You can incorporate jasmine tea into your daily diet as a simple and healthy drink. You can enjoy it from a tea bag, loose leaves, or in pearl form. The sweet and aromatic essence of jasmine flowers infuses jasmine tea, making it a special kind of tea.
The base for this beverage is usually green tea, although on occasion, black or white tea is utilized instead.
During tea storage, adding common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) or sampaguita (Jasminum sambac) blossoms alongside tea leaves, or blending them with stored tea, results in the infusion of their captivating aroma.
Typically derived from green tea leaves, jasmine tea offers many of the same health benefits as green tea.
Benefits of Jasmine Tea for Your Health
There are 7 compelling reasons why consuming jasmine tea can greatly benefit your overall health.
1. Help weight loss
Researchers have found that drinking jasmine tea can potentially aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism. Multiple studies have indicated that green tea, which is commonly used as the base for jasmine tea, can increase metabolism by 4–5% and enhance fat burning by 10–16%.
Although a 4-5% increase may appear minimal, it could result in burning an additional 70–100 calories daily.
Jasmine tea’s caffeine content and the presence of the polyphenol EGCG contribute to its fat-burning properties. These compounds may work together to further enhance the tea’s ability to burn fat.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Strong plant-based compounds called polyphenols, found in abundance in jasmine tea, act as antioxidants in the body and protect cells from free radical damage. Research has established a connection between free radical damage and the development of heart disease and various forms of cancer.
Green tea, the source of jasmine tea, contains a high concentration of polyphenols known as catechins. Green tea contains a specific catechin known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is particularly potent and associated with numerous benefits such as aiding in weight loss, enhancing blood sugar control, and promoting heart and oral health.
Furthermore, green tea catechins, including EGCG, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to lower blood lipid levels. These effects have the potential to lower the risk of heart disease.
3. Protect your heart
Researchers have found that jasmine tea, rich in polyphenols, may protect against heart disease. Studies conducted on animals and in test tubes have shown that tea polyphenols can help prevent the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, a process that can increase the risk of heart disease. This may cause blood vessels to narrow or become blocked.
Furthermore, various other studies have indicated a connection between tea consumption and a decreased risk of heart disease. For example, an analysis of five studies revealed that individuals who consumed 3 cups (710 ml) or more of green or black tea daily had an average 21% lower risk of heart disease.
Another study demonstrated that those who drank 1–3 cups (237–710 ml) of green tea per day had a 19% lower risk of heart attacks and a 36% reduced risk of strokes compared to those who consumed less than 1 cup (237 ml) daily.
4. Improve brain function
Jasmine tea possesses various qualities that may enhance cognitive function.
Primarily, it includes 15–60 mg of caffeine per cup (237 ml); the amount varies based on the duration of steeping the tea leaves and the type of tea used.
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system by inhibiting adenosine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals between the brain and body. Typically, adenosine promotes relaxation.
Moreover, caffeine boosts brain function, aiding in the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
Overall, this combination promotes alertness and energy and enhances short-term memory.
Furthermore, jasmine tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that triggers the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that induces a relaxed and focused state.
When consumed together, L-theanine and caffeine seem to have a more significant impact on improving brain function.
5. Promotes oral health
Commonly made from green tea, jasmine tea contains catechins known for their potential to combat tooth decay. These catechins, a type of polyphenol, have the ability to eliminate plaque-forming bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, thus helping to protect against cavities.
Research conducted on 15 individuals revealed that a solution containing green tea catechins prevented Streptococcus mutans from producing acid when applied to the teeth. This is significant because excessive acid production can lead to erosion of tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth.
Furthermore, another study involving 30 participants found that using a mouthwash based on green tea catechins for a duration of one week was equally effective in reducing dental plaque as an antiseptic mouthwash.
Furthermore, certain studies suggest that jasmine tea may also help combat bad breath by reducing the presence of odor-causing bacteria.
6. Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
Diabetes affects over 422 million people worldwide. Type 2 diabetes is the most common and occurs when the body is unable to efficiently use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that aids in transferring sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. Green tea, the source of jasmine tea, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It consists of EGCG, a compound that could enhance insulin utilization in the body and decrease blood sugar levels.
A review of 17 studies involving 1,133 participants demonstrated that the consumption of green tea notably decreased fasting blood sugar and insulin levels. Furthermore, an analysis of 12 studies encompassing more than 760,000 individuals revealed that consuming 3 cups (710 ml) or more of tea daily was associated with a 16% reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes.
7. Reduce risk of certain cancers
High levels of antioxidants in jasmine tea can reduce the harm free radicals cause and may even have anti-cancer effects.
Various studies conducted on animals and in test tubes have shown that polyphenols, such as ECGC found in green tea, have the ability to reduce the size of tumors, induce cancer cell death, and inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.
A comprehensive review found that in both animal and test-tube research, green tea polyphenols halted the growth and spread of bladder cancer cells and triggered cancer cell death. However, the results of human studies on green tea polyphenols and bladder cancer have been inconsistent.
Furthermore, a study discovered that consuming 10 cups of green tea per day, equivalent to 40.6 ounces or 1.2 liters, along with green tea extract tablets, reduced the recurrence of colon cancer cells by 51.6% in individuals with colon cancer.
Furthermore, reliable sources have linked drinking green tea to a lower risk of prostate and breast cancer.
Despite the promising results, more high-quality human studies specifically examining the effects of jasmine tea on cancer risk are required before making any firm recommendations.
Safety and side effects
In general, jasmine tea is known for its numerous health benefits and minimal side effects.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that jasmine tea does contain caffeine, which can potentially cause certain issues for certain individuals. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, jitters, and digestive problems.
For pregnant women, it is advisable to limit their caffeine intake, as it may increase the risk of miscarriage.
Additionally, jasmine tea contains catechins, which have the potential to hinder the absorption of iron from food in the body. In large quantities, catechins may also increase the risk of iron-deficiency anemia.
However, it is important to highlight that these concerns primarily apply to individuals who are already at risk of iron deficiency, such as pregnant women, young children, and those with dietary restrictions.
You should drink jasmine tea between meals rather than with them if you are at risk of iron deficiency. Alternatively, waiting at least an hour after eating before drinking the tea can be beneficial.
The bottom line
Green or black tea leaves are the source of jasmine tea, which is renowned for its high antioxidant content and numerous health benefits. Consuming jasmine tea regularly has been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, it can aid in weight loss, enhance oral health, and improve cognitive function. Incorporating jasmine tea into your daily routine is a simple and enjoyable way to take advantage of its many health benefits.
