Jasmine Tea Benefits and Side Effects

Few infusions are more floral, aromatic and irresistible than Jasmine Tea. In its most natural form, this beautiful flower has been admired for centuries.

When brewed into either Jasmine Green Tea, Jasmine White Tea or Jasmine Herbal Tea, it comes with extraordinary Jasmine Tea benefits. This article will explore some of its finest qualities, including the following:

These are just some of the questions we will be answering here. Once you know the facts, you can try Jasmine Tea, no matter the specific type, right here with us. The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company pack almost all of our products fresh to order.

This is our way of guaranteeing not only quality but also consistency with every cuppa brewed. Let’s now explore Jasmine Tea Health Benefits.

What is Jasmine Tea?

Jasmine (Jasminum) is a genus of shrubs and vines of the olive family (Oleaceae). There are many subspecies of the plant, including Jasminum officinale (Summer Jasmine), Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter Jasmine), Jasminum angustifolium, Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum tortuosum. This is to name but a few. There are an estimated two hundred others!

Jasmine grows in tropical and warm temperate regions of Eurasia and Oceania. However, most subspecies can adapt and climatise well, making them relatively versatile.

Despite this, all jasmine flowers need fertile, well-drained soil in full or partial sun. It’s at night, though, that this flower comes into its own. This is when it releases its unforgettable fragrance.

Many commercial products use jasmine flowers for their aroma. This includes soaps, shampoos, bath-bombs, lotions, perfumes, potpourris and, of course, Herbal Tea. Some choose to drink Jasmine Flowers as an infusion with no other additions.

The most famous varieties, however, include either Green or White Tea leaves, which requires a unique and intricate processing method.

In the early afternoons of June, July and August, workers carefully hand-pick jasmine buds when the sun is out, and the dew has evaporated.

The pickers are explicit as to which buds they bring back to the factory, making sure that each one is due to bloom that same evening. Workers then store the soon-to-be-flowers in a dry place until the right time draws close.

Finally, the blossoms open in the cool night air, releasing their signature scent. While this takes place, the workers place the flowers into basket trays. They then layer over Tea leaves for the “scenting” process.

After some hours, the Tea leaves underneath absorb the fragrance and distinct flavour of jasmine. The finished product is, quite simply, exquisite, offering delightfully floral notes with grassy undertones.

Jasmine Tea Origins

The history of Jasmine Flower Tea, as well as Jasmine Tea benefits, dates back thousands of years. Historians believe that brewing it to make infusions began in China, during which time it was reserved only for Royalty.

Before then, however, the flowers themselves came from Peria (modern-day Iran and Iraq), eventually travelling to Asia via trade routes.

Although Chinese Jasmine Tea first came into existence during the South-Song Dynasty (1127-1279 CE), it wasn’t until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that it became popular.

This was a period for all things floral. It’s no real surprise, then, that Jasmine Flower Tea became increasingly sought-after during this time. Now, of course, Jasmine Tea Health Benefits enthral millions around the world.

Jasmine Tea Nutrition and Calories

What is Jasmine Tea good for? When it comes to its remarkable nutritional value and remarkably low calories, the answer is “quite a lot”. Indeed, this beverage, without so-called “real” Tea leaves (from the Camellia sinensis plant), contains no more than five calories per 8-oz cup.

Even when you add Green or White Tea, in fact, it should have only a mere seven calories.

Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, the combination of Jasmine Flowers and Green or White Tea offers the following vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants:

Why Jasmine Tea is Good For You
Vitamin A	Vitamin B	Vitamin C
Vitamin D	Manganese	Caffeine
Calcium	Theanine	Potassium
Magnesium	Epigallocatechin Gallate	Zinc

Most scientists would agree that Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), in particular, has great potential to improve life in small yet significant ways.

Each chemical compound found in this infusion, though, can support your health and wellbeing in some way or another. We will be talking more about how and why below as we delve deep into the world of Jasmine Tea benefits.

