Honeybush tea, also known as Heuningbos, bergtee…
…or mountain tea, is a South African herbal beverage. The tea is produced by steeping dry honeybush leaves in boiling water, and it has earned international acclaim for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits.
Nutrition
Honeybush tea contains antioxidants such as xanthones and flavanones that can help prevent cell damage that can lead to severe illnesses such as cancer. Although honeybush tea is poor in nutrients, it does contain trace quantities of the following minerals:
Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Copper
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Sodium
Nutrients per Serving
A cup serving of honeybush tea contains:
- Calories: 0
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 gram
Honeybush tea contains no caffeine and is low in tannins, which give other teas a harsh taste. Tea includes practically no calories since it is prepared by steeping leaves, blossoms, and stems in hot water; however, adding milk and sweets will raise the calorie count.
Sizes of Portion
Because honeybush tea contains no calories, there is minimal risk of overdosing on it. Many people, however, enjoy their tea with milk or cream and sweeteners such as honey, sugar, or simple syrup. These additives contain a lot of calories, fat, and sugar. This can pile up over several cups of tea.
Health Advantages
Honeybush tea has long been used in South Africa to cure coughs and menopausal symptoms, as well as to assist digestion. However, few human research on the advantages of honeybush tea have been conducted thus far. Early study indicates that it has the potential to treat a variety of important illnesses.
Diabetes management
Polyphenols, which are antioxidant-rich micronutrients found in honeybush, have piqued the curiosity of researchers. Although laboratory studies have indicated that they have the potential to treat type 2 diabetes, few clinical trials have been conducted thus far.
Researchers discovered an improvement in insulin resistance in one human trial, which is when cells cease utilizing insulin efficiently and can lead to an increased risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease
Early study indicates that the polyphenols (antioxidants) in honeybush have the potential to be anti-inflammatory and helpful to heart health. Polyphenols have been found in certain studies to raise good cholesterol (HDL) and improve the function of the inner lining of blood vessels. They may also boost anti-platelet action, which prevents blood cells from adhering to one another and creating clots.
Treatment for Cough
Honeybush tea includes pinitol, a modified sugar that acts as an expectorant (promotes saliva and mucus secretion) and relieves coughs and phlegm.
Skin Care
According to certain research, honeybush extract cream has the ability to smooth and moisturize skin. Honeybush extract was proven in one research to enhance skin suppleness, wrinkles, and anti-aging properties.
How to Prepare Honeybush Tea
Honeybush tea is available in loose leaf or pre-packaged tea bags at various supermarket and health food stores, as well as tea shops. The majority of honeybush tea is prepared from dried fermented leaves, blossoms, and stems, although there is also unfermented green tea available.
Because honeybush tea has no caffeine, it can be consumed before going to bed. To make the drink, combine 1 teaspoon of tea leaves with 250ml (approximately 8 oz) of freshly boiled water. Allow to steep for 5 to 7 minutes. To release additional antioxidants, some experts recommend steeping it for 10 minutes. It will not turn astringent because it is low in tannins. It may be consumed with or without milk and sugar.
Here are some ways to use honeybush tea in recipes:
- To create honeybush tea, infuse milk with tea leaves. ice-cream
- Make a lemon-zesty honeybush iced tea.
- To prepare honeybush chai, combine milk with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, clove, and cardamom.
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