7 Surprising Health Benefits of Raspberry Tea
Drinking raspberry tea has several health benefits.
Raspberry tea has been used in treating ailments and health conditions date hundred of years back.
Raspberries contain active antioxidants that help to combat toxic substances in the body.
In this article, we will discuss the health benefits of raspberry tea.
Finally, we’ll also share some ways to prepare your raspberry tea.
First, let’s take a closer look at the tea leaf itself.
What is raspberry leaf tea?
Red raspberry tea is obtained from the dried and crushed leaves of raspberries (Rubus idaeus).
This tea has been used for its therapeutic effects for several years now, with its first reported use dating back to the 6th century.
You can easily prepare raspberry.
All you need is crushed and dried raspberry leaves. Start by pouring boiling water over two teaspoons of the dried and crushed raspberry leaves.
Steep the leaves for about twenty minutes. After steeping, strain the mixture to get your raspberry tea.
Health benefits of raspberry tea
1. May shorten labor
Shortening of labor during pregnancy is probably the commonest benefit of raspberry tea.
But it’s also the most controversial. Let me explain.
Many people believe the ability of raspberry tea to shorten labor is exaggerated. Others claim it works. Which is it really?
Well, there haven’t been enough studies and research to offer a definitive answer to that question. But we are inclined to believe that it does shorten labor.
The reason is the presence of a compound known as fragarine in red raspberry leaves.
Fragarine helps to tone and tighten muscles in the pelvic region, including the uterine walls. This can, in turn, make delivery easier and less painful too.
There are few studies to offer a definitive answer on whether raspberry tea indeed shortens labor.
But one study looked into this with 108 women participating.
The result showed a shorter first stage of labor for women who drank raspberry tea in the latter stages of their pregnancy.
2. Can lower complications from childbirth
Another important benefit of raspberry tea to pregnant women is its ability to reduce the complications from labor.
The exact way it does this is also relatively unknown.
But it is believed that by strengthening the uterine wall. It also reduces the time and pain of labor, and the bleeding in the postpartum state is reduced.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, taking raspberry tea may lower the chances of the woman needing birthing interventions.
A study proved this.
According to the study, women who drank this tea in the latter stages of their pregnancy had reduced the need for forceps and other birthing interventions.
Another study also confirmed this. It’s not hard to see the reason why raspberry is called the women’s fruit now.
3. Contains potent antioxidants to combat oxidative stress
Antioxidants are compounds that protect the cells of the body from oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is the imbalance of radicals and antioxidants in the body and can lead to damage to cells and tissues.
There are strong connections between oxidative stress and severe health conditions like cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.
Raspberry tea is rich in many strong antioxidants, like vitamin C, ellagic acid, and quercetin.
Different studies have proven its use in reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
One of those studies found that ellagic acid, an antioxidant in raspberry, can also repair damaged DNA.
4. May help in fighting cancer
Raspberry tea has many antioxidants that may help in destroying and retarding the growth of cancerous cells in the colon, breast, liver, and ovary.
Researchers have done several studies in this field, although only a tiny fraction of those are on humans.
Many of the studies were conducted on animal species, like mice, and in test tubes.
The results showed that extracts from red raspberry killed up to 90 percent of cancerous cells in the colon and breast. And up to forty percent of cancerous cells in the ovary.
In another study, the risk of cancer was also lower when the sample species were fed a diet of raspberry.
Although the results are looking very promising, we’ll still need human studies to prove their effects on cancer cells conclusively.
4. Good source of nutrients
When it comes to nutrient-rich teas, raspberry tea is one of the front-runners.
Raspberry teas are a great source of many vital vitamins and minerals.
In fact, this tea will provide more than half (54%) of the Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin C, a vitamin crucial to the immune system.
It also contains little amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, and Calcium.
5. Useful in controlling blood sugar level
One of the amazing health benefits of raspberry leaf tea has to do with blood sugar. Let me explain.
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar may seem like a herculean task many times, especially for diabetic patients.
Luckily for you, raspberry tea is low in digestible carbohydrates. You can take them without worrying about your blood sugar increases.
Studies have even shown that raspberries may even lower blood sugar. This may be due in part to its high tannin content.
Raspberry tea also has a high quantity of fiber, 21%, and 32% of the recommended daily intake for males and females, respectively.
This gives a filling effect, which prevents overeating.
6. Has anti-inflammatory properties
Raspberry tea can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This will reduce the symptoms of many health conditions, like arthritis, headaches, and fever.
This property is mostly due to the effects of ellagic acid, an antioxidant. Ellagic acid also has anti-cancer properties.
Takeaway
For the best effects, this tea has to be used regularly. You can take a cup every day for maximal effects.
It is very safe. Notwithstanding, you should check in with your doctor if you have a history of miscarriages.
