Jasmine tea is a popular beverage that offers a range of potential health benefits. The tea is made by infusing green tea leaves with jasmine flowers, resulting in a fragrant and flavourful brew that is both soothing and invigorating.
In this article, you will read about Jasmine tea benefits along with the process of making Jasmine tea.
How is Jasmine Tea Made?
Jasmine tea is a flavoured tea made by blending green tea leaves with jasmine flowers. The process of making jasmine tea involves several steps.
First, freshly picked jasmine flowers are to be gathered early in the morning when the flowers are still closed. After that, the flowers should be kept till dusk in a cool location. When night falls, the flowers begin to open and release their fragrance.
At this point, the flowers are mixed with green tea leaves and the tea is left to absorb the scent of the jasmine flowers overnight. The tea absorbs the delicate aroma of the jasmine flowers, giving it a unique and distinct flavour.
The following day, the jasmine flowers are removed from the tea leaves and the tea is dried to prevent spoilage. The leaves may then be rolled and shaped into various forms such as balls or pearls and packaged for sale.
When brewed, jasmine tea produces a light yellow-green colour and has a floral aroma and a slightly sweet taste. It is a popular beverage in China and other parts of Asia and is known for its calming and soothing properties.
Nutritional Value of Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is a healthy beverage that offers several nutritional benefits. Here are some of the nutritional values of jasmine tea:
- Antioxidants
Jasmine tea is a rich source of antioxidants that help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. These antioxidants may also help to lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Polyphenols
Jasmine tea contains polyphenols which are natural compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Catechins
Jasmine tea also contains catechins which are a type of antioxidant that has been shown to have several health benefits. Some of the best benefits include reducing the risk of heart disease, improving brain function, and aiding in weight loss.
- Low in Calories
Jasmine tea is a low-calorie beverage – an excellent option for those looking to manage their weight.
- Hydration
Drinking jasmine tea can help keep the body hydrated, which is important for maintaining overall health and well-being.
On average, a cup of jasmine tea (8 fluid ounces or 240ml) brewed from loose tea leaves without any added sugar or milk contains:
- Calories: 0-2
- Total fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total carbohydrates: 0-1g
- Protein: 0g
It’s worth noting that adding sugar or milk to jasmine tea can significantly increase its calorie and carbohydrate content. If you’re looking to maximise the nutritional benefits of jasmine tea, it’s best to drink it plain or with a small amount of honey or lemon juice.
Jasmine Tea Benefits for Health
Here are some of the potential health jasmine benefits:
- Reducing the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Jasmine tea is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. By neutralising free radicals, the antioxidants in jasmine tea may help to reduce the risk of these diseases.
- Improving Heart Health
The polyphenols and catechins in jasmine tea have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve blood vessel function, all of which can help to improve heart health. For example, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that drinking green tea, which is similar to jasmine tea, was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
- Boosting Immune Function
The polyphenols in jasmine tea may strengthen the immune system by neutralising harmful molecules and improving the function of immune cells. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that green tea, which is similar to jasmine tea, can help boost the activity of immune cells.
- Promoting Relaxation and Reducing Stress
The scent of jasmine has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making jasmine tea a popular choice for relaxation and stress relief. A study published in the Journal of Health Research found that the scent of jasmine tea helped to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
- Aiding in Digestion
Some studies have shown that jasmine tea may help to improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut, making it beneficial for those with digestive issues. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found that green tea, which is similar to jasmine tea, can help to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve gut health.
Jasmine tea is a healthy beverage that offers several potential health benefits. However, it’s important to note that these benefits are based on limited scientific research, and more studies are needed to fully understand the effects of jasmine tea on human health.
Conclusion
Research suggests that jasmine tea may help to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss. Additionally, the tea contains antioxidants, which may help to protect against cellular damage and support overall health and well-being.
However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of jasmine tea, and the effects may vary depending on the individual.
