In the past, the act of fasting has always been closely related to religious or spiritual beliefs. However, nowadays, fasting is seen more like a health-improving “diet” or “regime,” which gives us a number of benefits in terms of both beauty and overall health and wellbeing.
Some of the positive effects of fasting include enhanced brain function, stronger immune system, improved metabolism, balanced blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of diabetes, coronary diseases, high blood pressure, and metabolic health conditions.
There is not only one type of fasting! There are several different configurations and time ratios for eating and fasting. Some of the most popular are:
Circadian fasting. It starts when the sun sets and ends in the morning when the sun rises again.
Intermittent fasting. There are multiple options:
- 16 hours of fast + 8 hours feeding window
- 18 hours of fast + 6 hours feeding window
- 20 hours of fast + 4 hours feeding window
Monk fast. A single 36-hours fast.
Whichever type you choose, there is one crucial rule to follow! Hydrate yourself!
Water, coffee, and tea are the options you have when it comes to fasting. And many “tea questions” arise when it comes to which type is suitable for consumption in this temporary “regime”.
This article will help you learn which are the best fasting teas and will show you their additional benefits (apart from hydrating you)!
Let’s get started!
Traditional tea
The teas which are made from the leaves of the plant “Camellia sinensis” fall into this category. They all have ZERO calories if you leave them unsweetened and plain, which makes them perfect for any fasting process. They hydrate you, and at the same time, give your water different and intriguing taste and aroma, which to motivate you to drink more!
Just keep in mind that you shouldn’t overconsume them because of their caffeine and tannin content. (Tannin is a substance that, if consumed in large amounts, troubles the absorption of nutrients like iron.)
According to the processing of the leaves, as well as drying and oxidation, there are 4 different types of tea:
White tea
This tea comes from the new leaves of the plant and is not processed at all: only dried. It has light taste and aroma and low caffeine content (13 mg) and is easily drinkable. It can help you to boost your metabolism, protect teeth from bacteria, lower risk of insulin resistance, and has an antioxidant effect on the body.
Green tea
This type of tea is withered and rolled but is not oxidized. It has sight toasty and earthy flavor and has slightly higher caffeine content than white tea (35mg). It has extremely strong antioxidant properties, improves the brain function and concentration, gives you energy, helps you to manage your weight, and reduces the risk of developing cancer conditions.
Oolong tea
This tea is oxidized multiple times. It has a complex fruity and floral flavor, which makes it perfect for those who are not big fans of tea. It has 40 mg caffeine content and many health benefits: Boosts digestion, promotes hair growth, lowers cholesterol, prevents tooth decay, and more!
Black tea
Black tea is more oxidized than Oolong and has slightly higher caffeine concentration: 40.8 mg. It has a more bitter and earthy taste, and some people even compare it to coffee. It promotes heart health, balances blood sugar, improves gut health, and acts as a strong antioxidant.
Herbal tea
Herbal teas are usually caffeine-free and non-caloric (if consumed plain and unsweetened). They are great for consumption while fasting because the different herbs offer an excellent range of flavors and aromas, from sweet and floral to bitter and earthy. Some of the most popular and “tasty” herbal teas are:
Chamomile
Calms down your nervous system, reduces pain and inflammation, balances your blood sugar, and improves sleep and relaxation.
Rooibos
This tea is high in antioxidants and has low tannin levels, promotes coronary health, prevents premature aging signs and diabetes, and might help you with weight management.
Peppermint
Eases digestion, boosts energy, relieves pain related to migraine, menstruation and muscle tension, improves mouth hygiene, and helps the body to fight infections.
Ginger
Even though it doesn’t contain caffeine, it gives you energy and acts as a mood booster. Besides, it relieves nausea-related symptoms, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the immune system.
Hibiscus
This floral tea is an excellent choice for people with a sweet tooth, and at the same time offers us plenty of benefits: promotes liver health, lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL), protect the cells from harmful external factors, such as pollution, radiation, malnutrition, and more.
Jasmine
This tea has a mesmerizing aroma! Besides, it balances your blood sugar levels, prevents diabetes, protects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and help you with task concentration.
Conclusion
Remember that adding milk, honey, caloric sweeteners, or other additives to your tea will break your fasting process.