LOS ANGELES — University of California scientists have connected the effects of drinking black tea to weight loss in mice.

The study was published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

Over a period of 4 weeks, three groups of mice were fed high-fat, high-sugar diets and compared to a group was given a low-fat, high-sugar diet. Two of the high-fat, high-sugar groups' diets were supplemented with black and green tea."

After the 4 weeks scientists found that weight among the mice who consumed tea had lowered to the same level as those on a low-fat, high-sugar diet.

Analysis of intestinal samples revealed both black and green tea lessened bacteria associated with obesity and increased bacteria associated with lean muscle mass.

Green tea was also shown to be easily absorbed by the liver, while black tea was found to stay in the intestine and help build bacteria that help with metabolism.