I am craving some jasmine tea. I'm going to be going to 'coffee bean & tea leaf' later this afternoon. I just found this article on the health benefits of jasmine tea and thought I'd share it: 8 Health Benefits to Drinking Jasmine Tea Jasmine tea is a scented variety of tea that has been consumed for generations in Southeast Asia. Jasmine tea is produced by infusing green tea with the fragrance of jasmine flowers. Other varieties of tea can also be used, though green tea tends to be the most common. Different types of jasmine tea can have varying levels of the jasmine scent. To produce teas with strong flavors, the tea leaves are mixed with jasmine blooms repeatedly till the desired result is achieved. In addition to the taste and fragrance, jasmine tea offers several health benefits. 1. Provides Stress Relief The soothing effect of green tea combined with the scent of jasmine is very beneficial for stress relief. It helps relieve anxiety and tension. It can also reduce symptoms of pain, headaches and muscle aches. Some studies have shown that the scent of jasmine can lower heart rates and produce a calming, serene effect on the senses. 2. Lowers Chances of Cancer Jasmine tea is high in antioxidants, and combats the free radicals formed in the body. Free radicals are harmful in man ways, and can hasten the aging process. Free radicals have also been shown to have a relation with the development of cancer in the body. By reducing the free radicals in the body, it effectively lowers the chances of developing cancer. Antioxidants also play a valuable role in slowing down the aging process. 3. Reduces Cholesterol Jasmine tea has been shown to reduce the accumulation of cholesterol and unhealthy fats in our bodies. It also prevents the formation of bad cholesterol. This reduces the chances of heart disease and strokes. 4. Helps in Weight Loss Some studies have shown a link between the consumption of jasmine tea and the reduction of fat cells in the body. This may help people in achieving their weight loss goals faster. In addition, jasmine tea helps maintain body weight, if accompanied by a proper diet. 5. Reduces Chances of Colds and Flu Jasmine tea has some antiviral and antibacterial properties that help in the prevention of colds and influenza. It is widely believed that gargling with jasmine tea can prevent illness. Consumption of jasmine tea can also result in an earlier recovery from such ailments. 6. Fights Bacteria In addition to fighting bacteria, jasmine tea is beneficial to the formation of good bacteria that aid our bodies in several important tasks like digestion. Because of this, jasmine tea improves intestinal strength and also helps in the prevention of ailments such as diarrhea, gastric ailments, cholera and ulcers. 7. Regulates Circulation Jasmine tea is beneficial for the improvement of blood circulation. It thereby helps prevent some conditions such as blood clots, arterial blocks, brain damage, thrombosis, high blood pressure and strokes. 8. Regulates Insulin Production Consuming jasmine tea is believed to reduce the chances of developing diabetes. It regulates sugar levels and the formation of insulin in the body. Jasmine tea may also be beneficial in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetics. Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/8-...inking-jasmine-tea#.UuK-3LSIbIV#ixzz2rLVcyXc1
