Time and again, weight loss products are called into disrepute for being inefficacious, misleading or even downright dangerous. So when we hear so much about the so called ’slimming teas’ one would be correct to view them with a degree of uncertainty. The fact about certain so called ‘Slimming Teas’ is, that many of them may not actually be tea at all! Read on to see why slimming tea may be cause of caution.

How can slimming tea be harmful?

Many of these ‘teas’ which should not be classified as tea at all, actually work as laxatives, or diuretics which is how they achieve weight loss. Some even have a combination of diuretics and laxatives.

Some slimming teas may not really be teas

Many slimming teas which are advertised as weight loss aids are actually not tea. 75% of the mixture consists of ingredients other than tea. Ingredients such as senna make up the bulk of some of these teas. Other ingredients that these teas may have, are those such as cascara, rhubarb root, buckthorn, which may all have laxative properties.  Some teas have diuretic ingredients such as licorice root, uva ursi, mallow etc.

Dehydration and diarrhea are real dangers that can occur due to regular or frequent use of slimming teas. If taken on an ongoing basis, the body may lose vital nutrients such as potassium and there may be electrolyte depletion.

It isn’t just the fact that these teas contain laxatives and diuretics, some contain a Chinese herb called ma huang. This is a herb that is known to be a stimulant. It has this effect of constricting the blood vessels which has obvious negative consequences for people with heart disease and / or diabetes.

Are they really dangerous?

Although this is not common, it has been seen that extreme cases have observed very low energy levels and weakness and heart palpitations after prolonged and frequent use of certain slimming teas. Miscarriages have also been seen to happen among pregnant women due to slimming teas. Though the FDA has banned a number of these disreputable and dangerous so called ‘teas’, there are those which are still sold by unscrupulous manufacturers and which must be viewed not only with caution, but also be avoided altogether.

What should you do?

Don’t buy brands that you know nothing about, particularly those that have been imported and do not display clearly all the ingredients on the labels. Be careful about seeing exactly what you buy and drink when you do buy any tea. Understand that the health benefits that accrue from tea can be had from regular tea; good quality tea (which is not slimming tea) will have antioxidants and polyphenols that are very good for health, and which are not far to find!

Tags: Chinese, FDA, harmful, Health, herb, ingredients, slimming tea, tea, weight loss