Peach Tea Benefits & Nutrition
Drinking peach tea may not be in your normal health routine, but it can provide a wide range of health benefits for those who regularly consume it.
What is Peach Tea?
This tea is an herbal tea prepared from the dried leaves of the peach tree, along with the dried bark. Peaches are native to China, and bear the scientific name Prunus perspica; different parts of this tree have been used for various culinary and medicinal purposes throughout history. This tea is also sometimes made by using regular black tea and flavoring it with peach leaves or bark, but this isn’t as potent, nor does it tap into the nutritional benefits and active ingredients of peaches. In a tea brewed purely from the leaves (and/or bark) of the peach tree, there is no caffeine, making this a popular option for many people.
Nutrition Facts
Peach tea benefits from many of the nutrients found in peaches themselves, including vitamins A, C, E, K, and various B vitamins, albeit in rather small amounts, as well as potassium, phosphorous, manganese, and magnesium. More importantly, there are ample amounts of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in this tea, which drives many of the health benefits it can provide. In a single cup of peach tea, there are barely any calories, typically less than 5.
Peach Tea Benefits
The best peach tea benefits include its positive impact on chronic diseases, the immune system, dental health, and obesity, among others.
Cardiac Health
The vitamins and minerals found in this tea are linked to improving the integrity of blood vessels and arteries, as well as lowering blood pressure to reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Obesity
This tea may lack in caffeine, but it can be energizing and can boost the metabolism to aid in fat burning and weight loss.
Antioxidants
This tea boasts a number of powerful antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds that can prevent oxidative stress and the damage of free radicals in many different systems of the body, including the skin, helping to keep you looking young.
Bones and Teeth
There is a good amount of calcium and fluoride in this fruit tea, so it can help to keep your teeth strong and infection-free, while also improving bone mineral density and lowering your risk of osteoporosis.
Immune System
Antioxidants are excellent boosters for the immune system, as they can reduce strain and seek out some of the dangerous compounds that are threatening your overall health. This is in addition to the vitamin C found in this fruit tea.
Side Effects
There are a few side effects that you should be aware of, namely due to the possible laxative effects and natural diuretic effects of this beverage. While there are few dangerous side effects, consuming an excessive amount is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
How to Make Peach Tea?
If you want to make your own peach iced tea, it has a very simple recipe, provided you have access to dried peach leaves.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add 1 tablespoon of crushed and dried peach leaves.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on the strength you want.
- Strain the tea into a glass filled with ice.
- Add honey or natural sweetener, if desired.