Jasmine Tea Benefits

One of the primary ways that Jasmine Tea benefits your mind, body and soul is to do with its properties. We have already mentioned that EGCG, which exists in Green and White Jasmine Tea, is the constituent with the greatest ability to treat ailments.

This is because it’s the best at combating free radicals in the body, the product of natural, though often harmful, human oxidation. But what does this mean? 

Oxidative stress, as many recognise it, comes about through various environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and even sunlight.

When left unchecked, this process and the free radicals it introduces can cause untold damage, including increasing the risk of developing numerous chronic conditions. Jasmine Tea health benefits, on the other hand, essentially counter these effects.

Studies indicate that many blends made with Jasmine Flowers can combat heart disease, type-2 diabetes and even, in some cases, certain types of cancer.

There are also suggestions that it has anti-ageing properties, it can aid digestion, and it has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety. But that’s not all. Please keep reading to find out more.

Jasmine Green Tea for Heart Health

Looking after your cardiovascular system (in other words, your ticker) is one of the most vital things you can do. Already, we know that high diets in saturated fats and low physical activity are two of the leading contributors to increased cases of heart disease.

Smoking, too, has a significant influence, as does high blood pressure. Jasmine Green Tea benefits could help in the fight against these factors.

A meta-analysis of 13 Green Tea studies found that participants who frequently drank this infusion, scented or unscented, reduced the risk of coronary artery disease by 28%.

Furthermore, its catechins can inhibit LDL-oxidation, which is when “bad” cholesterol in your arteries gets inflamed. Please note, though, that the research in question is still in its preliminary stages.

Jasmine White Tea for Anti-Ageing Properties

White Jasmine Tea is the brew of choice when it comes to keeping your skin looking healthy, vibrant and youthful. This is according to a study published by BioMed Central, which involved scientists examining its effects on structural skin proteins called elastin and collagen.

When left unchecked, the breakdown of these proteins can lead to age-related wrinkles and sagging skin.

The research reads: “White Tea whole extract exhibits comparable anti-elastase activity to EGCG alongside very high collagenase [enzymes that break the peptide bonds in collagen] inhibition… [this] suggests additive or synergistic activity between the catechins within the Tea extract, particularly in the case of collagenase inhibition.”

In other words, the EGCG found in White Jasmine Tea protects our elastin and collagen, thus resulting in stronger, better skin. This is one of the reasons why you’ll find these two ingredients in various skincare products – as well as its Jasmine Tea anti-inflammatory properties.

But you don’t have to spend £90 for the latest cream. Just make a cup of this delicious, nutritious infusion.

Jasmine Herbal Tea for Improved Digestion

Jasmine Herbal Tea benefits have long been popular in Chinese restaurants. This is because of its antispasmodic properties, which can relieve indigestion and stomach cramps.

Some home remedies use Jasmine Flowers for the prevention of gastric ulcers, too, as well as to ease harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal system. We all know is that it’s an excellent choice before a meal.

It could get even better, though, if you add Green Tea leaves. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, USA, have the answers.

They discovered that EGCG (once again!) might help with colitis, an inflammatory disorder that disrupts digestive health. The same would likely apply to White Jasmine Tea due to the fact it contains even more EGCG than Green Tea.

Could it Help with Cancer?

A 2015 meta-analysis found that drinking a cup of Tea a day (no matter the type) reduced the risks of developing cancer by 2%. Those who drank the most Tea, on the other hand, had a 21% lower cancer risk than those who drank none.

Studies such as these continue to discover more regarding the potential of Jasmine Tea benefits for cancer. However, there remain some concerns.

It’s essential to note, first and foremost, that most research is still in its preliminary stages. As such, until we know more, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company does NOT endorse this Tea for this purpose.

Instead, we, like most people, await further evidence, which so far appears promising. Maybe one day, beverages such as Jasmine Tea could make a real difference.

What about Diabetes?

Statistics suggest that an estimated 4 million people, including those who’re currently undiagnosed, are living with diabetes in the UK alone. This represents around 6% of Britain’s population – or one in every sixteen people having diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed).

Could Jasmine Tea benefits be the answer? Not exactly. But they could, at the very least, offer a helping hand.

