The term Chinese tea is usually used to refer to green tea, which in turn is, strictly speaking, used to refer to tea that is prepared from leaves that are almost completely unoxidized. The leaves used to make green tea are the leaves of the regular tea plant, Camellia sinensis, but in most countries around the world, it is the oxidized leaves that are used to prepare what is known as black tea. Chinese green tea does not undergo the same processes as black tea and other teas, and the leaves are only minimally oxidized, which is thought to give it, many of its health benefits. When discussing Chinese slimming tea, it is usually this green tea that is referred to.
The idea of Chinese slimming tea may at first seem like just another marketing gimmick or old wives’ tale. However, some studies have shown that Chinese green tea may in fact be of considerable help in weight loss. It seems that consumption of green tea may help to burn fat at a higher rate when exercising. This seems to be the effect of the catechin polyphenols that are present in green tea in great abundance. These polyphenols seem to set off a complex chemical process that has an impact on the nervous system, and ultimately results in a higher rate of burning calories.
It is important to distinguish between actual Chinese green tea and various herbal teas, both of which may be sold as slimming teas. The latter usually have no proven effect on weight loss, and should ideally be avoided, as they may have other unwanted effects. Ensure that the product you buy is in fact traditional Chinese green tea. It is also usually advisable to brew the tea for 30 seconds, or at the most for a minute, at a temperature of approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much heat, for too long, may damage the tea, causing it to lose some of its health benefits. However, low quality teas typically need to be brewed longer, and may also require higher temperatures.
Finally of course, it is essential to recognize that weight loss cannot be achieved solely by drinking green tea. Only if your diet is healthy and you exercise regularly will you reap the benefits of green tea drinking. In addition, it is important to remember that green tea too contains a significant amount of caffeine, and drinking too much of it is harmful for your health.