Should you be swapping your usual cuppa for a more healthy option?

Green tea has been hailed for having numerous health benefits from claims it helps prevent Alzheimer's to aiding weight loss.

It is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and unlike leaves that are used in black tea, these are withered which gives it its green colour.

But according to nutritionists green tea isn't the only type of herbal natural drink that can help you shed the pounds.

Green tea

According to nutritionist, Shona Wilkinson - from health and wellbeing site SuperfoodUK - green tea speeds up your metabolism and breaks down fat cells. which in turn can aid weight loss.

Shona said: "Green teas catechins (a type of natural phenol and antioxidant) properties include fat metabolism (breakdown of fat cells) and a rise in metabolic rate (helping us to convert food consumed to energy at a higher rate instead of being accumulated in fat cells)."

But boosting weight loss isn't the drink's only health benefits, green tea can also contribute to reducing plaque, as well as protecting your gums and teeth.

According to Shona it is also good for healthy aging of the skin. She said: "A randomised, 12 week study done on 60 participants, compared the daily consumption of a litre of green tea to placebo.

"In those who consumed the green tea, they found a decrease in volume, roughness and scaling of the skin but also an increase in skin hydration and skin density. Applying sun protection cream is still required though."

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea can help reduce pains and inflammation as well as relax the body and mind. According to the NHS there is some evidence to suggest that it can also help improve symptoms of flatulence.

Peppermint tea can also help relieve bloating and "might make you look and feel slimmer" according to nutritionist and health writer, Cassandra Barns.

Ginger tea

Ginger tea is a digestive aid and can be used to help cure nausea, vomiting or upset stomach.

To make fresh ginger tea simmer a piece of ginger root on the stove for 10-15 minutes then add fresh lemon and honey and drink.

Eating ginger is also good for muscle pains caused by playing sports or gardening, says the NHS.

On ginger tea Cassandra said: "Thanks to its warming and natural stimulating effect, it could have a slight metabolism-boosting effect too. For this reason, ginger tea would probably be my first choice when it comes to favouring weight loss."

Rosehip tea

Rosehip tea contains the seeds of rose plants. It has anti-inflammatory benefits which can help with diabetes and obesity.

Cassandra said: "Inflammation may be a result of obesity or diabetes, but may also make it worse, and make it harder for the person to lose weight and improve their health. So, foods with anti-inflammatory effects such as rosehip could help correct that."

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is often used to aid relaxation and sleep. For this reason Cassandra believes, it too, could aid weight loss.

She said: "It may help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol can encourage fat gain around your tummy – the good old muffin top! So by reducing cortisol, chamomile could aid weight loss.

"Secondly, because lack of sleep is linked with a rise in the ‘hunger hormone’ ghrelin which increases your appetite and encourages weight gain. A better night’s sleep should help keep ghrelin down, helping manage your weight."

Rooibos tea

Also known as redbush tea, rooibos comes from a shrub native to South Africa. It is often used as a natural caffeine-free alternative to black tea.

Cassandra said: "Caffeine can increase your levels of stress hormones including cortisol, which may encourage fat gain around your middle – especially if you get through a lot of cups every day.

"So, switching from normal tea to a natural caffeine-free alternative could help in your weight loss journey. But switch over slowly to prevent caffeine withdrawal symptoms if you currently drink a lot of tea."