The Tea & Weight Loss Debate: Is It Good or Bad?

Introduction

In our quest for better health and a balanced weight, we often look to everyday habits and dietary choices for answers. Few beverages are as globally cherished and steeped in wellness traditions as tea. From the invigorating aroma of a morning black tea to the calming embrace of an evening herbal infusion, tea has a special place in countless cultures. But when it comes to weight loss, the question often arises: is drinking tea beneficial, or could it actually be bad for your weight management goals? It’s a common query, and the landscape of health advice can often feel muddied by conflicting information and quick-fix promises.

At Bala Health, we understand that true wellness isn’t about fads or misinformation. It's about empowering you with clear, science-backed insights so you can make informed decisions that genuinely support your body. That's why we’re diving deep into the world of tea and weight loss. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the science behind how different types of tea interact with your metabolism, discuss the potential benefits and pitfalls, and reveal how incorporating tea thoughtfully into a holistic wellness plan can make a real difference. We’ll cut through the noise, examine the research, and help you understand how this ancient beverage fits into a modern approach to feeling better from the inside out. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for harnessing tea's potential, alongside other foundational wellness practices, to support your weight management journey.

Unpacking Tea: A Spectrum of Wellness in a Cup

When we talk about "tea," it's important to recognize that we're often referring to a vast and diverse category. True teas—green, black, oolong, white, and pu-erh—all originate from the Camellia sinensis plant, with their differences arising primarily from processing methods. Beyond these, there’s a wide world of herbal infusions (often colloquially called "herbal teas"), which come from various other plants and offer their own unique properties. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when considering tea's impact on weight.

The Powerhouse Compounds in True Teas

True teas are celebrated for their rich concentration of beneficial compounds, predominantly flavonoids. These plant-derived antioxidants are known for their health-promoting abilities, including helping to reduce inflammation and offering protection against conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Within the flavonoid family, catechins are particularly noteworthy for their role in metabolism.

• Catechins: These powerful antioxidants are especially abundant in green tea, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most potent and widely studied. Catechins are believed to influence metabolism by stimulating the body to break down fats more quickly.
• Caffeine: Present in varying amounts across true teas, caffeine is a natural stimulant that increases energy expenditure, causing your body to burn more calories. It also plays a role in boosting fat metabolism, especially at rest.
• Theaflavins and Thearubigins: Found predominantly in black tea, these compounds are formed during the oxidation process and contribute to black tea's distinct flavor and color. Research, particularly in animal studies, suggests that black tea polyphenols may help block fat absorption in the intestines.
• L-Theanine: An amino acid found almost exclusively in tea, L-theanine contributes to the calming, focused state often associated with tea drinking. While not directly linked to weight loss, it can support stress reduction, which indirectly benefits overall wellness and can impact eating behaviors.

These compounds, especially catechins and caffeine, are thought to work synergistically, meaning their combined effect might be greater than the sum of their individual parts when it comes to supporting the body's natural fat-burning processes.

Beyond True Teas: The World of Herbal Infusions

While they don't come from Camellia sinensis, many herbal infusions offer their own wellness benefits that can indirectly support weight management:

• Peppermint Tea: Known for its digestive benefits, peppermint can help ease occasional bloating and discomfort.
• Ginger Tea: Often used to soothe digestive upset, ginger can also have a warming, stimulating effect.
• Rooibos Tea: A naturally caffeine-free option rich in antioxidants, rooibos may support overall health.
• Hibiscus Tea: This vibrant tea is often studied for its potential effects on blood pressure and may contribute to hydration.

These herbal options are excellent choices for calorie-free hydration and can provide comfort and specific therapeutic effects, making them valuable additions to a healthy lifestyle, even if their direct impact on metabolism isn't as pronounced as true teas.

The Good News: How Tea Can Support Your Weight Goals

The idea that a simple cup of tea could contribute to weight management might seem too good to be true, but science offers encouraging insights. While it's certainly not a magic bullet, tea can be a valuable ally in your wellness journey, especially when integrated into a balanced lifestyle.

Boosting Metabolism and Fat Burning

One of the most exciting areas of research revolves around tea's ability to positively influence your metabolism.

