Do you enjoy sipping a hot, steaming cup of jasmine green tea? When you sip tea made from the leaves of this herbal flowering plant, you’re doing more than pleasing your taste buds. It seems the leaves from this flower have benefits that go beyond their pleasant aroma and sweet taste. What are the health benefits of jasmine tea?
Cancer prevention
Research in animals shows jasmine slows the growth of cancer cells. One study carried out in rats showed jasmine offered chemoprotection against breast tumors, while another showed benefits against prostate cancer. In fact, Israeli researchers have developed an anti-cancer drug using Jasmonate, a component from the jasmine plant that helps protect the plant against injury.
Researchers discovered this drug derived from the jasmine plant inhibits the action of an enzyme called hexokinase that allows cancer cells to grow and prosper — without harming normal cells. They’re hoping that a form of this drug might one day be used with cancer chemotherapy drugs to help them work more efficiently.
Anxiety relief
In a study carried out in Japan, 24 volunteers who smelled the aroma of jasmine tea felt calmer and more sedate. In addition, their heart rates dropped significantly as they became calmer and more relaxed. Due to its calming effect, jasmine may also have blood pressure-lowering benefits. The aroma of jasmine would certainly have fewer side effects than the majority of anti-anxiety medications!
Reduction in cholesterol
A study on hamsters showed that green tea catechins extracted from jasmine green tea lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels when the animals ate a high-fat diet. More studies are needed to see if this holds true for humans, too. If so, jasmine green tea could benefit people with a fatty diet.
Anti-bacterial properties
A study carried out at Kansas State University showed jasmine tea blocks the growth of some types of bacteria that can cause food-borne illnesses such as Salmonella and Listeria. Therefore, jasmine could have applications in the food industry where a natural means of killing bacteria that cause food poisoning is needed.
How can you enjoy the taste and health benefits of jasmine tea? Next time you’re at your favorite health food store or natural food market, look for jasmine green tea. To create this blend, jasmine petals are mixed with green tea leaves. Blending green tea leaves with jasmine gives the tea a slightly sweet taste and a fragrant aroma — a pleasant alternative to plain green tea. One caveat — if you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor before drinking jasmine tea.
The bottom line
Who would have thought a delicious cup of jasmine tea would have so many potential health benefits? This is one tea you’ll want to consider adding to your teacup.
