Basic green and black teas are rich in antioxidants (and matcha green tea is more than 100 times higher in one powerful antioxidant)-the secret behind boosting your natural cleansing process. "Antioxidants work to reduce the oxidative stress and free radicals in our body, too much of which can cause chronic inflammation and even mutate our DNA strains, leading to cancer and other chronic diseases," says Villacorta.
One thing to watch out for in detox teas, though, is a common ingredient-and herbal laxative-senna. "One part of detoxing is the cleansing of the intestines, and senna aids this process," he explains. While it can be helpful as a night-time drink short-term, taking senna for too long can cause vomiting, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration. If you feel stopped up, incorporate a senna tea for a few nights (Villacorta recommends Traditional Medicinals Organic Smooth Move). But stick to senna-free varieties for your habitual cup.
Detox teas can aid weight loss by improving the metabolic rate and decreasing water weight (by increasing the urinary output). Regular consumption of detox teas might offer positive results in terms of weight loss. However, it does not result in fat loss. You will need to make lifestyle changes, follow good food habits, and exercise, along with drinking detox teas, to lose fat.
Research has found that drinking tea may help lower your risk of stroke and heart disease, lower your blood pressure, improve your mood, and even help with weight loss. There is still so much to learn about the detoxifying properties of teas and the many ingredients used in them. What we do know is that it tastes great, helps get healthy nutrients into your body, increases your water intake (which will help with weight loss and other water benefits), and may help ease some pains and inflammation. (5)