• Enhanced Energy Expenditure: Both catechins (particularly EGCG in green tea) and caffeine work together to slightly increase your resting metabolic rate. This means your body burns more calories even when you're not actively exercising. Imagine your body's engine idling a little faster throughout the day—that's the metabolic boost tea can offer.
• Increased Fat Oxidation: To burn fat, your body needs to break down stored triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol, releasing them into your bloodstream for energy. This process is called lipolysis. Research suggests that catechins, especially EGCG, can enhance fat oxidation by boosting the effects of fat-burning hormones like norepinephrine. EGCG may also inhibit an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, leading to higher levels of this hormone and further promoting fat breakdown. This is why many commercial weight loss supplements feature green tea extract as a key ingredient.
• Support During Exercise: Some studies indicate that consuming green tea, or its extracts, before exercise may help boost exercise-induced fatty oxidation, meaning your body might preferentially use fat for fuel during workouts. This doesn't mean you'll instantly shred pounds, but it suggests a supportive role in your fitness efforts.

The Calorie-Saving Swap

Perhaps one of the most straightforward ways tea supports weight management is by offering a delicious, virtually calorie-free alternative to high-calorie beverages. Consider this common scenario: swapping a sugary mocha latte (which can contain hundreds of calories and grams of sugar) for a simple cup of unsweetened green tea with lemon. This single change can easily trim hundreds of calories from your daily intake. Over time, these small, consistent choices add up to significant progress towards your goals.

• Hydration Without the Guilt: Staying adequately hydrated is fundamental for overall health and can play a role in satiety. Unsweetened tea contributes to your daily fluid intake without adding unnecessary calories, making it a healthy and flavorful hydration choice.
• Mindful Consumption: The ritual of preparing and sipping tea can also encourage mindful eating and drinking. Taking a moment to enjoy your tea can help you slow down, tune into your body's signals, and potentially reduce impulsive, unhealthy snacking.

Supporting a Healthy Gut for Overall Wellness

The connection between gut health and weight management is becoming increasingly clear. A balanced gut microbiome—the community of microorganisms living in your digestive tract—plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption, metabolism, and even appetite regulation. Tea, particularly its polyphenols, has been shown to interact positively with the gut microbiome.

• Prebiotic Effects: Some polyphenols in tea can act as prebiotics, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. A thriving gut microbiome is linked to improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and better weight management outcomes.
• Reduced Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation in the body is often associated with weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. Tea's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate this, creating a more favorable environment for weight loss.

This is where Bala Health's mission truly aligns. We believe that feeling better from the inside out starts with a strong foundation, and a healthy gut is central to that. Our commitment is to provide clean, science-backed solutions that support your body's natural functions.

For the busy professional struggling with afternoon brain fog, occasional digestive discomfort, or simply feeling sluggish, supporting the gut-brain axis can be a game-changer. Our Bala Health Pre+Probiotic is specifically formulated to help. It features 10 clinically studied strains and a robust 50 Billion CFU, combined with prebiotics to nourish your gut and support a balanced digestive system. This foundational approach can help ease occasional bloating, support nutrient absorption, and contribute to overall vitality—all crucial elements for effective weight management.

The "Bad" Side: What to Watch Out For with Tea and Weight Loss

While tea offers numerous benefits, it's essential to address the "bad" aspects, or rather, the potential pitfalls and misconceptions that can derail your weight management efforts. The answer to "is drinking tea bad for weight loss?" is almost always no when consumed in its pure form. However, certain common practices can transform this healthy beverage into a less-than-ideal choice.

The Sugar Trap: Sweetened Teas and Calorie Overload

This is arguably the biggest culprit behind tea becoming "bad" for weight loss. Many popular tea preparations, especially iced teas, bottled teas, and cafe-style tea lattes, are loaded with added sugars, syrups, and artificial sweeteners.

