Dating back to the 5th century, jasmine green tea benefits have been known and taken advantage of. It has a delicious flavor profile that is beloved by many. Infusing the blossoms of jasmine plants with green tea leaves, this drink features a subtle, sweet, and floral aroma. And of course, there are numerous jasmin green tea benefits supporting both mental and physical health.
Just like traditional green tea, jasmine tea combats a wide variety of severe illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it does wonders for both the immune system and skin health, but those benefits are only the tip of the iceberg. Keep reading to discover all the ways jasmine tea supports a mom’s health and wellness.
Disclaimer: All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any health or nutritional information obtained is accurate.
What is Jasmine Green Tea?
Jasmine tea became popular during the Ming Dynasty, and it remains one of the most popular teas throughout China to this day. As the name suggests, jasmine green tea is an herbal drink that is scented with jasmine blossoms (either common jasmine or Sampaguita). And while it most commonly uses green tea bags as a base, some people prefer to prepare it with black or white tea.
Because the jasmine blossoms simply enhance an existing tea, jasmine tea is generally considered a flavored or scented tea. While the exact flavor profile varies from batch to batch, this type of tea is often described as having a delicate, subtle taste with notes of sweet florals and a fresh finish.
The Top Jasmine Green Tea Benefits for Health
Read on to explore the potential benefits of jasmine green tea for moms:
1. Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Jasmine green tea is bursting with powerful, plant-based antioxidants known as polyphenols. If you didn’t already know, polyphenols protect your cells against damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to heart disease and certain types of cancer. One of those polyphenols is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has a very positive effect on the body because of its anti-inflammatory and blood-lipid-lowering effects that support heart health. Additionally, EGCG supports weight loss and improves blood sugar control.
2. Supports Weight Loss
One study suggests that drinking green tea — which is often the base of jasmine tea — increases one’s metabolism by 4% to 5% and increases one’s fat-burning ability by 10% to 16%. And as you probably know, a faster metabolic rate means your body is able to process nutrients and macronutrients faster, aiding in weight loss. Of course, jasmine green tea is also naturally sweet, which helps curb sugar cravings.
3. Prompts Glowing Skin
Botanical beauty has been around for quite a while – and for good reason! Legend has it that jasmine petals have deep cleansing properties, supporting the skin’s natural healing process. Additionally, the polyphenols found in green tea encourage healthy aging, as they protect against free radical damage.
4. Protects Your Heart
Preliminary studies suggest that tea polyphenols prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidizing, which is a process associated with an elevated risk of heart disease. Why? Well, oxidized LDL cholesterol is more likely to stick to the artery walls and form plaque, clogging blood vessels.
5. Boosts Brain Function
There are several reasons why one of the major jasmine tea benefits is cognitive health. Firstly, one cup of jasmine tea contains 15 to 60 mg of caffeine. And as some of you already know, caffeine stimulates the nervous system by blocking the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine (which signals your body to relax). Caffeine also enhances brain function and releases mood-boosting enhancers like dopamine and serotonin.
In addition to its caffeine content, jasmine green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which prompts the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Essentially, GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that ushers you into a relaxed and attentive state.
6. Supports Oral Health
Another one of the jasmine green tea benefits is its ability to support oral health. How so? Well, green tea is jam-packed with catechins, which are polyphenols known for killing the plaque-forming bacteria causing tooth decay. Additionally, certain studies suggest that green tea consumption combats bad breath by reducing the amount of odor-causing bacteria.
7. Prevents Cancer
Thanks to its high concentration of powerful antioxidants, jasmine tea reduces free radical damage and might have cancer-fighting properties. Specifically, preliminary research found that polyphenols reduce tumor size, suppress the growth and spread of cancerous cells, and even prompt the death of cancer cells.
On a similar note, a study found that drinking ten cups of jasmine green tea daily (which is equivalent to about 1.2 liters) reduced the recurrence of colon cancer cells by 51.6%. Additionally, consuming green tea has also been linked to a lower risk of breast and prostate cancer.
8. Supports Digestive Health
Numerous studies continue to link gut health to mental health. And researchers have found that the enteric nervous system (which is essentially another brain located within our digestive system) triggers emotional shifts when experiencing gut problems (like irritable bowel syndrome).
Lucky for us, the polyphenols contained in green tea act as prebiotics to help nourish our microbiome (which consequentially supports our mental well-being). And of course, green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties do wonders for digestive health.
9. Offers Stress Relief
Conceptual association teaches us that our emotional reactions are guided by sensory information. And this herbal tea stimulates both taste and smell. Studies have shown that the perfumed odor of jasmine tea triggers a parasympathetic response, which signals our bodies to relax. And because it helps our bodies unwind, it has the potential to lower our heart rates and reduce muscle tension.
Another study suggests that green tea increases the “feel good” chemical GABA, which has mood-boosting effects. Not only that, but the L-theanine found in green tea supports a healthy stress response, which maximizes relaxation and encourages proper sleep.
