Jasmine green tea is a light, flowery tasting beverage that is calorie-free and very beneficial to your health. The tea contains about 5 to 10 percent of the caffeine in one cup of coffee. Research indicates that jasmine green tea can help cure and prevent a variety of ailments while pleasing and soothing your senses with its fragrant flavor.
EGCG
All green teas contain a compound called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, that has been linked to cancer prevention. A study conducted by Hirota Fujiki and published in May 2005 in "The Chemical Record" found that the consumption of 10 Japanese-size cups of green tea each day is effective in preventing cancer recurrence for cancer patients who have finished their treatments. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have also shown EGCG's ability to kill leukemia cancer cells.
Catechins
Green tea contains a type of antioxidant called catechins. These are powerful substances that neutralize the free radicals in the body that can damage DNA and cause cancer. Catechins can also help prevent blood clots and atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries harden.
Green Tea and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
A study conducted in 2006 and published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" journal concluded that consuming green tea is associated with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes. A 2004 study published in the "BMC Pharmacology" journal also concluded that green tea supported glucose metabolism in humans and decreased blood glucose levels in diabetic mice.
Sedative Benefits of Jasmine
A study published in the October 2005 issue of the "European Journal of Applied Physiology" found that the odor of jasmine tea acts as a gentle sedative. Participants exposed to the jasmine odor experienced decreased heart rates and calm mood states. Research indicates that jasmine calms your autonomic nervous system and has a positive sedative effect on your mood.
References
- "Green Tea: Health Benefits and Applications"; Yukihiko Hara; 2001
- "The Chemical Record": Green Tea: Health Benefits as Cancer Preventive for Humans
- Mayo Clinic: Tea: Enjoy a Cup for Health and Pleasure
- Science Daily: Mayo Clinic Researchers Discover Green Tea Component Helps Kill Leukemia Cells
- "Annals of Internal Medicine": The Relationship between Green Tea and Total Caffeine Intake and Risk for Self-Reported Type 2 Diabetes among Japanese Adults
- PubMed: Sedative Effects of the Jasmine Tea Odor and (R)-(-)-linalool, One of its Major Odor Components, on Autonomic Nerve Activity and Mood States
Member Comments