• Hidden Calories: A single serving of sweetened iced tea can contain as much sugar as a soda, easily adding hundreds of empty calories to your day. This completely negates any potential calorie-burning benefits of the tea itself. For example, the NHANES study referenced earlier found that increased iced tea consumption (often sweetened) was associated with higher BMI and waist circumference, in contrast to hot tea consumption which was inversely associated with obesity. This stark difference highlights the impact of additives.
• Blood Sugar Spikes: High sugar intake leads to rapid blood sugar spikes, followed by crashes, which can trigger cravings and lead to overeating. This cycle is detrimental to weight management and overall metabolic health.
• Artificial Sweeteners: While calorie-free, some research suggests that artificial sweeteners may still impact gut health and metabolism in ways that aren't fully understood, potentially contributing to cravings or altered glucose metabolism. At Bala Health, we believe in transparency and simplicity, opting for clean ingredients that truly work in harmony with your body, free from unnecessary additives.

The Solution: Always opt for unsweetened tea. If you need a touch of sweetness, consider a small amount of natural sweeteners like a drizzle of honey, a slice of lemon, or fresh mint, but ideally, train your palate to enjoy the natural flavors of tea.

The Myth of "Miracle" Tea Detoxes and Unsafe Extracts

The supplement industry can sometimes be a minefield of misinformation, promising quick fixes and "miracle" solutions. This extends to tea.

• Detox Teas: Many "detox" or "slimming" teas make unsubstantiated claims about rapid weight loss. These often contain laxatives or diuretics that lead to temporary water weight loss, not actual fat loss. Prolonged use can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and dependency, and they don't address the root causes of weight gain. At Bala Health, we firmly stand against gimmicks and sensational claims. Our mission is to provide trustworthy, science-backed formulas that support your body's natural functions.
• High-Dose Green Tea Extracts: While EGCG in green tea is beneficial, consuming it in highly concentrated, isolated forms (often found in some weight-loss supplements) can be risky. Though rare, high-dose tea extracts have been linked to serious liver damage in some individuals. This underscores the importance of obtaining nutrients from whole foods and using supplements responsibly, adhering to recommended doses, and prioritizing clinically validated ingredients.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Relying solely on tea for weight loss, without addressing diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors, is unrealistic. Tea is a supportive tool, not a standalone solution. Expecting miracles from a teacup will only lead to disappointment.

The Milk and Metabolism Dilemma

Some research suggests that adding milk to black tea might curb the beneficial effects of its polyphenols on fat absorption. The proteins in milk (casein) may bind to the tea's antioxidants, making them less bioavailable or effective. While more research is needed to fully understand this interaction in humans, it's something to consider if you're primarily drinking black tea for its potential metabolic benefits.

The Solution: If you enjoy milk in your tea, you don't necessarily need to give it up entirely. However, if your primary goal is to maximize tea's metabolic benefits, consider enjoying some of your tea unsweetened and without milk, or explore plant-based alternatives.

Caffeine Sensitivity and Intake

While caffeine can boost metabolism, excessive intake can lead to unwanted side effects:

• Jitters and Anxiety: Too much caffeine can cause nervousness, jitters, and increased anxiety, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Sleep Disruption: Consuming caffeine late in the day can interfere with sleep quality, and poor sleep is strongly linked to weight gain and metabolic issues.
• Digestive Upset: High caffeine doses can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort in some people.

The Solution: Be mindful of your caffeine intake from all sources. If you're sensitive, opt for lower-caffeine teas (like white tea) or decaffeinated versions, especially in the afternoon and evening. Herbal infusions are excellent caffeine-free choices.

In summary, tea itself is rarely "bad" for weight loss. It's the way we consume it—with excessive sugars, in unsafe concentrated forms, or with unrealistic expectations—that can undermine its potential benefits. Understanding these nuances allows you to leverage tea as a powerful, healthy addition to your wellness strategy.

A Deeper Dive into Specific Tea Types and Their Weight Management Potential

Not all teas are created equal when it comes to their impact on weight. While all true teas from Camellia sinensis contain beneficial compounds, their processing and unique chemical compositions lead to varying effects.

Green Tea: The Metabolic Powerhouse

Green tea is often hailed as the star for weight management, and for good reason. It is minimally oxidized, preserving a high concentration of catechins, particularly EGCG.

