• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Nutrition

The Top Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea, Including Antioxidant Activity

Beyond its floral aroma, jasmine tea has powerful health benefits.

Packed with antioxidants, jasmine tea not only delights your senses but can also support your overall well-being. Antioxidants in jasmine tea can support your heart health, weight management, and more.

In this article, we’ll explore how antioxidants in jasmine tea can help benefit your health.

How is Jasmine Tea Made?

Jasmine tea is made by infusing tea leaves with the fragrance from the buds of jasmine flowers.  

Green tea leaves are typically used. However, black or white tea is used in some jasmine tea varieties. 

The tea leaves are typically harvested in the early spring and stored until the jasmine flowers are ready to bloom in the summer when they are the most fragrant.

Once the jasmine blossoms, the green tea leaves undergo a process called scenting. During scenting, jasmine flowers are layered over tea leaves to allow them to absorb the fragrance.

After the scenting process, jasmine flowers are typically removed from the tea leaves.

Understanding Jasmine Tea and Oxidative Stress

One of the main health benefits of jasmine tea is its ability to combat oxidative stress. 

Oxidative stress is when harmful molecules called free radicals overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA. 

An increase in oxidative stress can lead to chronic health conditions and infection.

Jasmine green tea is rich in antioxidants like catechins and other polyphenols that fight oxidative stress directly. 

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) — known for its ability to combat free radicals and reduce oxidative damage — is the most powerful catechin in green tea. 

By neutralizing free radicals, EGCG protects against the cellular damage that causes oxidative stress.

The Potential Health Benefits of Jasmine Tea

Drinking jasmine tea offers a variety of additional health benefits due to its rich antioxidant benefits.

Improving heart health

The catechins in jasmine tea have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol). Low levels of LDL cholesterol helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

People who drink jasmine tea may also experience an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps to remove other types of bad cholesterol from the blood.

Helps with weight loss

Jasmine tea may aid in weight management by boosting your metabolism. EGCG in jasmine tea may enhance fat burning and increase metabolism — a bodily process that converts food into energy.

Following a balanced diet and leading an active lifestyle while adding jasmine tea to your routine may help support weight loss.

Boosts the immune system

Polyphenols in jasmine tea also have antibacterial properties, which may help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections. 

Antioxidants in jasmine tea can help the body fight off bacterial infections, colds, flu, and other illnesses. Catechins may reduce inflammation in the digestive tract that can lead to infections.

Additionally, vitamin C in jasmine tea may boost immune function so that you get sick less often.

Aids in digestion

Jasmine tea may improve digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Antibacterial properties in jasmine tea may also prevent gastrointestinal infections and alleviate bloating and indigestion.

Relieves stress

The calming fragrance of jasmine has long been used in aromatherapy to help ease stress and anxiety. 

Drinking jasmine tea can promote relaxation and improve mood. This makes jasmine tea a great choice for unwinding after a stressful day or enhancing mental clarity as the day starts.

Protects brain health

Jasmine tea has a small amount of caffeine and L-theanine, a natural compound found in tea. Caffeine and L-theanine help improve brain function by enhancing alertness and concentration.

Antioxidants in jasmine tea may protect the brain from neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.

Promotes oral hygiene

Polyphenols in jasmine tea may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria responsible for plaque formation and tooth decay. 

The catechins in jasmine tea may also help reduce odor by killing bacteria that causes bad breath.

Regularly drinking jasmine tea can promote better oral hygiene, but be careful to only drink it in moderation. Drinking too much jasmine tea can stain your teeth over time.

Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes

Drinking jasmine tea may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.  Low insulin sensitivity is a sign your body is not transporting glucose easily through the blood. It can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The polyphenols in jasmine tea may also reduce inflammation associated with insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders.

Enhances skin health

Antioxidants in jasmine tea may protect the skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of jasmine tea can also soothe skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Some topical skincare products feature jasmine and green tea extract for these benefits, but drinking the tea may also help enhance the skin’s overall appearance.

The Caffeine Content in Jasmine Tea

The amount of caffeine  in jasmine tea depends on the type of base tea used. The jasmine flower itself doesn’t contain caffeine. Jasmine green tea has less caffeine than black tea (around 50 mg) and significantly less caffeine than coffee (95 mg per cup).

Caffeine provides a gentle energy boost to enhance alertness and concentration without the jittery effects you may experience with coffee. 

Be careful not to consume too much jasmine tea if you have a caffeine sensitivity. Jasmine, green, and white teas often have less caffeine than and black and oolong tea.

When making your tea at home, shorter brewing times and lower temperatures can help reduce caffeine levels in jasmine tea while still preserving its aromatic qualities.

Nutrients in Jasmine Tea

A cup of jasmine tea 8 oz (ounces) brewed without any additives like sugar, milk, or honey contains zero:

• Calories

• Fat 

• Sodium

• Carbohydrates

• Sugar

• Protein

Since jasmine tea has no calories, it can be consumed freely without contributing to your daily calorie intake. It provides a satisfying and hydrating alternative to sugary sources of caffeine.

Drinks with a lot of added sugars can contribute to health like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Jasmine tea is an ideal beverage to enjoy while following certain diet plans. It’s suitable for people on low-carb or ketogenic diets looking to lower their sugar and carbohydrate intake.

How To Make Jasmine Tea

Preparing jasmine tea properly ensures that you get the best flavor and health benefits from the beverage. 

Ingredients needed to brew a cup of jasmine tea include:

• Loose-leaf jasmine tea or jasmine tea bags

• Water

• Optional add-ins like honey or lemon

You can prepare jasmine tea by following these steps:

1. Boil water: The ideal water temperature for jasmine tea depends on the type of tea used. For jasmine green or white tea, heat the water at a temperature of 170°F to 180°F (75°C to 80°C).

2. Measure the tea: Measure about one tablespoon of loose-leaf jasmine tea or one tea bag per eight ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the amount depending on your taste preference.

3. Steep the tea: Pour the hot water over the leaves or bag in a teapot or cup. Let it steep for two to four minutes.

4. Strain and serve: If using loose-leaf tea, strain the tea leaves or remove the tea infuser. Jasmine tea is typically enjoyed on its own, but you can add honey for sweetness or lemon for a citrusy twist.

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