Home
Articles

Is Earl Grey Tea Good For Weight Loss?

Earl Grey tea comes with a long list of health benefits. 

But is one, weight loss? And if so, how can we maximise the results?

Can you lose weight drinking earl grey tea
Low calorie, nutrient-filled, and rich in antioxidant properties, Earl Grey tea is a delicious and healthy way to shed the pounds.

Table of Contents

How Many Calories Are in Earl Grey Tea?

To begin with, Earl Grey is a low-calorie drink. 

So, swapping that can of sweetened pop (138 calories) with a healthy cup of Earl Grey tea (4 calories) can make a big difference!

Not convinced?

Here’s a breakdown of all the calories in a standard cup of Earl Grey tea.

Earl Grey (no additives)

On average, one cup of Earl Grey has between zero and four calories.

Earl Grey with Lemon

Throw in a slice of lemon and that’s another two calories.

Earl Grey with Milk

If you pour a splash of milk into your cup, that adds a further 14 calories.

Earl Grey with Sugar

And if you take sugar, that’s an extra nine calories per sugar cube (2.3g). Or 16 calories per teaspoon (4.2g).

Earl Grey with Syrup

If you’re ordering an Earl Grey latte, that’s 20 calories per pump (0.5 oz) of Starbucks vanilla syrup. Or 90 calories total for a short London Fog.

Earl Grey with Honey

Honey comes with a fair few calories. But on average, it’s 21 calories per teaspoon (7g). 

It’s worth noting that, while honey is higher in calories, it also comes with its own set of health benefits. This includes many antioxidant properties. 

Honey is also said to be better at blood sugar regulation (over regular sugar) and may prevent excessive weight gain.

Caffeine-Free Earl Grey

If you’re really crunching the numbers, substituting the black tea base for a caffeine-free tisane (e.g. rooibos) could bring the calorie count down to zero. 

Avoiding milk, sugar, or honey will also help to cut calories. 

Something that’s particularly useful if you’re doing keto or intermittent fasting.

Micronutrients in Earl Grey Tea

Whilst a cup of Earl Grey (no milk) typically has between zero and four calories, it can also contain:

  • Iron
  • Riboflavin
  • Folic acid
  • Amino acids
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Alkaloids (e.g. caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine)
  • Chlorophyll
  • Fluoride
  • Aluminium
  • Vitamin C

This means that a single cup of Earl Grey can bring multiple health benefits to the table – not just weight loss.

Lowers BMI (Body Mass Index)

Earl Grey is high in flavonoids, a plant pigment that’s full of antioxidant properties. 

And it’s found in both black tea and bergamot.

This study documented the flavonoid intake of 4,200 adults over 14 years. 

Researchers concluded that those with a higher flavonoid intake had a lower BMI than those who consumed fewer flavonoids. 

This suggests that the regular consumption of Earl Grey can wield both healthy and stable weight loss.

Another study showed that those who drank three cups of tea every day, for three months, significantly increased weight loss.

Participants also exhibited a reduced waist circumference. 

Best of all, they were able to maintain it – unlike dieting fads.

Boosts Metabolism

One cup of Earl Grey has around 40-120mg of caffeine. 

Caffeine is proven to promote lipolysis – the breakdown of stored fat. 

And it can help stimulate the internal cycles which metabolise fats.

This one-month study revealed that out of a group of 2129 people, 494 of them used caffeine to successfully lose weight – and keep it off. 

The benefits of a healthy metabolism, include: 

  • More Energy
  • Improved Sleep
  • Reduced Toxins
  • Better Heart Health
  • Balanced Blood Sugar Levels
  • Weight Loss

It can also help you to burn more calories at bedtime.

So as it turns out, drinking Earl Grey before bed is pretty efficient.

Reduces Oxidative Stress

Earl Grey contains polyphenols, a group of plant-derived compounds.

The polyphenols in black tea possess both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These reducing agents help protect the body against oxidative stress, inhibit lipid (fat) digestion, and speed-up fat burning.

Once absorbed, polyphenols work by breaking down calories, aiding digestion, and boosting your metabolism. 

These antioxidant polyphenols, together with a healthy diet, can prevent obesity.  

Scientific research also suggests that foods rich in polyphenols (such as black tea) can treat and prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 

All in all, the polyphenols in Earl Grey tea are great for weight loss.

Improves Calorie Burning

Theaflavins are a type of polyphenol found in black tea. 

And they’re known to help with weight loss by lessening lipid accumulation.

One study found that taking a single dose of theaflavins, significantly increased the calories burned in participants.

So far, this research has only been conducted on lab animals. But the results look promising.

Additionally, theaflavins have glucose-lowering capabilities. And lifestyle-related disease prevention. 

This is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from diabetes.

Other Ways Earl Grey Tea Benefits Weight Loss

Drinking more than two cups of Earl Grey a day has also been shown to:

  • De-clog artery passageways
  • Stimulate the process of fat burning
  • Block LDL (bad) cholesterol
  • Increase HDL (good) cholesterol

Quite frankly, what more could you want?

How to Make Earl Grey Tea Healthier

If you drink your Earl Grey with milk and sugar, then it might be time to replace these with healthier alternatives. 

For example, a slice of lemon and (antioxidant-rich) honey can go a long way.

Alternatively, you could make your own, antioxidant-rich, Earl Grey at home. It’s easy!

Blend Your Own Earl Grey Tea Like a Pro!

What You Need
  • One Cup of Loose Leaf Black Tea (the choice is up to you!) 
  • 10-15 Drops of Bergamot Essential Oil (or to taste)
  • Pint-Sized Sealable Container (e.g. glass jar)
Six-Step Guide
  1. Drop the bergamot oil into the sealable container.
  2. Close the lid and shake vigorously, until the sides are coated (ensure it’s tight).
  3. Add your chosen tea leaves, and close again.*
  4. Shake again until thoroughly mixed (5-10 minutes).
  5. Let the mixture infuse for several days (to allow the oil to be fully absorbed).
  6. Pop the kettle on and enjoy!

* This is also the time to add any other dried ingredients, if desired (e.g. cornflowers, lavender, hibiscus, rose petals, citrus peel)

For optimal flavour, replace the jar every six months or whenever you finish using it.

Does Drinking Earl Grey Tea Help With Weight Loss?

So, can you lose weight drinking Earl Grey tea? Well, yes and no. 

Like anything health-related, the answer isn’t always black and white. And what works for one person, may not work for another.

Alone, Earl Grey tea is a low-calorie drink, packed full of antioxidants and other weight-loss inducing ingredients. Especially when you omit the sugar, milk, and honey. 

And when consumed as part of a healthy diet and exercise regime, Earl Grey can absolutely help with weight loss. 

However, drinking tea should be a joy and not some ‘lose belly fat fast’ dieting fad.

If you’re still unsure, simply compare the calories of Earl Grey with your favourite drink. Then, decide for yourself if it’s time to ditch the soda and brew a cup of Earl Grey instead.

Go on, it’s actually tasty.

Disclaimer: The above is a fun way to learn about what's in Earl Grey tea. It's NOT medical advice! If you're struggling with weight issues, consult a health care professional to discuss your options.