Best Tea For Appetite Suppressant – 5 Teas To Stop Your Food Cravings In 2023

The best way to lose fat is to eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and complete exercises regularly. But following a healthy diet to lose belly fat is easier said than done.

Cravings often get in the way of healthy food intake. While having a treat is okay from time to time, it can impede weight loss if it is a regular occurrence.

Fortunately, there are ways to control cravings, such as drinking certain teas. Keep reading and learn all about appetite-suppressant tea and which ones work best.

5 Best Teas To Reduce Food Cravings

While many teas exist, some teas can decrease appetite and boost metabolism more than others and can assist in reducing food cravings. 

Green Tea

Drinking green tea^[1] is linked to reduced body fat and weight loss. A key component of green tea are plant compounds called epigallocatechin. Consuming green tea that contained between 100 to 460 milligrams of epigallocatechins had a stronger association with weight loss and fat reduction. 

Epigallocatechin^[2] has been shown to control appetite through hormonal modulation. Supplementation of epigallocatchin has been shown to delay gastric emptying, meaning it will take longer to have an empty stomach which could assist with appetite management. 

Fenugreek Tea

Fenugreek tea^[3] is made from a herb of the soy family and has long been used traditionally as an appetite suppressant. A 2015 research study determined that drinking fenugreek tea resulted in greater feelings of fullness and reduced appetite.

This could possibly be attributed to fenugreek containing a higher amount of soluble fiber than other medicinal herbs, which is satiating. 

Yerba Mate Tea

Yerba mate,^[4] also known as Paraguayan tea, contains many chemical compounds that are good for human health. 

A 2017 study determined that consuming Yerba mate improved satiety when combined with 30 minutes of cycling at a targeted fat loss^[5] intensity.

This indicates Yerba mate could be an effective appetite suppressant. 

Hoodia Tea

Hunters have traditionally used Hoodia tea^[6] to suppress hunger and thirst on long hunting trips. Recent research has shown that consuming Hoodia gordoniiI, the plant hoodia tea is derived from, is effective at decreasing energy intake and thus can promote weight loss.

Hoodia tea consumption however can come with negative side effects^[7] related to blood pressure, the heart, and the liver. Because of this, it is always best to speak to a healthcare professional prior to starting new supplements and naturopathic products. 

Black Tea

Black tea is one of the most common types of tea. A 2016 study found consuming black tea^[8] has anti-obesity potential due to its ability to reduce calorie intake, boost metabolism, and improve fat metabolism. This is due to black tea having a high polyphenol content, which are beneficial plant compounds.

While all of these teas may provide appetite-suppressing benefits, in supplement form^[9] the ingredients may be present in unknown doses, increasing the risk for potential side effects. Because of this, it’s always recommended to speak to your doctor before starting a new supplement.

How Does Tea Help Curb Your Appetite?

There are many different varieties of tea and they all have their own unique properties. The mechanisms by which tea can help curb your appetite and promote weight loss will vary. 

One thing teas have in common is they are low in calories. Drinking tea in place of other beverages that are high in sugar and calories can help with weight loss because you will be reducing your overall calorie intake naturally.

One thing to keep in mind is much of the research surrounding teas and their appetite-suppressant qualities are evolving. A research review^[10] on the plant compounds in tea shows that the majority of the evidence on their appetite-suppressing properties is inconclusive.

This means there is a lack of solid evidence to suggest the benefits of tea related to appetite control and more high-quality clinical trials are needed. 

In addition, in the United States, the U.S. Government Accountability Office concluded little is known about many weight loss supplements^[9] and any potential risks that may be associated with taking them.

While the potential role of tea in suppressing appetite is exciting, more research is needed to understand to what extent, the ideal dose, and the best type of tea to consume. 

Be sure to always speak with a health care professional before starting a new supplement, detox, or weight loss product to make sure you understand the risks and benefits. 

Other Benefits Of Tea

Having a warm cup of tea can help you feel warm and cozy and also provides several health benefits.

Green Tea

A 2017 research review concluded there are many associated health benefits^[11] of green tea due to the plant chemicals called catechins present.

This same research shows green tea has been associated with a  reduced risk of breast, cardiac, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. 

Consuming green tea was also found to be beneficial for heart health due to its ability to decrease inflammation, and oxidative stress, and lessen the risk of cardiovascular and cardiovascular-related death.

Lastly, green tea consumption is associated with good oral health as it decreases tooth loss, prevents the development and progression of gum disease, and decreases the risk of cavities. 

Black Tea

A 2014 research review determined drinking black tea is linked to reducing blood pressure,^[12] which can help support heart health. 

An additional review from 2019 demonstrated drinking black tea also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease,^[13] improves blood cholesterol, and aids in blood sugar control. Due to the polyphenol component, it also has anti-cancer potential.

Overall, regular black tea consumption improves the antioxidant potential of the body, which in turn can reduce the risk of chronic disease development. 

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas come in many varieties and have been used traditionally for many health benefits. While herbal teas do have high antioxidant activity,^[14] more research is needed into the specific health benefits herbal teas may provide.

Other Natural Appetite Suppressants

In addition to various teas, there are other compounds that are potential appetite suppressants^[9] and may help reduce energy intake. 

Bitter Orange

A few small clinical trials showed bitter oranges may decrease appetite. There are potential safety concerns however including chest pain, anxiety, headache, musculoskeletal complaints, increased blood pressure, and heart rate. 

Capsaicin And Other Capsaicinoids

Several clinical trials found capsaicin and other capsaicinoids may increase energy expenditure. This boosts your daily calorie burn and increases satiety, which helps reduce appetite and calorie intake. 

Possible side effects of capsaicinoids included gastrointestinal upset, increased insulin levels, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ⸺ the good cholesterol. 

Coleus forskohlii

A few short-term clinical trials determined Coleus forskohlii may boost the metabolism of fats and reduce appetite. Coleus forskohlii is a plant grown in subtropical areas. The active compounds are found in the roots of this plant.

Beta-glucans 

Beta-glucans are glucose polysaccharides, carbohydrates found in bacteria, yeast, fungi, and cereal grains. Consuming them decreases the time it takes for food to go through the digestive system and increases satiety, which in turn reduces appetite.

Guar Gum

Guar gum acts as a bulking agent, which helps increase the feeling of satiety and delays gastric emptying. This in turn suppresses appetite. 

Final Words

Several teas may help suppress your appetite. Whether you choose to drink tea or try another appetite suppressant, you will still need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to successfully lose weight.

Losing weight in a healthy way can be challenging and it is frustrating when you can’t get rid of that stubborn lower belly fat. Start by making small changes at a time and tweaking your plan along the way. 

Whether that means scheduling workouts or making small dietary changes on top of drinking tea regularly, is up to you. If you find you are struggling, speaking with a registered dietitian about your diet, exercise routine, tea intake, and possible supplements is a great idea. 

Ultimately you know yourself better than anyone, so be sure to make changes that will work for you.