The new dieting trend is in: tea detoxing, otherwise known as “tea-toxing.” Individuals are flushing out their bodies and starting fresh by detoxing their body, consuming herbal teas paired with a healthy diet. The purpose? To promote digestion and healthy living.
The use of herbal supplements to rid the body of bad toxins is considered a detox. In order for this to be successful, one must supplement an already healthy and balanced diet with a tea that is high in antioxidants and formulated to aid the organs in improved function. The brand Skinny Tea’s website states that it seeks to encourage customers to meet goals and change lifestyles. Detox teas promote digestion by cleansing the body to eliminate waste.
“I tried it [a tea detox] because I had a busy schedule which led to bad eating habits. I wanted to clean out my system, and now I can’t stop drinking green tea,” said Tara Cirincione, a senior communication major.
MateFit is a popular tea supplement brand that has recently been in the public eye. According to MateFit’s website, the use of tea detox products has the potential to increase metabolism, increase fat burning and energy synthesis, regulate sugar cravings, improve the ratio of good cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, improve digestion function, and possibly improve your sense of well-being. Not only is tea detoxing beneficial to the body, it aids in weight loss.
Participating in a tea detox is beneficial because of the antioxidants they contain, which fight free radicals. Free radicals are pollutants that attack our bodies, such as the consumption of preservatives, chemicals, or even breathing in pollution. The antioxidants fight these pollutants, in order to prevent sickness and disease. Antioxidants also lower cellular stress levels.
Using a tea supplement is not the only step taken to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle; it is solely a factor of a diet program. In order for the tea detox to be fully effective, individuals must devote to three other factors.
The first is sleeping for six to eight hours a night. Second, completing at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This improves physical shape, heart, and lungs, as well as mental capability.
The third and final factor is to reduce toxin intake. This means being conscious of food consumption, being on the lookout for excessive chemicals and preservatives in meals.
“I’ve always wanted to start a tea detox, but I’ve always struggled to pair the teas with an already healthy diet. Once I get on the right track with what I’m eating, I’ll incorporate the tea into my daily routine,” said Erin Schevlin, a junior communication major.
The trend began thanks to the promotion by celebrities swearing on the so-called “teatox,” the nickname given to the dieting trend. Giuliana Rancic used the “Ultimate Tea Diet” causing the star to lose seven pounds before her wedding.
Reality star and model, Kendall Jenner, has also openly admitted to the use of tea detoxing. Jenner attributes her runway body to her “tea addiction.”
However, be wary: when it comes to using a tea detox diet as the main source for weight loss, that is not safe. It is well known that weight loss comes from fully balanced meals, of appropriate portion sizes with a combination of exercise. Swapping an adequate diet rich in nutrients and healthy foods for just tea simply will not work.
Shape Magazine recommends eating nutrient-rich, and being mindful of calories when it comes to meals and to instead enjoy tea on the side.
Drinking tea without using it as a detox is beneficial also. Drinking tea when you wake up and before you go to sleep can help give your body energy and also calm it down. It also does rev your metabolism.
According to Shape, a body that is not sensitive to caffeine can handle five to seven cups of tea per day without any negative side effects. The only difference between standard tea bags and those that claim they are specifically for detoxing is that detox teas include more added antioxidants.
Carol Huggler, a nurse practitioner at the Monmouth University Health Center, had never heard of a tea-tox when asked her thoughts on the validity of the diet.
After learning some information, Huggler said, “Tea itself is a diuretic, so in that way it’s a health benefit. However, drinking just tea can dehydrate you. My motto is everything in moderation.”
IMAGE TAKEN from livestrong.com
