Pu-erh Tea and weight control

Pu-erh tea is traditionally consumed in areas in China where high fat diet (eg, horse meat, dairy products) is main stream diet and vegetables are not readily available, such as Tibet. This has triggered some researchers to think it might be used to neutralise the fat consumed.

There has been one laboratory study conducted comparing various fat reducing effects by tea extract consumption. Its conclusion was: “It seemed that the fully fermented pu-erh and black tea leaves and partially fermented Oolong tea leaves were more effective on their growth suppressive and hypolipidemic effects as compared to the nonfermented green tea leaves.”

My public health research background however tells me, more research, especially human studies, are needed for any significant conclusion to be drawn.

My opinion on using tea to assist weight control: choice a few quality teas, green, white, Oolong or Pu-erh tea, make it part of your life style. Together with a good balanced diet and regular exercise, the extra weight will go naturally.