For losing weight, we usually think of very hard workouts and very strict diets. What we hardly ever think of is to have a tea to help us lose weight. Yet, the number of people wondering whether chamomile tea is good for weight loss keeps increasing.
Amazingly, the answer to that is no. However, by no means does it mean that chamomile can't be of help. On the other hand, it does not directly burn fat as green tea does but rather influences weight gain in a very different and indirect way by improving sleep and reducing stress which are often overlooked by people who exercise and eat healthy.
In case you are wondering why you are not losing weight even though you are eating properly, then it might be that your cortisol levels are off the charts. Cortisol is the stress hormone of the body, and a direct association has been found between high levels of it and belly fat that is very hard to get rid of.
Better Sleep, Less Fat: The principal component of chamomile is apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptor sites and triggers sleepiness. One of the studies suggests lack of sleep is the main reason that hunger hormones are released and therefore one wants to eat sugary food more than usual. Good sleep means a good control of appetite.
Stress Reduction: By soothing the nervous system, chamomile prevents the phenomenon of stress-eating which is emotional snacking.
Digestive Ease: At the same time, it helps relax the digestive system and therefore is free from the uncomfortable feeling of being stuffed.
In order to find out whether chamomile tea is good for weight loss or not, one should understand how it differs from the typical diet teas first.
The best way to take your tea is to steep one to two tea bags in hot water for at least 10 minutes. This acts as a full release of the essential oils and antioxidants from the tea leaves. A bit of lemon or a small piece of ginger can be added for flavor and extra benefits but adding sugar is no good for an already calorie-cut drink!
|
Feature |
Chamomile Tea |
Green Tea |
|
Primary Mechanism |
Stress & Sleep Management |
Thermogenesis (Fat Burning) |
|
Caffeine Content |
0mg (Caffeine-free) |
25–35mg |
|
Best Time to Drink |
Before bed or after dinner |
Morning or pre-workout |
|
Key Benefit |
Reduces cortisol-related fat |
Boosts metabolic rate |
As a helping instrument, only the answer is yes. It will not be made redundant by a workout but nevertheless, it will provide assistance in handling sleeplessness and stress that are the most frequent causes of stagnation in weight loss.