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, many health products are 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 critical question is: What are the facts about herbal tea? What do the experts say, and what does medical research conclude? Here is a brief (hopefully helpful) guide to the acknowledged health benefits of drinking herbal tea.

Herbal Tea: Dispelling the Myths and Providing the Facts

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

1. Does tea have a dehydrating effect? Common opinion has always suggested that tea has naturally dehydrating qualities and that water offers far better health benefits in rehydration. However, in 2006, a report officially issued by the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (a peer-assessed international publication held in wide regard by medical practices worldwide) that tea hydrates just as effectively as water does. One less thing to worry about when you’re subsequently brewing up a cup of your favourite herbal tea…
2. Were they lowering the risk of heart disease? Studies at Kings College, London, have recently 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 heart disease and subsequently suffering a heart attack. Time to get the kettle on, we think!
3. Is it 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 cancer rates are meagre in countries where tea, mainly green herbal tea, is consumed (such as Japan). Currently, according to studies at the University of Maryland, it’s been suggested that there may be links between the polyphenols found in tea and the prevention of cancer cells forming.
4. Are they controlling blood sugar levels? This one is undoubtedly 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 people with Type 1 Diabetes. Even for those who don’t suffer from 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 for 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. It doesn’t consider the numerous health benefits associated with drinking certain types of herbal tea, including Lemongrass, Oolong, Galangal and Indian Gooseberry, to name a few.

However, with the official medical recommendation stating that tea has many health benefits, the great fun is trying as many different kinds as possible! Happy drinking!