People hit the gym to get rock-hard abs and hourglass figures. With the rising popularity of detox diets and products, though, people are running to their kitchens instead.
Not necessarily to get fit, but to brew tea and achieve a Toxin Free Bod fast.
Detox teas一influencers swear by them, and celebrities post photos of these products all over social media.
These drinks guarantee a flat stomach, glowing skin, and healthier hair is just too hard to pass up. But are they safe?
Detox Teas and Their Claim to Fame
Detox teas claim to flush out toxins in the body, improve the immune system, and increase energy levels. Some brands are even advertised as effective weight-loss products.
For a packet-sized product, detox teas surely make big promises. But, do they work?
To be fair, detox teas are true to some of their claims. As for their slimming effect, professionals say that the weight loss consumers experience is due to their water weight.
Further details about the supposed effectiveness of detox teas as diet supplements are explained in this CNN feature.
The Health-Promoting Properties of Tea
Drinking detox teas cannot magically make a person shed a few holiday pounds. Despite this, they can still be beneficial.
Tea drinking has been around for ages. Generally, tea is healthy and safe for consumption. According to a Harvard feature, traditional teas do not contain many nutrients.
However, they are rich in polyphenols. These are compounds classified as phytonutrients that act as antioxidants.
Phytonutrients give fruits and vegetables their colors, aromas, and tastes. These compounds help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart diseases.
Detox teas are still like regular teas. They are made of various herbs, but they may also contain caffeine or medications.
These ingredients are responsible for the positive short-term effects detox tea companies advertise. The two most notable ones include:
The craze about detox teas started because of the belief that drinking a few cups a day quickly helps you realize your summer body goals. To some extent, it does.
However, instead of burning fat, detox teas make you lose water and waste.
It is not uncommon to hear about detox tea drinkers taking more trips to the toilet than usual. These are due to either diuretics or laxatives.
Diuretics remove extra salt in your body through urine. On the other hand, laxatives relieve constipation by emptying the bowels.
Both are medications typically added in some detox tea brands.
Like regular teas, most detox tea products contain caffeine, a stimulant known for its energy-boosting effect. Caffeine is also known to curb appetite and stimulate colon muscle or bowel movement.
Apart from tea and coffee, caffeine is also present in chocolate, some fruits, and beans.
Other Common Ingredients Found in Detox Teas
Detox teas are basically similar to herbal teas. The advantages an individual gains from drinking detox teas depend on the type of leaves and herbs found in them.
In this section of the article, we will explore the common ingredients most detox teas contain.
Green Tea Extracts
Green tea is rich in catechin, which helps prevent cancer, obesity, diabetes, and many others. It also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Peppermint
Peppermint is invigorating and beneficial for managing gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting, indigestion, and menstrual cramps.
Licorice
Licorice is believed to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It helps in treating respiratory infections and ulcers.
Chamomile
Chamomile teas promote relaxation or sleep and reduce stress. These are also used to treat breakouts or acne.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to help improve liver function.
The Possible Side Effects of Detox Teas
As with any health and wellness product, too much consumption of detox teas can lead to dangerous health issues. These are primarily due to the laxatives and caffeine these drinks may contain.
Senna is a natural laxative often found in many detox tea brands and weight loss products. It is primarily used as a short-term treatment for constipation.
Otherwise, it could lead to laxative dependence or liver damage.
According to the FDA, healthy adults can consume 400 milligrams or about 4-5 cups of caffeinated drinks per day. Having more than that leads to dangerous effects.
Examples include diarrhea, insomnia, increased stress levels, and abnormal heart rate. Fortunately, there are caffeine-free detox tea variants available in the market today.
How to Avoid Risks
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy. It is also perfectly normal to want to improve our physical appearance. Still, even though detox teas are generally safe for healthy individuals, we must be cautious about incorporating these into their dietary plans.
Very little research specifically about detox teas is available to the public. To avoid risks, consumers must first seek the advice of medical professionals.
They should also make it a habit to check package labels before making decisions.
Finally, people must accept the reality that there are no shortcuts to perfect health and a great body. Proper diet and regular exercise are still necessary.