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Description
Background: Green rooibos tea, known for its rich polyphenol content and potential metabolic benefits, has gained interest as a potential natural intervention for weight management. However, its effect on resting metabolic rate (RMR), body composition, hydration, and appetite-related sensations remains largely unexplored. This randomised crossover study examined the short-term effects of green rooibos tea on RMR, body composition, and appetite-related sensations in overweight and obese women.
Methods: Twenty-six physically inactive participants were randomised into two groups (rooibos and control). Each participant underwent both conditions: 7 days of and without tea consumption, separated by a 7-day washout period. The participants consumed 12g of rooibos tea daily (infused in 1200 ml of water) during the intervention phase. Data was collected at baseline, after 1-3 hours of tea consumption (acute phase), and after seven days. The RMR, body composition indices, hydration status, and appetite ratings were assessed. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, paired t-tests, and forest plots to compare outcomes across timepoints and conditions were analysed.
Results: There were no significant changes in overall RMR, body composition indices, dietary intake, hydration of the participants. However, there was a significant time effect on metabolic rate at the acute trial (p < 0.05, ηp² = 0.196), and all acute appetite-related sensations (all p < 0.05) except fullness, and a significant time effect of thirst at the short term (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These findings suggest that short-term rooibos tea consumption does significantly impact metabolic rate and appetite-related sensation acutely. Although rooibos is rich in polyphenols and often promoted for weight management, its effects appear modest and localised, warranting further investigation in longer-term studies to assess its potential role in metabolic health.