Jasmine green tea is a blend of traditional green tea leaves with jasmine blossoms to produce a richer flavor and, potentially, to enhance the tea's health benefits. While there may be some positive benefits associated with certain teas, it is important to not use tea as a substitute for prescribed medication. Additionally, green tea could cause some medications, such as blood thinner, to stop working. Always discuss your tea habits with your physician.
Cardiovascular Benefits
The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, notes that green tea may reduce the onset or severity of atherosclerosis, a medical condition characterized by plaque in the arteries. If untreated, atherosclerosis can lead to serious or even fatal heart complications. Despite studies indicating a potential link between habitual green tea ingestion and reduced atherosclerosis, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, prohibits tea manufacturers from marketing their products based on this evidence, as of 2006. According to the FDA, further research is necessary to confirm preliminary findings.
Blood Pressure
A study at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2000 analyzed jasmine green tea for specific health benefits related to arterial function. The researchers extracted compounds called "epicatechins" from jasmine green tea for use in rat testing. They sought to determine the effect of this tea on muscles of the arteries and functioning of the aorta, the body's largest artery. The study concluded that, at least in rats, the jasmine green tea extracts successfully relaxed constricted arteries. According to a November 2005 article in Medical News Today, blood vessel constriction can lead to hypertension. More evidence is needed, but this finding supports the potential benefits of jasmine green tea for blood pressure control.
Anti-Cancer
According to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, laboratory research suggest promising evidence that green tea could inhibit growth of cancerous tumors. However the NIH notes that clinical trials do not yet show overwhelming evidence of this property in humans. A division of the NIH, the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, is monitoring additional research on green tea to determine its indication for cancer treatment. You should not use jasmine green tea or other green tea variants as a replacement for prescribed therapies and medication.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, is a condition characterized by pain and bloating in the colon. According to the UMMC, green tea may help reduce inflammation of two types of IBD, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. UMMC further notes that if this tea does in fact offer anti-cancer properties, this further benefits patients with IBD as they are at higher risk for colon cancer. While it cannot hurt to try jasmine green tea for alleviating your IBD symptoms, it should not replace other medications or physician advice in treating your condition.
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