The effects of tea on weight loss, the principles of vegetable weight loss, and recommended varieties.

108. Why can drinking tea help with weight loss?

Tea is not only the most commonly used traditional beverage in my country, but it also has good health benefits and weight loss effects.

The Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica records: "Tea tastes bitter, and drinking it makes one more thoughtful, sleep less, feel lighter, and improve eyesight."

In his "Ode to Tea," Gu Kuang of the Tang Dynasty wrote: "It nourishes the essence of rice and vegetables, counteracts the greasiness of meat, evokes a refreshing verse in the summer heat, and dispels the drowsiness of a long night."

It is pointed out that drinking tea can aid digestion, remove greasiness, relieve summer heat, and invigorate the spirit.

In his book "Zunsheng Bajian: Yinzhuan Fushi Jian" (Eight Treatises on Following Life: Treatise on Drinking, Food and Drink), Gao Lian of the Qing Dynasty wrote: "Drinking genuine tea can quench thirst, aid digestion, eliminate phlegm, reduce sleep, promote urination, brighten the eyes, improve thinking, and relieve irritability and greasiness."

Dr. Haruo Nakamura of Jikei University School of Medicine in Japan conducted a comprehensive analysis and clinical trials on the medicinal components of Fujian oolong tea, proving that oolong tea has cholesterol-lowering and weight-loss functions.

Obese individuals who drink 5-6 cups of oolong tea daily experience an average decrease in cholesterol from 6.04 mmol/L to 5.9 mmol/L after 4 weeks, and a decrease in weight from 65 kg to 63 kg.

After 8 weeks, cholesterol dropped to 5.66 mmol/L and weight dropped to 62 kg.

Therefore, the Japanese regard tea as a "miracle drug" for preventing and treating diseases and prolonging life.

According to scientific analysis, tea contains protein, fat, more than ten kinds of vitamins, as well as nearly 400 other components such as tea polyphenols, caffeine, and polysaccharides, which have various health benefits, including nutrition and regulation of physiological functions.

The caffeine in tea has effects such as strengthening the heart and promoting diuresis, aiding digestion and relieving fatigue.

Tea polyphenols can enhance capillary activity, reduce capillary permeability, break down fat, and lower triglycerides and cholesterol.

Oolong tea, Pu-erh tea, and green tea are particularly effective for weight loss.

It is known as "slimming tea" and "youthful beauty tea".

To enhance the weight-loss effects of tea, many experts have developed various traditional Chinese medicine teas, which have achieved satisfactory clinical results. These are introduced below:

(1) Lotus leaf slimming tea: 3 grams of lotus leaf, 6 grams of cassia seed, 3 grams of prepared rhubarb, 3 grams of Polygonum multiflorum, and 3 grams of bitter orange flower. Steep in boiling water as tea.

Efficacy: Weight loss and lipid reduction, bowel movement regulation, suitable for obesity and constipation.

(2) Oolong tea: 3-5 grams of oolong tea leaves, steeped in boiling water and drunk.

Efficacy: Weight loss and lipid reduction, clearing heat and quenching thirst, suitable for obesity and hyperlipidemia.

(3) Lotus Leaf Drink: It tastes sweet and slightly bitter and is neutral in nature.

Take 100 grams of fresh lotus leaves, wash and chop them, boil them and drink the decoction as tea.

Efficacy: Weight loss and lipid reduction, clearing heat and relieving summer heat.

It is suitable for obesity and summer heat-related ailments.

(4) Hawthorn tea: It has a sour and sweet taste and a slightly warm nature. It is rich in calcium, vitamin C, citric acid, etc.

Take 10 fresh hawthorns, crush them and add 20 grams of sugar, or 5-10 grams of hawthorn flowers, decoct in water and drink as tea.

Efficacy: Relieves indigestion, aids weight loss, lowers blood pressure, and reduces fat.

Suitable for obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and food stagnation.

(5) Slimming and beautifying tea: tea leaves, malt, hawthorn, tangerine peel, poria cocos, alisma plantago-aquatica, scutellaria baicalensis, prunella vulgaris, stir-fried purslane, radish seed, cassia seed, patchouli, and senna leaves are ground into coarse powder. Use 6-12 grams each time, brew with water and drink. Each course of treatment lasts one month.

Efficacy: diuretic, dehumidifying, lipid-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, and weight loss.

Suitable for obese patients with high blood pressure and high blood lipids.

(6) Slimming Tea: 100 fresh lotus leaves (dried), 1000 grams each of raw hawthorn and raw Job's tears, 500 grams of dried tangerine peel, 500 grams of senna leaves and 500 grams of raw rhubarb. Grind them into a fine powder, mix well, divide into 100 packets, take one packet each morning and steep in boiling water.

