The Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss has become a popular wellness trend among those looking to lose weight naturally. Made from tropical ingredients like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, mint, pineapple core, and lemon verbena tea, this soothing herbal drink offers multiple health benefits. The best part? It only contains about 12–15 calories per 12-ounce serving, and it hydrates, reduces cravings, and supports metabolism in a delightful way.
In this article, we’ll explore the recipe in detail, its benefits, and how it can seamlessly fit into your daily routine for weight loss. If you’re interested in other weight loss recipes, check out our Weight Loss section.
Table of Contents

Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss
The Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss combines tropical ingredients like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, mint, pineapple core, and lemon verbena tea. This soothing herbal drink offers multiple health benefits while only containing about 12–15 calories per 12-ounce serving.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Ingredients
Key ingredients of Costa Rican Tea for Weight Loss: fresh ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, pineapple, and lemon, each supporting digestion and metabolism. 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger slices
- ½ tablespoon of fresh turmeric (or ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ cup of pineapple core chunks
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 1 lemon-verbena tea bag
- 1 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Honey (optional, to taste)
- Lemon slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger slices, ½ tablespoon of fresh turmeric (or ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric), 1 cinnamon stick, ¼ cup of pineapple core chunks, and 1 cup of filtered water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add 1 lemon-verbena tea bag, and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a mug, and stir in 1 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar (optional). Sweeten lightly with honey if desired.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy warm.
Notes
For a cold version, chill the leftovers or freeze brewed tea concentrate in an ice cube tray.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Weight Loss Drink
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Costa Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why Choose the Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss?
- A Tropical Metabolism Booster
Costa Rican roadside vendors often serve traditional drinks known for their cooling effects in the tropical climate, but recent research has shown that these plant-based beverages may also help with weight control and curbing sugar cravings. The Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss combines local wisdom and modern nutritional science to create a simple yet powerful drink. Curious about more weight loss drinks? Don’t forget to check out our Pink Salt Trick Recipe for Weight Loss. - Supports Blood Sugar Balance
The blend of thermogenic spices like ginger and turmeric, along with pineapple core, supports metabolism while keeping blood sugar steady. This tea acts as a perfect morning ritual to prepare your body for the day ahead, helping you make healthier food choices.
Table: Benefits of Costa Rican Tea Ingredients
Ingredient | Health Benefit |
---|---|
Ginger | Thermogenesis, reduces nausea and inflammation |
Turmeric | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties |
Cinnamon | Blood-sugar balance, reduces cravings |
Mint | Supports digestion, refreshing aroma |
Pineapple Core | Bromelain enzyme, tropical sweetness, reduces bloating |
Lemon Verbena | Hydration, micronutrients, supports liver detoxification |
Apple Cider Vinegar | Gut-friendly acids, supports digestion |
Key Ingredients in the Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss
- Ginger: Natural Thermogenesis
Ginger contains gingerols, which can help boost metabolism and support healthy digestion. It also reduces nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties. - Turmeric: Powerful Anti-inflammatory
Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, supports liver detoxification and reduces inflammation, contributing to smoother digestion and fat metabolism. - Cinnamon: Balances Blood Sugar
Cinnamon is known for its ability to help balance blood sugar, reduce cravings, and support digestion, making it an ideal addition to this tea. - Pineapple Core: Rich in Bromelain
Pineapple core is high in bromelain, an enzyme that supports protein digestion and helps reduce belly bloat. - Lemon Verbena Tea: Detoxifies & Energizes
Lemon verbena tea has natural citrus notes that provide hydration and essential micronutrients, while supporting digestive health.
How to Make the Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger slices, ½ tablespoon of fresh turmeric (or ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric), 1 cinnamon stick, ¼ cup of pineapple core chunks, and 1 cup of filtered water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add 1 lemon-verbena tea bag, and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a mug, and stir in 1 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar (optional). Sweeten lightly with honey if desired.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy warm.
- Customization Tips
- To enjoy this drink cold, chill the leftovers for a refreshing iced version.
- You can also freeze brewed tea concentrate in an ice cube tray and drop a cube into cold water for instant tea on busy mornings.

Health Benefits of the Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss
- Supports Gentle Detoxification
The combination of gingerol and curcumin helps your liver neutralize toxins, aiding in natural detoxification. - Tames Afternoon Cravings
Cinnamon helps prevent blood sugar spikes after meals, reducing the urge for sugary snacks, especially in the afternoon. - Eases Digestion and Reduces Bloating
Bromelain in pineapple core helps break down proteins, and mint soothes intestinal muscles for better digestion. - Hydrates Smarter
This tea provides more than just hydration; it also replenishes electrolytes lost through sweat, helping you stay energized throughout the day. For more information on hydration benefits, check out our Japanese Mounjaro Detox Drink.
Timing the Recipe for Maximum Weight Loss Benefits
- Best Time to Drink
Drink the Costa Rican Tea within 30 minutes of waking for maximum metabolic support. The active compounds, such as gingerols and catechins, peak in blood plasma roughly 40–60 minutes after ingestion, so pairing the tea with a brisk walk or light yoga session can amplify fat-burning. - How to Use the Tea Throughout the Day
- Morning: Drink it first thing in the morning for the best effect on metabolism.
- Afternoon: For a refreshing twist, try the iced version of this tea to help curb cravings and stay hydrated.
Flavor Variations to Keep It Interesting
- Sunrise Citrus: Replace lemon verbena with dried hibiscus petals for a ruby-red variation full of vitamin C.
- Spicy Tamarind Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of tamarind paste in step 4 for a tangy depth and extra electrolytes.
- Ginger-Chia Cooler: Chill the tea, then stir in 1 tablespoon of soaked chia seeds for a fiber boost.
- Coconut Breeze: Use half water and half light coconut water for a potassium-rich, creamy mouthfeel.
Each variation remains under 25 calories, so you can continue sipping without worrying about extra calories.
Science Snapshot: How the Costa Rican Tea Recipe Works
- Curcumin (Turmeric): A meta-analysis (2019) showed significant reductions in BMI over 8 weeks.
- Gingerol (Ginger): A randomized trial (2020) linked 2g daily to increased thermic effect of food.
- Cinnamaldehyde (Cinnamon): Studies suggest improved insulin sensitivity in overweight adults.
- Bromelain (Pineapple Core): Preliminary data indicates reduced abdominal bloating via protein digestion.
These compounds, supported by scientific evidence, explain why this tea is both enjoyable and effective for weight loss.
FAQs:
Does Costa Rican tea help you lose weight?
Yes! When used to replace sugary drinks, the combination of thermogenic spices, pineapple enzymes, and balanced hydration can help control calories and improve digestion, both of which contribute to weight loss.
What is the name of the tea that helps you lose weight?
Locals call it “té adelgazante tico”, but it’s often referred to as the Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss by international audiences.
Which homemade tea is best for weight loss?
Any herbal tea rich in digestion-friendly herbs and metabolism enhancers can help, but the Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss stands out for its research-supported ingredients and balanced flavor.

Conclusion:
The Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss is a simple yet effective addition to your wellness routine. It combines tropical flavors with thermogenic and digestive-enhancing ingredients to support weight loss, reduce bloating, and hydrate smarter. By incorporating this tea into your daily routine, you’ll not only boost your metabolism but also enjoy a refreshing, soothing drink that’s packed with health benefits.
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