Chinese herbalists claim they have demonstrated the slimming effects of tea, whose theine and vitamins consume calories and can therefore reduce fat in the human body.

Research conducted by the Guiyang Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine shows tea drinkers on average have less fat in their bodies and have lower risk of obesity than those who never drink tea.

"The average fat level in those who've been drinking tea for 10 years is 20 percent less than non drinkers," said Dr. Shao with the hospital based in the southwestern Guizhou Province.

The slimming effect of the traditional Chinese drink is more obvious in females, as women tea drinkers are found to have 30 percent less fat in the body and five percent less in the belly compared with women who don't drink tea, said Shao.

Shao and his colleagues also found green tea and oolong are more effective than black tea in reducing fat, and a daily consumption of 450 milliliters is enough. "But those who suffer from iron-deficiency anemia should avoid drinking tea during meals and insomniacs should stop drinking in the evening, lest their problems worsen," said Dr. Shao.

(Xinhua New Agency December 24, 2004)