Efficacy: It promotes diuresis and relieves bloating, clears the bowels and eliminates stagnation, and reduces lipids and fat.

It is suitable for simple obesity and hyperlipidemia.

(7) Kudzu flower and tangerine peel tea: 50 grams of kudzu flower and 40 grams of tangerine peel, coarsely grind them, and steep them in boiling water to drink as tea.

Efficacy: Resolves phlegm, promotes qi circulation, aids weight loss, and relieves hangovers.

Suitable for obese individuals with a history of phlegm retention and those who are intoxicated.

(8) Imperata cylindrica tea: 30 grams of Imperata cylindrica root and 10 grams of green tea, steep in boiling water for 15 minutes and drink as tea.

Efficacy: Promotes saliva production and diuresis, clears away greasiness and dampness, lowers lipids and aids weight loss.

Suitable for obesity with hyperlipidemia.

(9) Sophora japonica leaf tea: Take 2.5 kg of tender Sophora japonica leaves, steam them until cooked, cut them into pieces, dry them, crush them into powder, add 3 g of black tea powder, and steep them in boiling water for 10 minutes every day.

Efficacy: Dispels wind, lubricates the intestines, promotes bowel movement, aids weight loss, and lowers blood pressure.

Suitable for obesity and hypertension.

(10) Corn silk tea: Take 100 grams of corn silk and 50 grams of oolong tea, simmer over low heat for half an hour, let stand for a while, and drink it as tea several times a day.

Efficacy: Promotes diuresis and reduces swelling, aids weight loss and resolves phlegm.

Suitable for patients with obesity, hypertension and edema.

(11) Chrysanthemum greens slimming tea: 150 grams each of fresh chrysanthemum greens, yam, and chrysanthemum, and appropriate amount of water to make tea.

Efficacy: dispels wind and phlegm, lowers blood pressure and aids weight loss.

Suitable for those with hypertension and obesity who have a history of phlegm retention.

(12) Osmanthus tea: 12 grams of dried osmanthus flowers, 6 grams of dried licorice root, and 4 grams of raw licorice root.

Grind all the above-mentioned herbs into a fine powder, mix well, add a little salt, and brew as tea.

Efficacy: Dispels wind and cold, warms the meridians and promotes blood circulation, aids in weight loss.

Suitable for obese individuals.

(13) Three-flower slimming tea: It is made from a variety of Chinese medicinal herbs such as rose, jasmine, bitter orange, chuanxiong, and lotus leaf.

Take 1 gram daily, brew with boiling water, and drink 2-3 times a day, every night. If it does not achieve the desired weight loss effect, you can drink 1 packet each morning and evening for 3 consecutive months.

Efficacy: It can eliminate phlegm and fluid retention, promote diuresis and reduce swelling, and lower lipids and promote weight loss.

Suitable for those with phlegm retention, high blood lipids, and obesity.

(14) Mulberry root bark tea: 30 grams of mulberry root bark.

First, gently scrape off the first layer of white bark from the mulberry root, rinse it clean, and cut it into short sections. At the same time, fill a clay teapot with boiling water, add the white bark, boil for 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat, cover tightly, and let it steep for a few minutes before pouring it into a teacup and drinking as desired.

Efficacy: Eliminates phlegm and promotes diuresis, lowers lipids and aids weight loss.

It is suitable for people who are obese, have phlegm retention, high blood pressure, low urine output, and occasional edema.

(15) Two-Chen Bamboo Leaf Tea: 10 grams each of dried tangerine peel and dried tangerine peel, 20 fresh bamboo leaves, and appropriate amount of white sugar.

Boil the mixture until it boils several times, then add white sugar and drink it slowly.

Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and promotes diuresis, lowers lipids and aids in weight loss.

Suitable for those with obesity, hyperlipidemia, nephritis, spleen deficiency, and edema.

(16) Hawthorn, honeysuckle and chrysanthemum tea: 10 grams each of hawthorn, honeysuckle and chrysanthemum.

Crush the hawthorn, add water to the three herbs and decoct them together. Drink the juice as a tea substitute.

Efficacy: Clears the head and eyes, lowers lipids and blood pressure.

Suitable for people with obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension.

(17) 3 grams of tea leaves and 25 grams of dried gourd.

It is ground into coarse powder and brewed with boiling water as a tea substitute.

(18) Steep 6 grams each of tea leaves, licorice root, and cassia seed in boiling water and drink as tea.

