Most individuals enjoy a cup of coffee or tea throughout the seasons. While you might be sipping on your favourite drink, have you ever considered swapping it for an herbal beverage option? If not, you should, and for several good reasons!
Today, we are discussing chamomile tea. Renowned for its soothing properties and earthy sweetness, chamomile tea has long been a favourite for relaxation. In addition to its pleasant taste and caffeine-free nature, it offers a variety of health benefits supported by research.
Here are five reasons to incorporate this herbal tea into your diet:
Promotes digestive health
Good digestion is essential for overall well-being, and chamomile tea may provide gentle support. Traditional medicine often recommends chamomile for digestive issues like nausea and gas.
Although human studies are limited, animal studies suggest that chamomile can help control diarrhoea and prevent stomach ulcers. While more research is needed, many people anecdotally report its calming effects on the stomach, making it a soothing choice after meals.
Improves sleep quality
Struggling with sleepless nights? Chamomile tea may help. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that attaches to brain receptors to promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia.
A study published by NIH involving elderly individuals found that taking chamomile supplements twice daily for four weeks significantly improved sleep quality.
Aids blood sugar control
Chamomile tea’s anti-inflammatory properties may benefit those managing blood sugar levels. A study of 50 participants with diabetes showed that drinking chamomile tea twice a day for four weeks improved blood sugar control, lipid profiles, and kidney function. While it shouldn’t replace diabetes medication, chamomile tea can be a good addition to a diabetes management plan.
Supports heart health
Flavones, a type of antioxidant found in chamomile tea, are linked to improved cardiovascular health. Research indicates that flavonoids can reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
Further, one early study involving people with diabetes found that chamomile tea consumption lowered triglyceride and LDL levels, suggesting its potential for heart health.
May help prevent certain cancers
Chamomile tea’s antioxidant apigenin has shown promise in test-tube studies in combating cancer cells, particularly those affecting the breast, digestive tract, skin, prostate, and uterus.
Additionally, a study involving 537 participants found that drinking chamomile tea 2–6 times weekly reduced the risk of thyroid cancer. While these findings are promising, further human research is essential.
