Over the past decade, herbal teas have grown significantly in popularity. Numerous large brand tea companies have designed their own range of herbal teas. One of the most popular is green tea.
Claims of aiding weight loss are just one of the reasons so many people have turned their attention to green tea. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding green tea and and its precise health benefits. Although we know it’s good for us, exactly why is somewhat of a mystery.
Someone recently asked me what is the best green tea for nausea At the time, I didn’t know the answer. Like most people, I was confused about which herbal tea helps which ailment! So I decided to investigate the matter further.
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is a beverage which originated from China. This particular type of tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves, an evergreen shrub often referred to as the ‘Tea Tree’.
Green Tea consumption dates back thousands of years, originally during the reign of Emperor Shennong in China. Nowadays, production is now widespread across the whole of Asia.
What Are The Benefits of Green Tea?
Green tea consumption has drastically increased throughout the western world due to the abundance of health benefits associated with the drink. It has been claimed to do everything from lower cholesterol to aid weight loss.
There is also a lot of misconception about what green tea can do for you, realistically it isn’t a miracle cure. No food or drink alone can cure disease, overall health is hugely dependant upon lifestyle. However, there are a number of benefits proven to come from drinking green tea. Here are my top three.
#1 – The Power Of Antioxidants
Green Tea works as a powerful antioxidant because it is packed with polyphenols like catechins and flavonoids. (source)
It also contains Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), another powerful antioxidant which has been shown to treat various diseases. Therefore, the power of the antioxidants in green tea can benefit your overall health.
#2 – Fat Burning Capabilities
Green Tea has been shown to boost the metabolic rate when consumed. (source) This is one of the reasons it is a popular ingredient in fat burning supplements.
#3 – Lowers Your Risk Of Cancer
Numerous studies have shown how the consumption of green tea can help lower your risk of several types of cancer including:
Does Green Tea Help Nausea?
Unfortunately, despite the numerous proven health benefits green tea has to offer, a remedy for nausea is not one of them. In fact, many people who drink green tea actually end up with gastric discomfort.
Caffeine
Green tea contains caffeine as one of its key components. Although not as much as black tea or coffee, there is still enough to cause an upset stomach, especially if consumed in large quantities.
Caffeine increases the amount of acid in your digestive system which can irritate your stomach causing nausea and pain. Especially if you take caffeine on an empty stomach or are particularly sensitive to caffeine.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, caffeine can also cause dizziness, headaches and even diarrhea.
Polyphenols
Although we have already noted the beneficial effects of polyphenols like catechins and flavonoids, these are not the only ones found in green tea. Tannins, also included in the polyphenols found in green tea leaves can cause gastric distress and nausea.
What About Morning Sickness?
It must be noted that green tea is not recommended during pregnancy. Although you may be tempted to try this health drink to ease the symptoms of morning (or should I say all day) sickness, green tea can actually inhibit the absorption of folic acid and is therefore not advised for pregnant women.
Do Any Herbal Teas Help Nausea?
Yes. Although green tea may not be the best remedy for nausea, there are a number of herbal teas which can help lift that constant queasy feeling.
Nausea can occur for a number of reasons. From mild anxiety, to chronic illness, infection or changes in hormones, nausea can affect anyone at anytime. Drinking certain herbal teas can help reduce nausea in some cases.
Most herbal teas are safe, however, if you are pregnant or using any form of medicine, you should consult your doctor before using herbal teas for medicinal purposes.
In order to help those looking for a remedy for nausea, I have selected at four of the best herbal teas which can ease nausea to share with you.
In Conclusion
Although the answer to the question ”what is the best green tea for nausea?” is not to use green tea at all, I hope this has cleared up some of the misconception surrounding the extremely beneficial drink. Also, I hope some of these alternative herbal teas will be useful in your search for a remedy for nausea.
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