Do you often experience stomach discomfort, gas, or bloating? If so, you’re not alone. A large percentage of the population suffers from some sort of gut health issue.
Luckily, there are many things that you can do to improve your digestion and boost your gut health. One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to do this is by drinking tea! In this article, we will discuss the 9 best teas for digestion and boosting gut health.
How Does Drinking Tea Support Digestion?
There are many ways in which drinking tea can support digestion and gut health. First of all, most teas contain water, and as we all know, water is essential for proper digestion.
Additionally, many teas contain herbs and spices that have traditionally been used to support digestive health. For example, ginger is a common ingredient in digestive teas as it is thought to help relieve nausea and indigestion.
Peppermint tea is another popular choice for those looking to improve their digestion, as peppermint is known to help relieve stomach pain and bloating.
What Are the Best Teas for Digestion?
There are many different types of tea that can be helpful for digestion. Below, we will discuss nine of the best teas for digestion and gut health.
#1 – Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a great choice for those suffering from indigestion or nausea. The active ingredient in ginger, gingerol, is thought to help relieve stomach pain and improve digestion.
To make ginger tea, simply add freshly grated ginger root (or ground ginger) to boiling water and let steep for five minutes. You can also add honey or lemon to taste.
#2 – Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is another good choice for those suffering from digestive issues. Peppermint has long been used as a natural remedy for indigestion and stomach pain.
To make peppermint tea, add one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to boiling water and let steep for five minutes. Peppermint tea was also useful for helping to decrease gas, diarrhea, and stomach pain in IBS patients.
#3 – Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a soothing and relaxing herbal tea that has been used for centuries to help with digestive issues. Chamomile tea is thought to be helpful in relieving indigestion, gas, and stomach cramps.
To make chamomile tea, add one teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers to boiling water and let steep for five minutes. Chamomile tea can be enjoyed hot or cold.
If you have never tried chamomile tea before, start with a lower dose of chamomile to see how your body reacts. Chamomile tea is generally safe for most people but can cause allergic reactions in some people.
#4 – Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea is a delicious and warming herbal tea that has many health benefits. Cinnamon is thought to be helpful in relieving indigestion, gas, and stomach cramps. Cinnamon is also a great spice for boosting gut health.
Cinnamon tea is best enjoyed without adding any sweeteners. If you find the taste of cinnamon too strong, try adding a little honey or lemon juice to your cup of tea.
Like chamomile, cinnamon is generally safe for most people but can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have never tried cinnamon before, it is best to start with a small amount to see how your body reacts.
#5 – Black Tea
Black tea is a type of tea that is fully oxidized, meaning the leaves are allowed to fully ferment before they are dried. This gives black tea its distinctive dark color and strong flavor. Black tea is thought to be helpful in improving digestion and preventing stomach problems such as ulcers.
Black tea contains caffeine, so it is best to avoid drinking it in the evening if you have trouble sleeping. If you are trying to limit your caffeine intake, look for decaffeinated black tea or brew your own tea using only a small amount of tea leaves.
To make black tea, start by boiling water and then allowing it to cool slightly. Then, pour the hot water over a small amount of dry black tea leaves. Steep the tea for three to five minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. Finally, strain the tea and enjoy it hot or cold.
#6 – Green Teas
Green tea is made from the same plant as black tea, but the leaves are dried differently. Green tea has a lighter flavor than black tea and is lower in caffeine. It also contains more antioxidants than black tea.
Green tea has been shown to improve digestion and may help reduce the risk of stomach cancer. It can also help protect the lining of the stomach and reduce inflammation.
To make green tea, start by heating water to just below boiling. Then, pour the hot water over a small amount of dry green tea leaves. Steep the tea for three to five minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. Finally, strain the tea and enjoy it.
#7 – Pu’er Teas
Pu’er teas are made from a type of fermented tea leaves. These teas have a strong, earthy flavor and are often used in Chinese medicine.
Pu’er teas have been shown to improve digestion and help with weight loss. They may also help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
To make Pu’er tea, start by heating water to just below boiling. Then, add a small amount of dry Pu’er tea leaves to a cup or mug. Steep the tea for three to five minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. Finally, strain the tea and enjoy it.
#8 – Dandelion Tea
Dandelion tea is made from the leaves and roots of the dandelion plant. This tea has a bitter taste, but it can be sweetened with honey or lemon.
Dandelion tea is rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, and vitamin C. It also contains antioxidants that may help protect against cancer.
While more dandelion tea studies on humans are needed, we do know that eating dandelion greens provides an excellent source of bitter vegetable fiber… something your gut microflora thrives on! So even if you’re not ready to jump into dandelion tea, maybe try adding some dandelion greens to your next salad!
#9 – Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This tea is semi-oxidized, meaning it falls somewhere in between black and green teas in terms of its oxidation level.
Like other teas, oolong contains catechins, which are powerful antioxidants that can help protect your body against disease. One study showed that oolong tea may help improve cholesterol levels and prevent the hardening of the arteries.
Additionally, oolong tea contains theanine, an amino acid that has calming effects on the nervous system. Theanine has been shown to decrease stress and promote relaxation.
Tea vs. Coffee: Which Is Better for Digestive Health?
Many people consider coffee their go-to when it comes to keeping their bowels on a tight and regular schedule. However, coffee can actually have the opposite effect on some people’s digestion. If you find that coffee gives you diarrhea or makes your stomach upset, it might be time to switch to tea.
Tea contains many different compounds that can help improve digestion, including caffeine, catechins, and theanine. Caffeine is a known stimulant that can help to increase bowel movements. Catechins are antioxidants that can help to protect the gut from inflammation. Theanine is an amino acid that has calming effects on the nervous system. Theanine has been shown to decrease stress and promote relaxation.
So, which is better for digestive health – tea or coffee? While there is no definitive answer, tea seems to be the better choice for most people. Tea is lower in caffeine than coffee, so it is less likely to cause digestive problems. Tea also contains compounds that can help to improve digestion. If you are struggling with digestive issues, try drinking tea instead of coffee. You may find that it helps to improve your gut health.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to improve your digestion, look no further than tea! Tea is packed with antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds that can help keep your gut healthy and functioning optimally. So next time you need a break from work or are winding down after dinner, reach for a cup of tea instead of another glass of water. Which type of tea is your favorite?
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