Intermittent fasting is growing in popularity because of the many health benefits it can bring, and now a new study has now confirmed that fasting can also help with weight loss. Whatever your reasons for altering your eating patterns, as a tea lover you’ll be pleased to know that drinking a range of teas can complement and even enhance the beneficial effects of fasting. All solid food contains at least some water, so regularly drinking liquids during periods of abstinence is very important to replace it. As it also contains antioxidants, drinking calorie-free tea is a very healthy way to stay hydrated while fasting. In addition, amino acids and other natural compounds in tea can help to suppress appetite, alleviate digestive issues and even increase energy levels, all of which can make abstaining from food a little easier.
Green Tea Suppresses Appetite
Keeping well hydrated is crucial for overall health at any time, but it’s particularly important during fasting when the body is being deprived of the extra water contained in solid food. You’ve probably heard of intermittent fasting before, which is best described as an eating pattern that’s about when you eat. Drinking zero-calorie tea without milk is sometimes allowed during fasting and; besides providing essential hydration, it can also offer a welcome boost of energy if you are finding it hard to stick to a strict regime.
Green tea is popular for its many health benefits but one quality that could also help during fasting is its potential to suppress appetite. This is due to green tea increasing the release of CCK, the natural hormone produced in the digestive system after food that tells the brain when enough has been consumed.
Ginger Tea Improves Digestive Health
Ginger tea has also been found to help alleviate hunger pangs but it is most well known for its beneficial effects on digestive health. Studies have shown that it is very effective in soothing issues such as bloating and feelings of nausea, and it can aid in the breakdown of food. This is because ginger can enhance the process of thermogenesis, the body’s natural process of digesting, absorging and disposing of ingested nutrients which can result in improved levels of fat burning. Ginger tea also contains gingerols, key phytonutrients that can help to support a healthy microbiome due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Black Tea Increases Energy and Focus
If you find your energy levels waning during fasting, drinking a cup of black tea could provide a welcome lift. Studies of the effects of black tea on brain activity have shown that it significantly increases alertness and accuracy. While it contains only half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, black tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine. This has the effect of slowing down the release of any caffeine, which means any energy boost provided by the tea is longer lasting.
Starting a fasting regime doesn’t mean giving up your favorite teas as the health benefits of several different infusions are complementary to a fasting diet. As well as providing valuable calorie-free hydration, tea can help to suppress appetite, improve digestion and increase focus.
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