(19) Take 10 grams each of tea tree root, hawthorn root, shepherd's purse flower and corn silk. Grind the hawthorn root and tea tree root into coarse powder, cut the corn silk into pieces, decoct them together and drink frequently.

In addition, various slimming teas, such as Tianyan slimming tea and Ninghong slimming tea, have reportedly been very popular due to satisfactory user results.

However, the following points should be noted when drinking tea to avoid improper tea consumption that could affect your health.

① Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach.

Drinking strong tea on an empty stomach can cause palpitations, dizziness, weakness in the limbs, and sweating.

② Avoid drinking very hot tea.

Tea that is too hot can be very irritating to the throat, esophagus, and stomach. Long-term consumption of tea that is too hot can damage these organs.

③ Avoid drinking overnight tea.

In hot weather, overnight tea not only loses its nutrients but also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold due to its prolonged storage time.

④ Avoid drinking cold tea.

Drinking cold tea when the weather is still cold can have side effects such as causing coldness and phlegm buildup in the body.

⑤ Avoid taking medicine with tea.

Tea contains abundant tannic acid, which can combine with many drugs, hindering absorption and affecting drug efficacy.

Therefore, it is not advisable to take medicine with tea.

Why can some vegetables help with weight loss?

The idea that medicine and food share the same origin is an ancient proverb.

Many fruits, grains, and vegetables can not only satisfy hunger but also prevent and treat diseases, which is common knowledge.

We cannot live without vegetables every day. The main nutrients in vegetables can be divided into leafy vegetables, root vegetables, gourds and eggplants, and fresh beans, according to their structure and edible parts.

The nutrients they contain vary depending on their type.

(1) Leafy vegetables: including Chinese cabbage, spinach, rapeseed, cabbage, leeks, celery and mugwort, which mainly provide carotene, vitamin C and vitamin B₂.

Among them, rapeseed, amaranth, mustard greens, shepherd's purse and spinach are rich in carotene and vitamin C. For example, every 100 grams of spinach contains up to 3.87 milligrams of carotene.

It also contains a high amount of inorganic salts, especially iron, which is not only abundant but also has a high absorption and utilization rate, making it an important food for patients with anemia, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

It contains relatively little protein, averaging about 2%; little fat, averaging no more than 0.5%; and generally no more than 5% carbohydrates.

(2) Root vegetables: including radishes, potatoes, lotus roots, yams, taro, scallions, garlic and bamboo shoots, etc., each with different nutritional components.

Potatoes, yams, taro, lotus roots, and sweet potatoes contain a high amount of starch, about 15% to 30%, with sweet potatoes having the highest content at 29.5%.

Carrots contain a high amount of carotene, up to 3.62 mg per 100 grams.

The protein and fat content is generally low, but potatoes and taro contain relatively high amounts of protein, about 2%.

Root vegetables also contain inorganic salts such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, but in small amounts.

(3) Gourds and eggplants: including winter melon, pumpkin, zucchini, loofah, eggplant, tomato and pepper, etc.

While gourds and eggplants are generally low in nutrients, peppers are rich in vitamins. Regardless of their size, shape, or color (green or red), peppers are rich in vitamin C and carotene.

For example, every 100 grams of chili peppers contains up to 185 kilograms of vitamin C, which is several times higher than that of ordinary vegetables.

Tomatoes, pumpkins, and watermelons are also rich in carotene and vitamin C.

One pound of tomatoes contains the same amount of vitamin C as two pounds of bananas, two and a half pounds of apples, or three pounds of pears.

Eating 2-3 tomatoes a day can meet a person's daily requirement for vitamin C.

In addition, because tomatoes contain organic acids that protect vitamin C from destruction, much less vitamin C is lost during cooking.

(4) Fresh beans: including edamame, peas, broad beans, cowpeas and green beans, etc.

Its protein, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral content are all higher than those of other vegetables.

In some regions, fresh edamame can contain more than 20% protein, and is also rich in vitamin C and carotene.

Fresh beans contain easily digestible iron and have a good protein content, making them a nutrient-rich vegetable.

Vegetables are an ideal and economical way to lose weight. They have a high water content and relatively low sugar, fat and other nutrients, as well as a low calorie content.

When a person has not eaten, the gastrointestinal tract reflexively induces intense hunger through nerve regulation. Eating more vegetables can fill the stomach without causing weight gain due to low calorie intake.

The water in vegetables participates in water metabolism and can be quickly excreted from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, eating more vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers, can help with weight loss.

Some vegetables also contain a lot of fiber. Since the human body lacks the enzymes to digest fiber, the fiber itself is not absorbed and does not generate heat, thus reducing the body's heat reserves.