• Rich in EGCG: Green tea boasts the highest levels of EGCG among true teas. Studies have shown that people who consumed EGCG-rich green tea extract or catechin-enhanced green tea experienced modest weight loss, sometimes around 3 pounds over 3 months. To achieve similar EGCG levels from brewed tea, you’d typically need to drink about six to seven cups daily.
• Boosts Metabolism and Fat Oxidation: As discussed, EGCG and caffeine work synergistically to increase energy expenditure and enhance the body's ability to break down and burn fat.
• Visceral Fat Reduction: Some human and animal studies suggest that green tea catechins may specifically help reduce visceral fat, the dangerous fat that surrounds your organs and is linked to chronic conditions.

How to enjoy: Brewed green tea, especially sencha or matcha (a powdered form of green tea, even richer in EGCG), is an excellent choice. Remember to drink it unsweetened.

Black Tea: The World's Most Consumed Tea with Potential

Black tea undergoes a full oxidation process, which gives it its robust flavor and darker color. While its catechin content is lower than green tea due to oxidation, it develops other beneficial polyphenols like theaflavins and thearubigins.

• Polyphenol Power: Research on rats suggests that polyphenols in black tea might help block fat absorption in the intestines. While more human studies are needed, it indicates another pathway for potential weight management support.
• Association with Lower BMI: Epidemiological studies, such as the NHANES survey analysis, have found inverse associations between hot black tea consumption and markers like BMI and waist circumference, suggesting a role in supporting a healthy weight.
• Gut Microbiome Influence: Black tea polyphenols have also been shown to influence the gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria, which in turn can impact metabolism and energy regulation.

How to enjoy: Unsweetened black tea, hot or cold (without added sugar), is a satisfying and potentially beneficial beverage. Consider enjoying it without milk to maximize polyphenol absorption if weight management is a primary goal.

Oolong Tea: The Partially Oxidized Balancer

Oolong tea falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation, offering a unique profile of catechins and other polyphenols.

• Catechin Richness: Like green tea, oolong is a rich source of catechins.
• Belly Fat Reduction: In one study, overweight individuals who drank oolong tea daily for six weeks lost over 2 pounds and showed a reduction in belly fat. This suggests a targeted effect on abdominal adiposity.
• Enhanced Fat Breakdown: Oolong tea has been observed to boost fat metabolism and increase energy expenditure, similar to green tea.

How to enjoy: Oolong tea offers a diverse range of flavors from floral to roasted. Enjoy it brewed and unsweetened to appreciate its complex notes and maximize its benefits.

White Tea: The Delicate, Least Processed Option

White tea is the least processed of all true teas, made from young tea leaves and buds that are simply withered and dried. This minimal processing preserves a very high concentration of antioxidants.

• High Antioxidant Content: Its delicate processing means white tea retains more of its natural catechins and other antioxidants.
• Potential for Fat Cell Impact: One laboratory study showed promising results, suggesting white tea might speed up the breakdown of existing fat cells and inhibit the formation of new ones. While these are in vitro findings and need to be replicated in human studies, they offer an intriguing glimpse into white tea's potential.
• Light and Sweet Flavor: White tea has a naturally light, sweet flavor, making it an easy and refreshing unsweetened choice.

How to enjoy: White tea is best brewed gently to preserve its delicate flavor. It's a fantastic alternative for those seeking a low-caffeine, high-antioxidant beverage.

Beyond the Cup: Integrating Tea into a Holistic Wellness Framework

While tea can be a helpful addition to your weight management strategy, it's crucial to remember that it’s part of a much larger picture. Real, sustainable wellness and weight loss come from a holistic approach that nurtures your entire body from the inside out. This means focusing on balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and crucially, foundational gut health.

At Bala Health, we are dedicated to simplifying wellness. We believe in providing clean, functional, science-backed formulas that complement your lifestyle and support your body’s natural ability to thrive. Our approach cuts through the noise and provides solutions that empower you to make informed decisions for your health.

The Foundation: Gut Health and Weight Management

The link between your gut microbiome and your weight is undeniable. A healthy gut is essential for efficient nutrient absorption, robust metabolism, and even influencing cravings and satiety. When your gut isn’t balanced, it can lead to inflammation, digestive discomfort, and impaired metabolic function, all of which can hinder weight loss efforts.

