Anyone who really knows me, knows that I cannot stand tea! I can’t bear the smell, I don’t like the look of it and don’t even get me started on what I feel about soggy teabags *shudder*.
So, when I was asked to review a new tea from Natur Boutique, to say I was hesitant is an understatement. Which is why I decided to enlist the help of some proper tea drinkers, who would be able to give it a bit more of a chance.
Garcinia Cambogia, or Brindal Berry as it is sometimes known, is the fruit of the Garcinia gummi-gutta tree found in South East Asia and is associated with its supposed weightloss properties. The citrusy fruit is traditionally used as an ingredient in savoury dishes to help add sourness and flavour, for example in curries, and looks like a cross between a grapefruit and a small green pumpkin.
Today scientists and nutritionists continue to research the effects of Garcinia Cambogia on weight loss and weight management, with particular focus on the Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) contained in the skin of the fruit. It is the HCA that has been shown to aid weight loss by:
- Lowering the production of body fat by blocking the fat-producing enzyme Citrate lyase.
Suppressing appetite and cravings by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.- Helping to lower cholesterol.
- Assist the work of antioxidants in the body.
- Reduces inflammation.
The effectiveness of Garcinia Cambogia is still very much unproven and cynics would argue that it is purely a placebo, although arguably even if that is the case, if it helps someone lose weight then it is actually still fulfilling its purpose…
Natur Boutique’s Garcinia Cambogia Tea is made entirely from just this one natural ingredient – no pesticides, no chemicals, no synthetic fertilisers, no additives and no preservatives. It is sold in packs of 20 teabags from Holland & Barrett or from the Natur Boutique website.
So, on to the important question…
What does it taste like?
Kettle boiled, teabags dunked, here’s what my tea drinking reviewers had to say about Natur Boutique’s Garcinia Cambogia Tea:
“The teabag and the brewed tea have a very strong odour, like a hops smell, but drier and more peppery. The smell contradicts the flavour, as I was expecting a peppery/spicy tea, but what I got was a much more citrus flavour, almost bitter lemon or sour grapefruit. It is quite a sour experience and makes your mouth water, a bit like when you eat salt and vinegar crisps or fizzy sour sweets, so would be good for anyone who suffers with a dry mouth. You experience different tastes in different areas of your mouth, which is unusual and certainly different to other fruit herbal teas on the market. The tea bag needs to be left in much longer than standard teas to get the best flavour and you really do have to ignore the smell of the tea to experience the taste properly. I think you should give it a go, as the taste does improve the more you drink, but I don’t think I would have it from choice, as it’s too sour for me.”
“It’s very sour, with a citrus taste and my initial thoughts were that it tastes almost like a burst of yeast in your mouth. It’s one of the strongest citrus flavoured teas I’ve ever experienced. Not my cuppa tea, I’m afraid.”
“It has a very odd smell, bizarrely similar to Marmite believe it or not, which I have to admit was a bit off putting. Putting this aside, you’ll be pleased to hear that the tea itself didn’t taste of Marmite! However, it did have a very sour, citrus, savoury taste that was so incredibly different to the smell of the tea that it was a bit of a shock. The acidic, powerful taste does get better with each mouthful and I can see why it is being touted as an appetite suppressant. In another reference to Marmite, I think people will either ‘love it or hate it’, but hey it’s worth giving a go, right?!
Please note – Garcinia Cambogia is not recommended for individuals with diabetes or dementia, who are pregnant or lactating, people with liver or kidney conditions, or those taking any form of medication, iron or other supplements. If adverse reactions occur you should discontinue use and consult your GP. If you are in any doubt, please speak to your doctor before using. This product is not intended for use by persons under the age of 18 and should be kept out of the reach of children.
