Things You Should Know About Trendy Loaded Teas

Those of us who spend time on Instagram may have noticed colorful tea beverages stealing center stage. In addition to those pretty hues, these teas have intriguing names, such as Unicorn and Blue Hawaiian. Tea choices, along with the hype around them, have expanded dramatically in recent years. We can buy everything from tea beverages promising to flatten our tummies to tea concoctions claiming to help us sleep. They're called loaded teas. Find out both the good and the bad about these beverages below.

Inside Loaded Teas

The term “loaded teas” refers to the ingredients and the accompanying claims. These beverages are (supposedly) made with ingredients to help us focus, lose weight, and increase our energy levels.  

Sometimes referred to as “boosted tea,” the drinks typically contain a combination of supplements and caffeine. Most loaded teas are low in calories and may be compared to energy drinks. 

Loaded teas are not trademarked, but several of them are linked to Herbalife, a company known for distributing supplements. The company’s products seem to be used in the boosted teas. 

Are Loaded Teas Safe?

The supplements contained in boosted or loaded teas typically are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For example, many loaded teas are made with Herbalife’s Liftoff supplement. Supplements listed in the product label include panax ginseng and guarana extract.

Liftoff also contains B vitamins, vitamin C, and caffeine. Many of us start our day with a multivitamin containing vitamins B and C, as well as coffee. Drinking a loaded tea later in the day might result in an overconsumption of the B vitamins and C, along with caffeine which may disturb sleep and aggravate conditions such as anxiety.

The vitamin over-consumption, caffeine, and unregulated supplements in loaded teas may result in side effects including:

• diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• high blood pressure
• anxiety or jittery sensations
• higher heart rate
• insomnia
• nausea

• extreme thirst
• vision problems
• flushed skin 

Of course, these problems can result from overconsumption of many things. So what's worth noting here is that these teas are not without impact on daily consumption habits as well as macro- and micronutrient totals. 

What Are Safe Substitutes for Loaded Teas?

Now that we understand the potential risks of loaded teas, we may want to explore safe alternatives for those promises of weight loss, energy, and focus. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Improve your focus and concentration during the day by enjoying a healthy breakfast with whole grains, fruit, and dairy. 
• Boost your weight loss with eggs, salmon, leafy greens, cottage cheese, and chicken breasts.
• Raise your energy levels with bananas, brown rice, apples, and oatmeal. 

Although loaded teas may tempt us with their colorful appearance and hype, the risks might not be worth the temporary pleasure. We may reap the same benefits more safely by enjoying healthy meals and snacks. If you have recently consumed loaded teas and experience worrisome side effects, check with your doctor for guidance.

~Here’s to Your Health and Wellness

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