• Nutrient Absorption: A balanced gut ensures that you properly absorb the vital nutrients from your food, which are critical for energy production, hormonal balance, and all metabolic processes.
• Metabolic Regulation: Your gut microbes produce compounds that can influence how your body stores fat, regulates blood sugar, and manages appetite.
• Reduced Inflammation: As mentioned, a healthy gut contributes to lower systemic inflammation, creating a more favorable environment for a healthy weight.

This is precisely why we developed our Bala Health Pre+Probiotic. We meticulously formulated it with 10 clinically studied probiotic strains and a powerful 50 Billion CFU to help populate your gut with beneficial bacteria. We also included prebiotics to nourish these good bacteria, ensuring they thrive. This synergistic 2-in-1 formula works to:

• Support Digestive Balance: Helping to keep your digestive system running smoothly.
• Ease Occasional Bloating: Reducing discomfort and promoting a lighter feeling.
• Enhance Nutrient Absorption: Ensuring your body gets the most from the healthy foods you eat.
• Boost Immune Function: A healthy gut is a cornerstone of a strong immune system.

Incorporating our Pre+Probiotic into your daily routine is a proactive step towards optimizing your gut health, which in turn supports your metabolism and overall wellness journey. For the best value and to ensure consistent support for your gut, we recommend exploring our multi-bottle options. You can save significantly with our 4-bottle and 6-bottle bundles when you shop our clinically-backed Pre+Probiotic now. Consistent use is key to fostering a truly balanced gut and realizing its full benefits.

Beyond the Gut: The Glow-Up from Within

True wellness radiates from the inside out. When your internal systems are balanced and well-supported, it often shows on the outside. This is where the interconnectedness of your body truly shines. For instance, a healthy gut directly impacts the health of your skin, hair, and nails because it dictates how well you absorb the essential vitamins and minerals needed for their vitality.

If you’re seeking to support your natural glow and bolster the health of your hair, skin, and nails, consider how your overall wellness, including gut health, lays the groundwork. Our Bala Hair, Skin & Nails formula is crafted with clean, science-backed ingredients like Biotin and Collagen to support these areas. It’s an example of how investing in your foundational health with Bala Health can lead to comprehensive well-being and beauty that shines through. For continuous support and the best value, consider our 3-month and 6-month "Subscribe & Save" plans when you discover your inner glow with Bala.

Your Personalized Wellness Roadmap

Understanding the complexities of your body and what it truly needs can feel overwhelming. That’s why a personalized approach is so vital. We believe in empowering you with the tools and knowledge to make the best choices for your unique body and goals.

Whether you're exploring the benefits of tea, optimizing your gut health, or focusing on holistic weight management, taking the first step towards a personalized plan is essential. To truly kick-start your transformation and find a roadmap tailored to your specific needs, we invite you to take our 3-minute Weight-Loss Quiz. It's a quick, easy way to gain insights and begin charting your course toward a healthier, happier you. This quiz helps us understand your unique profile and provides a personalized gut-health roadmap, helping you integrate solutions that actually work for you.

Practical Strategies for Harnessing Tea’s Potential

To effectively incorporate tea into your wellness journey for weight management, consider these practical tips:

1. Choose Unsweetened Tea: This is paramount. Avoid all added sugars, syrups, and artificial sweeteners. Learn to appreciate the natural nuances of tea.
2. Vary Your Teas: Explore green, black, oolong, and white teas to benefit from their diverse profiles. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbal infusions for hydration and relaxation.
3. Mind Your Caffeine Intake: If you're sensitive to caffeine, opt for lower-caffeine teas or decaffeinated options later in the day to protect your sleep. Herbal teas are excellent caffeine-free choices.
4. Brew Properly: Ensure you're brewing your tea correctly to extract the maximum flavor and beneficial compounds. Different teas have different ideal water temperatures and steeping times.
5. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different teas make you feel. If you experience any discomfort, adjust your consumption.
6. Integrate, Don't Isolate: Remember, tea is a component of a healthy lifestyle, not a standalone solution. Pair your tea drinking with:
   • Balanced Nutrition: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
   • Regular Physical Activity: Move your body daily.
   • Quality Sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of restful sleep.
   • Stress Management: Incorporate practices like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature.
   • Gut Support: Consider a high-quality, science-backed probiotic like our Bala Health Pre+Probiotic to ensure your digestive system is optimized for nutrient absorption and metabolic health.

