Pros and Cons of Herbal Teas

Herbal teas have acquired a respectable reputation in modern eating habits. They serve the purpose of providing relaxation, beautification and also help in prevention and treatment of several health conditions. But are all herbal teas good for health? We try to find out.

Health Benefits of Herbal Teas

One of the most popular herbal teas is green tea. The antioxidant capacity of green tea is due to presence of EGCG or epigallacatechin gallate. The chemical is known to fight free radicals in the body and thus provides protection against many forms of cancer. It is a recommended tea for those who are seeking weight loss. When choosing a green tea, try to choose one with more concentrated extract.

The burdock herbal tea is made out of roots of the herb. The drink helps in cleansing of the blood and is good for diabetic patients (regulates blood sugar levels). It stimulates the liver and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

One herbal tea that has taken the medical world by surprise is oolong tea. It is also referred to as wu long tea. It beautifies the skin, helps in weight loss and has shown to reverse the signs of aging.

Interestingly, a research performed by scientists at the Japan`s University of Medical Sciences show that those who drink wu long tea had two times more calorie-burning capacity than those who drank just green tea. Additionally, wu long helps in strengthening of the immune system.

The flavanoids present in black tea help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They improve blood circulation and help in regulating blood sugar levels. Likewise, tea made of sage tree leaves improve digestion and calms the mind.

As a traditional medicine, the tea is suggested to be consumed for over one month to treat all types of skin troubles. Tea made out of raspberry leaves (no fruit) helps in menstruation problems. It is a rich source of several vitamins and minerals and a good antioxidant.

Herbal Teas Effects

But there are certain herbs that you must avoid. These are cola nut, guarana and Ma Huang. Cola nut is a stimulant. In excess, it can interfere with sleep. Ma Huang contains ephedra, the banned chemical, which causes dizziness, rapid heart beat and confusion. Guarana also causes nervousness and dizziness.