Jasmine tea is a green tea enriched with jasmine flowers that give it a particularly charming aroma. But it's not just a question of scent. In fact, jasmine flowers work in synergy with the other active ingredients of green tea to offer a drink with truly unique health properties, let's find out!
Jasmine tea and its calming action
Jasmine is characterized by a calming action, relaxes the nervous system and muscles and calms anxiety and nervousness (Lis Balchin et al, Phytother Res, 2002). Jasmine scent, as well as lavender scent, has been shown to tone mood, to counteract depression, to reduce heart rate and to induce a sense of relaxation (Kuroda et al, Eur J Appl Physiol, 2005 - Yao et al, BMC Geriatr, 2021).
Jasmine tea for the heart
Drinking green and jasmine tea protects heart health. In fact, increased consumption of these drinks is associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attack and stroke (Chen et al, Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi, 2004). The antioxidants contained in jasmine tea, as well as in green tea, counteract the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol. This fact is noteworthy since the oxidation of LDL cholesterol is considered one of the main causes of the onset of atherosclerosis. Finally, polyphenols extracted from jasmine tea have clearly been shown to reduce circulating cholesterol (Chan et al, J Nutr, 1999).
Jasmine tea for airways health
Thanks to its antispasmodic action, jasmine calms coughs (Lis Balchin et al, Phytother Res, 2002).
Jasmine tea and anti-aging properties
Jasmine tea, as well as other varieties of green tea, is particularly rich in polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin 3 gallate, which is a substance with a powerful antioxidant and antitumor action (Wang et al , Cancer Epidemiol, 2013). In fact, regular consumption of tea rich in epigallocatechin 3 gallate has been shown to counteract the proliferation of diseased cells and to induce apoptosis, namely programmed death of the diseased cells (Wang et al, Cancer Epidemiol, 2013).
Jasmine tea against overweight
Green tea forms the basis of jasmine tea. Drinking green tea has been observed to help reduce body weight in the case of overweight and obesity. In fact, this type of tea increases energy expenditure by 5% and triglyceride breakdown by 10-16%, counteracts weight gain and helps maintain a healthy weight (Hursel et al, Int J Obes, 2010).
Jasmine tea for the brain
Jasmine tea is one of the tea varieties with the highest concentration of L theanine, which is a substance with a neuroprotective action and capable of stimulating cognitive function (Chen et al, Food Chem, 2012 ). L theanine has been shown to improve and support the synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus, which is one of the first brain regions to be affected by Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive performance even in situations of great stress (Hidese et al, Nutrients, 2019).
Jasmine tea for the microbiota
The intestinal microbiota is the set of bacteria that live in our intestine. A healthy and balanced microbiota supports digestion but also strengthens the immune system, counteracts depression, overweight and high blood sugar. The polyphenols contained in tea counteract the proliferation of bad bacteria and promote the formation of good bacteria with benefits for the health of the intestinal microbiota and therefore of the whole organism (Weisburger et al, Environ Health Prev Med, 2003).
How do you make jasmine tea?
You can buy jasmine tea in specialty stores and online. Bring the water to a temperature of about 70 °C, add the tea, in sachets or leaves, in this case a teaspoon per cup, leave to infuse for about ten minutes, then filter and drink. Avoid drinking jasmine tea in the evening to prevent the caffeine it contains from disturbing the quality of sleep.
