health benefits
These include increased fat oxidation during exercise, increased resting energy expenditure and lower risk of various types of cancer. A meta-analysis of studies confirms that green tea helps with ketogenic weight loss although the benefit is rather modest: in the range of 2 -4 pounds (1 -2 kilograms). Studies include the Singapore Chinese Health Study, showed that tea drinking reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 14 to 18 percent.
All teas may be enjoyed as hot or cold beverages on the ketogenic weight loss diet
There are infinite varieties of tea available to suit any taste. Flavour can be added with the addition of lemon peel, orange peel, cardamom, vanilla pods, mint and ginger.
Herbal teas are infusions of herbs, spices or other plant matter in hot water. They make excellent drinks without added sugars. Some popular varieties include mint, chamomile, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, hibiscus and rose hip teas.
Enjoy tea in all it’s different styles as part of your ketogenic weight loss diet.
REFERENCE:
The Obesity Code – Dr Jason Fung
IMAGE CREDIT:
Unsplash – Loverna Journey