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One of the most popular flavored teas in the world, bergamot tea has a variety of health benefits. Marketed worldwide as Earl Grey tea, it is known for its aromatic and unique flavors.
Accidental Nomenclature
It is believed bergamot tea originated in the 1800s when a Chinese mandarin blended tea for Lord Grey using bergamot to counter balance the dominance of lime in local water. The tea became so popular that he asked if it could be sold in the market and that is how it came into being.
The tea is made from a combination of a fragrant fruit called bergamot, which is grown in the Mediterranean and black tea. The bitter, floral and sweet flavor of the fruit blends perfectly with a bold black tea. Research has shown that bergamot has medicinal properties because of powerful anti oxidants present in it.
Health Benefits of Drinking Bergamot Tea
1. Weight Loss
According to an Italian study, bergamot tea can help you lose weight through its citrus extract. It regulates the body’s natural metabolism and burns fat.
When you drink bergamot tea, the calories are aided in being broken down into energy for the muscles. It can help you shed kilos without having to diet.
2. Mental Health
Bergamot tea has a calming effect on a person dealing with stress and anxiety. Its aromatherapy qualities have also been scientifically proven to alter mood and alleviate depressive symptoms.
It also has a small amount of caffeine that is present alongside the bergamot which helps with concentration and clarity. So, if you want to feel energetic and good, have a cup of bergamot tea!
3. Boosts Immunity
The functions of the immune system can be improved by the bergamot oil which is found in the tea. The antioxidants in bergamot help wipe out harmful free radicals.
‘Oxidative stress’ caused by free radicals which are toxic may induce damage to our system. The anti oxidants in the tea tackle this stress. They can help reduce fever and fight infections as well as chronic ailments.
4. Heart diseases
Bergamot has been proven to reduce total cholesterol when drunk over a period of time. It also helps lower blood pressure by increasing blood pressure dilation.
Triglyceride levels which are directly linked to heart problems also significantly drop when you drink this tea. In addition to this, it helps in prevention of diabetes by lowering blood sugar.
5. Enhances Digestion
Bergamot tea can help with digestion and digestion related problems. It aids relieving acid reflux, constipation and intestinal infections such as worms to a great extent. It can also help as a treatment for nausea.
6. Oral Hygiene
You can prevent oral infections by drinking this tea. It is a good source for fluoride which is necessary for maintaining strong teeth. It also contains antioxidants called catechins which are very powerful and help fight infections.
7. Prevents Dehydration
Unlike coffee which causes dehydration, bergamot tea can help you stay hydrated. Since it has high potassium content, it helps maintain your body fluids.
8. Cancer Prevention
Due to its high quantities of antioxidants, bergamot tea can help prevent cancer. It destroys free radicals which cause cell damage that lead to cancer.
9. Skin Health
The amount of antioxidants in the tea can help defend your skin against damage by destroying free radicals responsible for premature skin aging. It also aids healing of eczema, acne, psoriasis and skin allergies and helps in prevention of the appearance of scars left behind by these conditions.
10. Fights Cold and Flu
The tea is very popular during winters, as it seen as a traditional medicine which aids in preventing cold and the onset of flu. It has anti viral compounds that make you stronger from within.
Bergamot helps protect our body from contracting viruses responsible for cold, flu and other such infections due to its immunity boosting qualities.
How to prepare Bergamot Tea
If you want to make your own bergamot tea, here’s an easy recipe you can follow.
Ingredients
- Bergamot orange
- Loose black tea
Step 1
First, peel the bergamot orange into several small strands. You may dry the peel by air drying or heating it. If you want to use an oven, heat the peel for over thirty minutes.
As an alternative, you can arrange the peel on a tray lined with parchment paper and leave it in a warm spot. The peel will take 12 to 24 hours to dry.
Step 2
Add the peel in a sealed container of loose black leaves and leave it for a few days to infuse. The tea will gradually absorb the peel’s flavor.
Step 3
Add one teaspoon of flavored tea leaves per cup to water that is close to boiling. If you want to spice it up, you can add honey to it. Steep it for 3 minutes.
You can accompany bergamot tea with scones or madeleines.
Side effects
Even though bergamot tea has been researched to have many health benefits, it has some side effects too.
1. Although bergamot tea does not have too much caffeine in it, drinking too much can cause a tense and anxious mood. Just like coffee, you can get addicted to the caffeine in it.
2. If consumed too often, it can also cause a loss of appetite, restlessness, headaches, insomnia, diarrhea and irregular heartbeat. Therefore it is recommended you drink 6 glasses a day at most to prevent possible side effects.
3. Bergamot oil present in the tea contains bergapten, which may affect potassium absorption in certain neurons. This can cause cramps in hands and legs, a blurry vision and muscle twitches.
4. Bergamot oil also may have certain chemicals present in it that can make you sensitive to the sun and cause increased photosensitivity, leaving you vulnerable to skin cancer. Keep this in mind before having bergamot tea.
5. Bergamot tea should be avoided during pregnancy and by lactating women. This is because of its caffeine content which can increase risk of miscarriage and cause fetal health complications.
Bergamot tea has a number of benefits which affect a wide variety of functions in your body. Proper usage and a healthy awareness about its benefits can help make the best use of it.
There are also a number of things to keep in mind about its usage. However, having a healthy knowledge about the different facets can certainly help to use it to the highest extent.
