Researchers from the Laboratory of Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, have determined that cold tea outperforms hot tea for weight loss. Cold drinks stimulate twice the energy expenditure—the calories burned at rest—leading to greater calorie burn overall.
To conduct this study, scientists examined data from 23 healthy participants (12 men and 11 women, average age 24). Participants were divided into two groups: one consumed 500 mL of unsweetened Yerba Mate tea chilled to around 3°C, the other at 55°C. They then rested comfortably for 30 to 90 minutes.
Results were striking: Compared to hot tea, cold tea reduced heart rate and blood flow while significantly increasing fat oxidation and energy expenditure. Energy expenditure rose by 8.3% with cold tea—twice the 3.7% increase from hot tea. Now we're switching to cold!
That said, the researchers note that additional studies are needed to confirm the long-term weight loss effects of cold, unsweetened caffeinated teas like Yerba Mate.
