With ‘jasmine’ coming from a Persian word meaning ‘fragrant flower,’ we can only expect that the plant promises a lot of healthy benefits. In fact, the plant’s blossoms are added to dry tea leaves. That’s not all–one of the exceptional attributes of its flower is that it only opens at night. This is why unopened blossoms are used to prepare tea. Trust us, jasmine flowers make for some excellent tea!
The Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea
In addition to its unique taste, and aroma, jasmine tea possesses a number of health benefits. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Prevents Cancer
Some studies have suggested that the consumption of tea, such as jasmine tea, may actually prove helpful in preventing cancer. In fact, all the green teas made of jasmine are known to possess cancer-preventive elements, because they have polyphenols in them. These polyphenols defend the body against free radicals and other carcinogenic intruders in the body. They lower the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer, as well as stall the over-expression of harmful enzymes contained in cancerous tumors and cells.
Aids Weight Loss
With so many people wanting to lose weight these days, jasmine tea has proven to be an excellent addition to any diet. The antioxidant components in jasmine tea improves metabolism which in turn makes exercises more productive and helps the body to absolve nutrients faster. When metabolism happens faster, it aids weight loss. However, jasmine tea must be used along with other complementary weight loss techniques element, not as a sole solution.
Protects Heart Health
With regards to cardiovascular problems, jasmine tea can be very helpful in preventing more problems, especially for people with a history of heart-related issues. The catechins in jasmine tea are essential in blocking LDL-oxidation (“bad” cholesterol) in the arteries. This is because an inflammation of arteries and veins can result in heart attack or stroke. And so, the catechins in jasmine tea stop this oxidizing process to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Antibacterial Properties
Occasionally, jasmine tea is prepared by simply combining jasmine essential oil with tea buds. This provides protection against bacterial infections in the body, which makes jasmine tea a much-needed and safe antibiotic to include in your diet. Some studies have indicated jasmine oil properties are able to destroy the effects of E. coli in some test subjects, especially in dirty environments and poorly-preserved foods. Additionally, it provides relief from throat infections, cold, and cough.
Has Antioxidant Properties
Jasmine tea is well-known for its high level of antioxidants with the most notable being catechins. Since green tea is the most commonly base flavor used for jasmine tea, it contains various antioxidant properties. For instance, black tea is very rich in theaflavins, while green tea has high catechins levels.
Antioxidants function within the body to pick out and eliminate dangerous agents or free radicals that can lead to diseases and affect the immune system. Catechins are essential in inhibiting certain chronic diseases in the body.
Prevents Gastrointestinal Disorders
Incorporating jasmine tea into your usual diet can reduce the chances of stomach upsets, indigestion, and gastrointestinal cancers. As a matter of fact, the catechins found in jasmine tea can improve overall health, including that of the gastrointestinal system.
Alleviates Pain
One very important effects of jasmine tea is that it reduces serious discomfort linked to arthritis and joint pains. Its anti-inflammatory properties, especially in some organic elements can alleviate inflammation of joints by preventing undesired oxygenation of cells.
Relieves Stress
According to some studies, the aroma of jasmine can be very important to some test subjects. For some people, the aroma of jasmine helps their body release chemicals that improve mood and aid relaxation. However, not everyone likes the smell of jasmine. Some other studies have shown that for such people, the smell (when intense) can actually make them suffer anxiety.
Boosts Immune System
Sadly, there are several forms of cancer and carcinogenic diseases that have an immunosuppressive implication on the body. This means that the body’s immunity becomes compromised, making the body susceptible to pathogens that negatively affect the cancer treatment. Luckily, jasmine tea can protect the immune system because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Controls Diabetes
In combating diabetes, jasmine tea can be an effective tool. It has the ability to metabolize glucose, reverse the not-so-pleasant effect that diabetes has on some serum proteins, acts as a regulator for people struggling with diabetes, and as a preventive medication for those not diagnosed with diabetes.
The Side Effects of Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is generally safe and only a handful of side effects have been reported. In fact, currently, no serious side effects have been reported. Most of the few effects may be due to allergic reactions. However, here are few things to note.
Intestinal Discomfort
If you decide to consume jasmine tea in order to improve metabolism or as an additional weight loss technique, remember that it is highly acidic. Consuming jasmine tea on an empty stomach can result in some intestinal pain or discomfort.
Caffeine
Of course, it relaxes mood, but jasmine tea is a source of caffeine, a stimulant that has different effects on people. What caffeine does is to inhibit some neurotransmitters in the brain, which are responsible for boosting energy and alertness. However, because some people can be sensitive to the effects of large doses of caffeine, see your doctor before consuming jasmine tea.
Pregnancy
The strong chemicals and aroma (smell) of jasmine tea are not recommended for pregnant women. There have been reports of jasmine tea or essential oil causing premature contractions during pregnancy. It is, therefore, advisable to consult your doctor before including jasmine tea to your diet.
