Regarding the consumption of Pu'er Tea, a question that has been asked countless times without a definitive answer is:

“Is it true that drinking Pu'er tea can help with weight loss?”

“I drink it every day, why haven't I lost any weight?”

Some people who drink ripe Pu'er tea daily for three months have lost 5 kilograms; others who drink a can of Yi Yuansu (a Pu'er tea product) daily for three months have also lost 5 kilograms. Yet there are those who drink it regularly but actually gain weight. Why does this happen?

Today, we will approach the question from a scientific perspective: Can drinking Pu'er tea really help with weight loss? And what is the scientific principle behind it?

Before diving into this topic, we should first clarify: The difference between tea beverages and health supplements or medicines. “Tea” is categorized as food, which can be consumed daily and long-term, and is suitable for a broader range of people. Its effects are more like “water eroding rock over time,” not as immediate as health supplements or medicines. Therefore, it's important to understand the nature of tea correctly.

Firstly, it can be confirmed that drinking Pu'er tea can indeed aid in weight loss. However, not all types of Pu'er tea can achieve this goal, and using the right method is crucial. Today, Dr. Ding Zhanggui, an expert member of the Dayi Microbial Research and Development Center, will provide a detailed explanation.

▲Dr. Ding Zhanggui, researcher at the Yunnan Institute of Microbiology, specializing in the study of microbial metabolites in special environments.

Professional Background: Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering (East China University of Science and Technology, Bachelor of Engineering), Master's degree in Organic Chemistry (Yunnan University, Master of Science), Doctorate in Microbiology (Yunnan University, Doctor of Science). Currently engaged in research on Pu'er tea fermentation processes, Pu'er tea chemistry, and the development of Pu'er tea derivative products.

The Principle of Weight Loss with Pu'er Tea

The ultimate goal of weight loss is to reduce body weight and body fat, more specifically, to decrease excess fat stored in the body. The fundamental pathway to reducing fat is by burning it and converting it into energy. Under what circumstances does fat convert into energy? This happens only when the body's energy expenditure increases or the absorption of sugars (such as glucose) is insufficient. Fat is burned under these conditions, so the main way to lose weight is by controlling food intake, reducing the absorption of sugars and fats, and promoting energy consumption.

After understanding the basic pathways for weight loss, let's analyze the principles behind how Pu'er tea promotes weight loss:

① The Caffeine in Pu'er tea can stimulate cellular metabolism and increase energy expenditure;

② The polyphenols in Pu'er tea have inhibitory activities against enzymes such as glycosidase and amylase, reducing the generation of absorbable and usable sugars (monosaccharides) in the gut, decreasing sugar absorption, and thus lowering blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are low, it promotes the conversion of fat and glycogen. Many people experience palpitations, hunger, and cold sweats after Drinking Tea (a phenomenon known as “tea drunkenness” in the tea community), which is a common reaction to lowered blood glucose levels;

③ Certain unique components in Pu'er tea have regulatory effects on adiponectin and insulin, indirectly lowering blood glucose levels and promoting fat consumption;

④ The abundant antioxidants in Pu'er tea have a protective effect against stress-induced damage during the weight loss process, achieving a healthy weight loss effect.

Which type of Pu'er tea is better for weight loss, raw or ripe?

Both raw and ripe Pu'er teas have mechanisms that promote weight loss. As for which one is more effective for weight loss, there are currently no studies comparing the weight loss effects of raw and ripe Pu'er teas. However, there are reports indicating that ripe Pu'er tea exhibits better effects in lowering blood lipids and blood glucose levels in animal models.

How to drink Pu'er tea effectively for weight loss?

Although Pu'er tea has fat-burning properties, to achieve weight loss through drinking Pu'er tea, the following conditions must be met:

① On the basis of a stable food and exercise regimen, maintaining a stable weight. Drinking Pu'er tea without increasing food intake or reducing exercise can result in a gradual decrease in weight.

② On the basis of a stable food and exercise regimen, maintaining a stable weight. Drinking Pu'er tea while moderately reducing food intake and increasing exercise can produce more noticeable weight loss results.

③ A certain amount of tea must be consumed. For most people, around 10 grams per day is considered safe. Drinking tea before and after meals is recommended. It's important to avoid drinking strong tea when already experiencing hypoglycemic reactions.

After reading Dr. Ding's explanation, you now understand the truth about weight loss with Pu'er tea. In fact, many people gain weight (non-pathologically) due to excessive eating and lack of movement. Without changing this state, relying solely on drinking tea to become very slim may not yield the desired results.

Pu'er tea plays an auxiliary role in the weight loss process. While it can regulate the metabolism of body fat to a certain extent, it is even more important to make changes to lifestyle and dietary habits for a more effective outcome.