Share |

Are Chinese Diet Teas Safe to Lose Weight?

By Diane Hanson

Chinese diet teas have long been used by many people for weight loss. Many companies have manufactured and distributed Chinese tea labeled “Chinese diet tea” for those looking to drop pounds fast since tea is really low in calories (about 4 calories per serving), and the caffeine in tea is said to be strong enough to boost metabolism and help burn more calories.

The polyphenols found in tea is also believed to help in the digestion of fat, thereby making Chinese tea an ideal beverage for fat burning.

Whether the tea is called Chinese diet tea, fasting tea, slimming tea, super dieter’s tea or weight loss tea, they all mean the same thing – drink this tea and you will lose weight.

So, are diet teas dangerous or safe for weight loss? Do they have side effects?

Many health experts agree that it is the plant based laxative that actually results in temporary weight loss by making you go to the toilet more often. Many studies have shown that the laxative-induced diarrhea does not significantly reduce absorption of calories as laxatives don’t work in the small intestines, where the calories are absorbed. Laxatives works on the colon, which is the lower end of the bowel. So when you stop drinking the tea, you’ll probably gain the weight back.

Moreover, when the Chinese diet tea is steeped longer than the recommended time, it can result in both short term and long term side effects. It is especially true when the tea is consumed more than the recommended amount.

Also, dieters who drink Chinese slimming tea for the first time are more likely to experience stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea which will last for several days. When the slimming tea is consumed constantly over a long period of time, laxative dependency may develop with bouts of chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain as well as constipation.

Additionally, it can also cause fainting, dehydration and serious electrolyte disorders. In the worst case scenario, diet tea can even cause death when consumed in excessive amounts.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is particularly concerned about laxative teas as well as slimming supplements that contain one or more of these substances – aloe, senna, rhubarb root, buckthorn, castor oil, and cascara. Although these “plant-derived natural” products are generally considered to be safe and gentle, they should only be used occasionally.

Because of these health concerns, the FDA is now considering requiring all “Chinese diet teas” manufacturers to put warning labels on their products. If you want to use Chinese diet teas for weight loss purposes, always read and follow the recommended directions carefully.

4 Surprising Reasons Why You Can’t Lose Weight

Losing weight involves a lot of hard work. Find out what you can do to kick-start your weight loss, including easy ways to raise metabolism.

Is Yerba Mate Tea Safe for Weight Loss?

Yerba mate tea has been promoted as a diet aid but are there any negative side effects at all? Also, find out what you can do to lose weight naturally without slimming pills, diet teas or weight loss herbal supplements.

What’s the Best Exercise for Weight Loss?

Ever wondered why you don’t see significant weight loss results even though you workout everyday? Find out what exercises are best for maximum weight loss and how to keep it off permanently.

5 No-Diet Ways to Lose Weight Fast

Need to reduce some weight naturally but hate dieting and exercise? Follow these effortlessly brilliant diet tricks to cheat yourself slim and look absolutely fabulous in no time!

Will I Lose Weight with Apple Cider Vinegar Diet?

Find out how to lose weight with apple cider vinegar, the instructions, side effects, and what type of ACV is best for weight reduction.