10. Lowers Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common variant of the disease, occurring whenever your body is unable to use insulin effectively. (Insulin is a hormone that transfers sugar from your blood to your cells.) However, a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes is yet another one of the jasmine green tea benefits.
The EGCG found in jasmine green tea helps your body use insulin effectively and reduces your blood sugar levels. Specifically, an analysis of 17 studies concluded that green tea consumption significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and insulin levels.
11. Protects Against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
By now, you know that green tea contains EGCG, which is a compound that suppresses inflammation and reduces free radical damage. However, what you might not know is that those are two key factors associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Preliminary studies suggest that EGCG prevents the proteins in the brain from misfolding and clumping, which reduces your risk for both diseases.
In addition, a review of eight studies found that people who regularly consume green tea had a 15% lower risk of Parkinson’s disease than those who did not. An analysis of 26 studies revealed that daily consumption of teas containing high amounts of EGCG resulted in a 35% lower risk of brain disorders – including Alzheimer’s.
12. Improves the Immune System
Like many teas, jasmine tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support the immune system and protect against illnesses (like the common cold or flu). And of course, jasmine tea also contains ample vitamins and minerals that boost immune health. Therefore, a mug of jasmine tea offers tremendous relief for upset stomachs, and it delivers those vital fluids needed to kick colds to the curb.
13. Alleviates Aches and Pains
The anti-inflammatory properties of jasmine green tea help alleviate aches and pains associated with joint discomfort and arthritis. A study conducted by the American Academy of Rheumatology determined that the EGCG found in green tea leaves can block painful inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis – without any negative side effects.
Is Jasmine Tea Safe for Pregnancy?
Good news! Pregnant women can also enjoy the many marvelous benefits of jasmine tea. However, make sure to limit your consumption, as pregnant women shouldn’t consume more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. If you want to decrease jasmine green tea’s caffeine content, opt for tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea, or brew it for a shorter amount of time.
Healthy Homemade Jasmine Green Tea
If you’re considering trying jasmine green tea, the best way to do that is a healthy homemade recipe. By making it at home, you can avoid any unwanted sweeteners, preservatives, or other additives. This is a simple beverage and you can customize it however you like. This simple recipe can be expanded on or enjoyed as is.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon white tea (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 teaspoons green tea leaves (high in antioxidants)
- 2 teaspoons jasmine blossoms (for floral aroma)
- 1 teaspoon jasmine flower petals (for fragrance)
- 1 cup hot water
- Fresh jasmine flowers for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Tea Base:
In a teapot or heatproof pitcher, combine the white tea (if using), green tea leaves, and jasmine blossoms.
2. Heat Water:
Bring 1 cup of water to a temperature just below boiling. Boiling water can burn the tea leaves and affect the taste.
3. Steeping:
Pour the hot water over the tea mixture in the pot. Cover and let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Steeping too long can make the tea bitter.
4. Strain:
After steeping, strain the tea to remove the tea leaves and blossoms. This can be done using a tea strainer or by pouring through a fine-mesh sieve.
5. Serve:
Pour the freshly brewed jasmine green tea into a cup.
6. Garnish (optional):
Garnish with fresh jasmine flowers for an extra touch of fragrance and beauty.
The Benefits of Making Homemade Jasmine Green Tea
Making homemade tea has several advantages over buying store-bought varieties. Here are some reasons why it’s often best to make your own tea:
Quality Control:
Homemade tea ensures that you’re using fresh ingredients, especially if you’re using loose leaf tea. Store-bought teas can sometimes sit on shelves for a long time, leading to a loss in flavor and aroma.
Control over Ingredients:
When making your own tea, you have full control over what goes into your cup. You can choose high-quality tea leaves, fresh herbs, and spices without any additives or preservatives.
Health Benefits:
Nutrient Retention
Homemade teas retain more of their beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Store-bought teas may lose some of these properties over time or due to processing.
Customization
Making tea at home allows you to customize it to your health needs and preferences. You can add specific herbs or ingredients known for their health benefits, like ginger for digestion or mint for a refreshing twist.
Cost Savings
While initial investments in tea-making equipment may be needed, in the long run, making your own tea can be more cost-effective than buying individual tea bags or pre-made blends.
Satisfaction and Ritual
Making tea at home can be a calming and enjoyable ritual. The process of selecting, brewing, and savoring your tea can be a mindful activity.
In essence, making homemade tea offers greater control over quality, health benefits, flavor, and customization. It can be a rewarding and enjoyable process that leads to a more satisfying cup of tea tailored to your preferences. While store-bought teas are convenient, the benefits of homemade tea often outweigh the convenience factor.
The Bottom Line
As you can see there are many jasmine green tea benefits that justify adding it to your beverage rotation. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a stressful day or give your immune system a gentle boost, jasmine green tea is the ideal solution.
Want more nutrition guides like this one? Head to the Food & Nutrition section of our website.
