The Health Benefits of Herbal Tea: The Facts (and the Fiction!)

Herbal Teas and Their Benefits

It's not uncommon to hear people discussing the health benefits of drinking herbal tea. However, particularly for those who have yet to sample any, a small dose of healthy scepticism is very understandable. After all, there are a huge number of health products available on the market, and knowing which ones genuinely live up to their lofty claims can feel exceptionally tricky at times!

Clear evidence was discovered that consuming around three cups of tea per day significantly reduced the risk of getting heart disease

The Best Herbal Tea

So, the important question is: What are the facts when it comes to herbal tea? What do the experts say and what does medical research conclude? Here is a brief (and hopefully useful) guide to the acknowledged health benefits of drinking herbal tea.

Herbal Tea: Dispelling the Myths and Providing the Facts

Here a few of the most common benefits of herbal tea, and a few misconceptions that always crop up. 

1. Tea has a dehydrating effect? Common opinion has always suggested that tea has naturally dehydrating qualities, and that water offers far better health benefits in terms of rehydration. However, in 2006, a report was officially issued by the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (a peer assessed international publication held in wide regard by medical practices across the world) that tea actually hydrates just as effectively as water does.One less thing to worry about when you’re next brewing up a cup of your favourite herbal tea…
2. Lowering the risk of heart disease? Recently, studies undertaken at Kings College, London have focused on the health benefits of indulging in a cup of tea during the day. Their findings were nothing short of fascinating. Clear evidence was discovered that consuming around three cups of tea per day significantly reduced the risk of getting heart disease, and subsequently suffering a heart attack. Time to get the kettle on, we think!
3. Reducing the risk of cancer? Before you get excited, research on this one is still very much in the formative stages. However, it’s undeniable that in countries where tea, in particular, Green herbal tea is consumed (such as Japan), cancer rates are very low indeed. At present, according to studies at the University of Maryland, it’s been tentatively suggested that there may be links between the polyphenols found in tea, and the prevention of cancer cells forming.
4. Controlling blood sugar levels? This one is certainly based on pretty conclusive factual evidence. Herbal teas, in particular green teas, have long been used to help control blood sugar levels, making them extremely helpful for sufferers of Type 1 Diabetes. Even for those who don’t suffer with this condition, herbal teas can help balance blood sugar levels, and help you avoid those unpleasant ‘energy dips’ throughout the day.

“1.5 to 2 litres per day and that can include tea. Tea is not dehydrating. It’s a healthy drink.”

The Official Expert Opinion?

According to Claire Williamson (British Nutrition Foundation), the official recommendation in terms of fluid consumption throughout the day is “1.5 to 2 litres per day and that can include tea. Tea is not dehydrating. It’s a healthy drink.”

This is, of course, a very general review of the benefits of herbal teas as a whole. It doesn’t take into account the numerous health benefits associated with drinking certain types of herbal tea, including Lemongrass, Oolong, Galangal and Indian Gooseberry, just to name a few.

However, with the official medical recommendation stating clearly that tea has a whole host of health benefits, the great fun is trying as many different kinds as you can! Happy drinking!