Animal studies have found that White Jasmine Tea, as well as any other type of White Tea, could balance blood sugar levels. Additionally, a Portuguese trial concluded that this beverage could be a safe and inexpensive strategy to prevent the adverse effects of diabetes on the cerebral cortex.

Once again, however, we ask you to exercise caution when using Jasmine Tea benefits for this reason.

Drink This Tea for Stress and Sleep

Both White and Jasmine Green Tea contain large quantities of L-theanine, an amino acid capable of reducing anxiety while promoting sleep.

It functions by increasing the body’s production of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin and dopamine. GABA, in particular, plays an essential role in behaviour, cognition and the body’s response to stress.

Serotonin and dopamine also have a similar effect, regulating emotions, mood and concentration. According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, L-theanine reduced anxiety in 104 participants experiencing stressful situations. Another study shows that it can increase relaxation without causing drowsiness.

Lose Weight with Jasmine Tea

We’ve already established that Jasmine Tea tends to have a maximum of seven calories per 8-oz cup. That isn’t a lot, as most people will know already, meaning it’s a great alternative to sugary and fizzy drinks.

But that’s not all this beverage can do. There is also significant evidence suggesting that it boosts the metabolism of fat cells, enabling the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently.

This ability ultimately results in periods of exercise producing better, indeed more noticeable, results. It’s worth noting, though, that your morning cuppa isn’t going to do all of the work for you.

If you’re serious about dropping those pesky pounds, it requires hard work, determination and perseverance. By all means, apply Jasmine Tea benefits to your daily life – but don’t give up the morning jog just yet.

Jasmine Tea Side Effects

There are few known health concerns when it comes to Jasmine Flower Tea. The caffeine in “real” Tea varieties, on the other hand, has some risks associated with them.

There have been reports, for instance, of it causing headaches, insomnia, irritability, diarrhoea and heartburn. Furthermore, when applied topically, there is a small chance it might cause skin irritation.

Although these symptoms are unlikely, it’s important to at least be aware of them before brewing up. If you experience any of these side effects, we recommend seeking medical consultation.

First and foremost, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Compare care about the welfare of its customers. We are here only to show, not endorse, any of the Jasmine Tea benefits you’ve read.

Is Jasmine Tea a Diuretic?

Is Jasmine Tea a diuretic? Let’s first start by understanding what this means. The phrase “Diuretic” refers to promoting the formation of urine.

This, in essence, enables someone to excrete excess water in several ways. (You can find out more in our “Is Tea a Diuretic” article).

As strange as it sounds, it has its benefits, including helping people with high blood pressure, heart failure, swollen tissues and kidney disease.

Jasmine Flowers by themselves have little capacity to expel urine other than the obvious way of keeping you hydrated. White and Green Tea leaves, on the other hand, do.

This is because of their caffeine content, although you might be better off choosing a more caffeinated infusion such as Black Tea. Why not browse our selection of Black Tea products and find one that suits your needs?

Jasmine Tea During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Moderation is key if you choose to drink Jasmine Tea, regardless of the specific type, while pregnant or breastfeeding. This is partly due to each one containing catechins, which could reduce your body’s ability to absorb iron from some foods.

The risk here is that, by having too much of this infusion, you’re potentially depriving your child of essential nutrients.

Caffeine, too, might negatively influence your baby. NHS Choices recommends that those who’re pregnant limit their caffeine intake to 200-mg daily. This is usually the equivalent of two cups of Coffee, four cups of Black Tea, five cups of Oolong, six cups of Green Tea and eight cups of White Tea.

With breastfeeding, on the other hand, most specialists consider Jasmine Tea safe to drink.

Conclusion

Jasmine Tea can be either a type of Herbal Tea or Flavoured Tea. The flower itself comes from Jasminum plant, which people have held in high regard for centuries.

Now, modern science indicates that this beverage offers Jasmine Tea benefits. When enjoyed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, it might promote weight loss, aid digestion and even reduce cancer risks. Why not buy it from us today?