For the best foundation for your overall well-being, including supporting healthy weight, we highly recommend focusing on your gut health. Our Bala Health Pre+Probiotic is designed with 10 clinically studied strains and 50 Billion CFU, plus prebiotics, to foster digestive balance and empower your body from the inside out. Don't miss out on the value of our 4-bottle and 6-bottle bundles.

To truly understand how to best tailor your approach to weight management and overall wellness, we encourage you to start the quiz to find your personalized gut-health roadmap. It’s a simple step that can yield powerful insights.

Conclusion

The question "is drinking tea bad for weight loss?" is complex, but the overwhelming answer is that unsweetened tea, consumed thoughtfully, is far from bad—it can be a truly beneficial addition to your wellness routine. The scientific evidence suggests that true teas, particularly green, black, oolong, and white varieties, contain powerful compounds like catechins and caffeine that can modestly boost metabolism, enhance fat burning, and contribute to overall energy expenditure. Furthermore, by replacing sugary beverages with unsweetened tea, you can significantly reduce your daily calorie intake, making a tangible impact on your weight goals.

However, the "bad" side primarily emerges when tea is loaded with excessive sugars, relied upon as a magical quick fix, or consumed in risky, highly concentrated extracts. The key, as with all aspects of wellness, lies in informed choices, moderation, and a holistic perspective. Tea shines brightest when it's part of a comprehensive strategy that includes balanced nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, stress management, and a robust commitment to foundational gut health.

At Bala Health, our mission is to cut through the confusion and provide you with clean, functional, science-backed formulas that deliver real results. We believe that feeling better from the inside out is achievable with the right knowledge and tools. Supporting your digestive system with a high-quality solution like our Bala Health Pre+Probiotic is a powerful step towards optimizing your metabolism, enhancing nutrient absorption, and fostering overall vitality, which are all crucial for sustainable weight management. Remember, you can save more when you choose our 4-bottle and 6-bottle bundles for consistent gut support.

To truly empower your wellness journey and chart a path that's unique to you, we invite you to take the next step. Kick-start your transformation—start the quiz and find your personalized gut-health roadmap today. Let us help you simplify wellness and achieve your goals with integrity and effective, science-backed solutions.

FAQ

Q1: Can I drink any type of tea for weight loss, or are some better than others?

While all true teas (green, black, oolong, white) offer general health benefits, some show more direct links to weight management. Green tea, with its high EGCG content, and oolong tea, known for fat oxidation, are often highlighted in research for their metabolic effects. Black and white teas also offer benefits through polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Herbal infusions, while not true teas, can support overall wellness and hydration, indirectly aiding weight goals. The most important factor is to choose unsweetened varieties.

Q2: How much tea should I drink daily to support weight loss?

Research often uses doses equivalent to about 3-7 cups of brewed green tea daily for notable EGCG effects. For other teas, there isn't a strict recommendation for weight loss. The key is consistent, moderate consumption of unsweetened tea as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Listen to your body, especially regarding caffeine content, and ensure it doesn't disrupt your sleep or cause jitters.

Q3: What about the "detox" or "slimming" teas I see advertised? Are they effective?

Most "detox" or "slimming" teas are not effective for sustainable weight loss and can even be harmful. They often contain laxatives or diuretics that lead to temporary water weight loss, not actual fat loss, and can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and digestive issues. At Bala Health, we emphasize science-backed, sustainable solutions over gimmicks. True wellness and weight management come from a holistic approach, not quick-fix "detoxes."

Q4: Does adding milk or lemon to my tea affect its weight loss benefits?

Adding lemon (especially fresh lemon juice) can actually enhance the absorption of catechins in green tea, potentially boosting its benefits. However, some research suggests that adding milk to black tea might reduce the absorption of its beneficial polyphenols due to interactions with milk proteins. While more human research is needed, if maximizing tea's metabolic benefits is a priority, consider enjoying your true teas unsweetened and black, or with a slice of lemon.