The Benefits of Purai Herb Tea for Weight Loss
Losing weight can be a challenging journey for many people. While diet and exercise are the foundations of any weight loss program, adding natural supplements like herbal teas can provide an extra boost. One such tea that has gained popularity for its weight-reducing effects is purai herb tea.
Purai herb tea is made from a blend of traditional Thai herbs that have been used for centuries for their healing properties. The main active ingredient in purai tea is berberine, a compound found in plants like barberry and goldenseal. Research has shown berberine has many benefits that make it effective for weight loss.
1. Purai Tea Reduces Body Fat
Several studies have found that berberine, the key compound in purai tea, helps reduce body fat. A 2012 study had participants take 500 mg of berberine three times per day for 12 weeks. By the end of the study, the berberine group lost an average of 5 pounds (2.3 kg) more body fat than the placebo group.
Another study had obese participants follow a weight loss diet for 16 weeks. One group took 500 mg of berberine 3 times per day, while the control group took a placebo. The berberine group lost significantly more body fat than the placebo group.
Researchers believe berberine works by inhibiting the formation of new fat cells and helping convert calories into energy instead of fat storage.
2. It May Lower Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels
High blood sugar and insulin are associated with increased abdominal fat and weight gain. Purai tea may help reduce both blood sugar and insulin levels, thanks to its berberine content.
One study looked at the effects of berberine on diabetes. After 3 months, berberine lowered fasting blood sugar by 20% and insulin levels by 28% on average.
By keeping blood sugar and insulin levels in check, berberine and purai tea can help prevent weight gain and facilitate fat loss.
3. Purai Tea Reduces Cholesterol and Heart Disease Risk
Obesity and being overweight are risk factors for high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, the antioxidants in purai tea may help reduce these risks.
One study had participants with high cholesterol take berberine twice per day for 3 months. Total cholesterol levels fell by 29%, LDL (bad) cholesterol fell 25% and triglycerides dropped 35%.
Thanks to these effects on cholesterol, researchers believe berberine and purai tea protects against heart disease. By drinking this tea, you can reduce heart disease risks that come with being overweight.
4. It Provides an Antioxidant Boost
Obesity is associated with higher levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. The antioxidants in purai tea can help counter these effects for better health.
Purai tea contains antioxidants like quercetin, rutin and caffeic acid. These antioxidants protect your cells from free radical damage that leads to inflammation.
By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, the antioxidants in purai tea promote better health and aid weight loss. The anti-inflammatory effects also help relieve joint pain, improve brain function and reduce disease risk.
5. Purai Tea May Suppress Your Appetite
Suppressing appetite is key to eating less and losing weight. Drinking purai tea may help reduce appetite thanks to berberine.
Studies show that berberine helps reduce appetite by influencing appetite-regulating hormones like leptin and adiponectin.
Participants in one study took 500 mg of berberine 3 times per day. After 12 weeks, they had significantly reduced food intake, a key factor in weight loss.
The appetite-suppressing effects of berberine can promote weight loss by helping you eat fewer calories without even trying.
How to Prepare Purai Tea for Weight Loss
Brewing purai tea is simple and only requires a few ingredients. Follow this easy step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp purai tea leaves
- 8 oz hot water
- Lemon or honey (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 8 oz of water until hot but not boiling, around 180F is best.
- Place 1 tablespoon of purai tea leaves in a tea infuser, strainer or tea ball.
- Put the tea leaves in a teacup and pour the hot water over them. Let steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the tea leaves. Add lemon or honey if desired.
- Drink while hot. You can drink 2-3 cups per day.
Tips
- Use freshly boiled water that has cooled for 180F.
- Steep for 5-7 minutes to extract the most benefits.
- You can reuse the tea leaves up to 3 times before discarding.
- Drink at least 2 cups per day to see weight loss results.
Benefits of Purai Tea vs. Green Tea for Weight Loss
Both purai tea and green tea contain compounds linked to weight loss. However, purai tea has some advantages over green tea that makes it more beneficial for losing weight.
1. Higher Antioxidant Content
Purai tea is packed with antioxidants, even more so than green tea. The ORAC value, which measures antioxidant content, is 80,000 for purai tea versus just 10,340 for green tea.
These antioxidants help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress for better weight loss results.
2. More Berberine
Purai tea's main active compound, berberine, is not found in green tea. Berberine is specifically linked to reducing body fat, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, and suppressing appetite.
This makes purai tea more directly beneficial for weight loss.
3. Lower Caffeine Content
Green tea contains 24-45 mg caffeine per cup, while purai tea has only about 15 mg per cup.
The lower caffeine content means purai tea provides gentle energy without side effects like jitters or anxiety that can come with green tea's higher caffeine content.
For those sensitive to caffeine, purai tea is the better choice for weight loss.
Possible Side Effects and Precautions
Purai tea is likely safe for most healthy adults when consumed in moderation. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid purai tea due to lack of safety research.
- Those with diabetes should exercise caution and monitor blood sugar closely when starting purai tea due to its blood sugar lowering effects.
- Avoid taking purai tea alongside blood sugar lowering or blood pressure lowering medication due to risk of dangerous interactions.
- Some people may experience mild digestive upset, nausea or headaches.
- Drink no more than 2-3 cups per day and do not exceed recommended dose of berberine from supplements.
Speak with your healthcare provider before adding purai tea to your weight loss regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take any medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does purai tea taste like?
Purai tea has a bold, earthy taste similar to green tea but slightly sweeter. It also has undertones of citrus from the blend of Thai herbs. Adding lemon can brighten the flavor.
2. Is purai tea caffeinated?
Yes, purai tea contains approximately 15 mg caffeine per cup. This is less than black tea at 50 mg and green tea at 35 mg. The caffeine provides gentle stimulation but is much less than coffee.
3. When should I drink purai tea for weight loss?
For the best weight loss results, drink 1 cup in the morning and 1 cup before bed. Drinking it before meals can also help control appetite. Avoid drinking late in the evening to prevent disrupting sleep.
4. Is purai tea safe while pregnant?
No, purai tea should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety research. Pregnant and nursing women should speak with their doctor before using.
5. Can I drink purai tea at night?
It's best to avoid drinking purai tea after 6 pm since the small amount of caffeine may disrupt sleep. Have your last cup no later than 5 pm to be safe.
The Bottom Line
Drinking purai tea can promote weight loss through its beneficial compounds that reduce body fat, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, suppress appetite, and provide antioxidants. It offers more advantages over green tea for losing weight.
Have 1-2 cups per day along with a balanced diet and active lifestyle. However, speak to your doctor before adding purai tea if you have any medical conditions or take medications.
Sip this flavorful Thai tea to help shed those pounds without any negative side effects!
FAQs
What are the main benefits of drinking purai tea?
The main benefits of purai tea include reduced body fat, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, appetite suppression, and antioxidant effects. The key compound berberine provides these weight loss benefits.
How much caffeine is in purai tea?
Purai tea contains around 15 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup. This is a moderate amount, compared to 35-50 mg in green and black tea respectively.
When during the day should I drink purai tea?
Drink one cup in the morning and one in the evening for best results. You can also drink it before meals to curb appetite. Avoid drinking late at night so the caffeine does not disrupt sleep.
Is purai tea safe for people with diabetes?
People with diabetes need to use caution with purai tea due to its blood sugar lowering effects. Monitor blood sugar closely and discuss with your doctor before starting purai tea.
Can I drink purai tea while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, purai tea should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding since there is a lack of safety research for use during this time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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