The next time you head over to your go-to coffee bar, consider skipping the cold-brew iced coffees, caramel macchiato, and pumpkin-spice lattes, and ask for a calming, soothing, steaming cup of tea. Because in addition to the numerous health benefits afforded by various teas, studies have elucidated the weight loss benefits of tea as well. So, if you are looking to shed a few inches off your waist and ensure your overall health and wellbeing, consider stocking up on these amazing teas. Here are 5 delicious ones to try:

Green Tea

The best of all weight loss teas is green tea since it is the repository of antioxidants called catechins, as well as a substance known as epigallocatechin gallate, which is known to burn fat and increase metabolism. One of green tea’s active compounds is caffeine, which is a well-known stimulant that has been found to aid fat burning and improve exercise performance in numerous studies. Not to mention, green tea helps improve insulin activity, increase fat oxidation, and elevate metabolic rate. In one 2008 study, 60 obese people followed a standardized diet for 12 weeks in addition to either regularly drinking either green tea or a placebo. At the end of the study, those who drank green tea lost 7.3 pounds more weight than the placebo group. If you want to lose those unsolicited inches off your waist, experts suggest drinking green tea right after breakfast and lunch, when your metabolism rate is the highest.

Oolong Tea

This lightly floral, traditional Chinese tea, translated as the “black dragon”, is partially oxidized and fermented. It has a very pleasant fruity taste and a lovely aroma, but that’s not why it is so popular.  Various studies have shown that this miraculous weight loss tea can aid in weight loss by speeding up metabolism and improving the fat burning process. Its weight loss benefits are partially attributed to its polyphenols content, which inhibits the body’s ability to absorb fat. These polyphenols prevent your metabolism from slowing down even as you lose weight, thereby making it easier to keep losing weight and maintain lean body mass. Not to mention, oolong tea also contains rich amounts of both caffeine and catechins, which work together to increase the amount of fat you burn. Studies have proven that Oolong tea promotes thermogenesis and suppresses the production of new fat cells.

Rooibos Tea

This South African tea is rich in Aspalathin, a compound known to thwart stress hormones that trigger hunger pangs and fat storage. Rooibos tea also contains nothofagin, which helps to eliminate the harmful free oxygen radicals that tend to damage DNA. These antioxidants improve insulin resistance and keep blood glucose levels in check, preventing sharp spikes that can trigger feelings of hunger. While this weight loss tea is consumed just like black tea, you may want to skip the milk and sugar if you’re trying to slim down.

Pu-erh Tea

This fermented black Chinese tea has a unique earthy aroma, and a smooth taste that is quite popular in the Yunnan province. Studies conducted on both humans and animals prove that Pu-erh tea enhances weight loss, primarily by affecting fatty acid synthesis, which transforms fat into energy almost straight away after your meal. This prevents the buildup of fat and ultimately helps you lose more weight. Not to mention, this lovely brew is also shown to lower blood sugar and blood triglyceride levels. It is also a rich source of Gallic acid, which is shown to inhibit the body’s absorption of fat.

Black Tea

Black tea comes from the same plant as oolong and green teas, but the leaves are allowed to oxidize the longest, giving our beloved brew its signature dark color. Black tea is rich in the antioxidant plant pigments, flavones, which give black tea its potential weight loss-boosting effects. Studies have shown that people who consume black tea regularly, tend to have a lower BMI than those whose diet is devoid of flavones. Not to mention, the polyphenols in black tea enhance your gut’s production of short-chain fatty acids, which are responsible for speeding up your metabolism. Some popular varieties include Earl Grey and English breakfast.

Valerian Tea

Did you know that the amount of shut-eye you get during the day has a huge impact on your weight? Sleeping just an hour less over the course of three days is enough to negatively impact the body’s appetite-regulating hormone, ghrelin. However, quality sleep fuels the production of fat-burning hormones, which can go a long way towards speeding up your weight loss journey. Valerian is an herb known for its mild sedative properties, which can greatly improve your quality of sleep.