Cellulose stays in the gastrointestinal tract for a short time, which speeds up the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract, reduces the absorption of nutrients, and makes it difficult for fat to accumulate.

Some vegetables contain special components, some of which can inhibit the conversion of glycogen into fat in the body; others can directly promote the digestion and utilization of fat, thus achieving the goal of fat reduction.

In short, eating more vegetables can help with weight loss.

However, when using vegetables for weight loss, it is important to combine them with appropriate amounts of protein to maintain the body's nutritional level and prevent nutritional deficiencies.

There are many varieties of vegetables in daily life, and the following types are known to aid in weight loss:

① Radish: Its flavor is sweet, pungent, neutral, and slightly cool.

It contains protein, sugar, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, vitamins, and nicotinic acid.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that radishes have functions such as aiding digestion, regulating qi, relieving cough, resolving phlegm, promoting body fluid production, relieving dryness, dispersing blood stasis, detoxifying, treating asthma and cough, promoting urination, sobering up, and replenishing deficiencies.

Modern medical research has found that radishes contain choline, which can lower blood sugar and blood pressure.

In addition, the saccharifying enzymes and amylases in radishes can break down starch and fat in food, aid digestion, promote intestinal peristalsis, and promote the consumption and utilization of fat, thus directly achieving the goal of weight loss.

Radishes also contain a variety of enzymes that can aid digestion and prevent cancer.

② Chili peppers: They are pungent and hot in nature, and contain protein, fat, vitamins, carotene, nicotinic acid, calcium, phosphorus, iron and other minerals.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that chili peppers are a warming and cold-dispelling medicine with the functions of dispelling wind, promoting blood circulation, dispelling cold, relieving depression, guiding stagnation, and stimulating appetite and digestion.

According to modern medical research, capsaicin has the effect of preventing obesity. Capsaicin seasoning can promote fat metabolism and prevent its accumulation in the body.

③ Tomato: It tastes sour and sweet, is neutral in nature, and is non-toxic.

It synthesizes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, niacin, carotene, and vitamins B1, B2, C, and P.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it has functions such as relieving cough and promoting body fluid production, strengthening the stomach and aiding digestion, cooling the blood and calming the liver, and clearing heat and detoxifying. It can treat thirst and loss of appetite.

Modern medical research has proven that tomatoes can lower blood cholesterol levels because the bio-salts produced from cholesterol can bind with tomato fiber and be excreted through the digestive system.

Since the human body needs bio-salt to break down intestinal fat, the body needs to replenish bio-salt with cholesterol, thereby reducing the cholesterol content in the blood and preventing arteriosclerosis and obesity.

④ Garlic: It has a pungent and warm nature.

It contains a variety of nutrients, including protein, trace elements, vitamins, and allicin.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that garlic can relieve qi stagnation, warm the spleen and stomach, and eliminate scabies.

It can treat abdominal pain due to cold, edema and bloating, whooping cough, carbuncles and boils, and snake and insect bites.

Modern medical research has proven that garlic can lower blood pressure, reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Nigerian scholars conducted an experiment in which mice were fed an oily diet. After a period of time, the cholesterol levels in their blood increased significantly. However, when a small amount of minced garlic was added to their feed, the cholesterol levels no longer increased.

Because enzymes are involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, and garlic happens to inhibit the formation of enzymes, garlic can prevent high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and obesity.

The trace elements and active ingredients in garlic also have anti-cancer effects.

⑤ Bamboo shoots: They are sweet, slightly cold, and non-toxic.

Bamboo shoots are a famous dish, not only because they are crisp, tender, refreshing, fragrant, and delicious, but also because they are very nutritious.

Bamboo shoots are rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, 12 kinds of trace elements, and 16 kinds of amino acids. Health experts believe that bamboo shoots can prolong life.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that bamboo shoots have the functions of nourishing yin and blood, resolving phlegm and aiding digestion, quenching thirst and relieving irritability, detoxifying and eliminating phlegm, improving eyesight and promoting bowel movements, and invigorating qi.

Bamboo shoots are a low-fat, low-sugar, and high-fiber vegetable that can promote intestinal peristalsis, aid digestion, relieve indigestion, and prevent constipation. Therefore, they can play a role in weight loss and cancer prevention.

⑥ Black fungus: It is sweet, neutral, and non-toxic.

Black fungus is also a well-known vegetarian food that is high in protein, low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in minerals.

In recent years, it has been discovered that it contains a variety of minerals that can lower blood cholesterol and aid in weight loss and cancer prevention.