Sandhya Raghavan
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Written By: Sandhya Raghavan | Updated : November 20, 2017 6:48 PM IST
Chamomile is one of earliest medicinal plants known to mankind. The bitter herb has been used for years for a variety of medical preparations, especially for the relaxing and calming effects it has on the nerves. The petite white flowers of the bitter herb are used for brewing tea, commonly used as a sleep aid and as an anti-anxiety beverage. The best thing is that unlike green tea, chamomile tea appeals to a wider palate. It has a deep floral taste with a woody undertone. Studies suggest that apart from promoting a sense of well-being and calmness, chamomile tea can also induce weight loss. So if you have weight loss goals, ditch your usual sugary tea and creamy coffees and make a switch to a big mug of chamomile tea. Here is how it works.
It heals the digestive system and breaks down fat
It also soothes the digestive system by abating gastric problems like flatulence, diarrhoea, indigestion and nausea. Studies say that chamomile tea stimulates gastric secretions that break down fat and cholesterol. Chamomile seems to have an inhibitory effect on intestinal glucose absorption and has a protective role against high fat diet-induced obesity. It says that chamomile extracts can be used as an effective tool against fighting obesity, diabetes and cholesterol. So ideally, a cup of chamomile tea before a big lunch or dinner can ensure that you don't pile on the pounds.
It ensures a good night's sleep
One of the biggest causes of weight gain is a lack of sleep. Disturbed and erratic sleep patterns disrupt insulin production and causes hormonal imbalances, which leads to weight gain. A hot cup of chamomile tea before bedtime soothes your frayed nerves and ensures a restful sleep. When you are well-rested,
It reduces stress
Job-related or relationship stress causes elevated levels of cortisol in the body. This sets off an unnatural craving for high carb foods like french fries, burgers, pizzas, fizzy drinks and chocolate in your body. Ideally, you should meditate, do yoga or hit the gym to reduce stress levels. But in addition to that, you can also sip on chamomile tea which can sooth your frayed nerves and bring down your stress levels.
Remember the tea on its own won't make you slim and fit. Like everything else, it should be a part of a healthy lifestyle. The tea can have adverse drug interactions. If you are on medication or are pregnant, check with your doctor beforehand.
References:
Jabri, M. A., Sakly, M., Marzouki, L., & Sebai, H. (2017). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract inhibits in vitro intestinal glucose absorption and attenuates high fat diet-induced lipotoxicity and oxidative stress. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 87, 153-159.
Weidner, C., Wowro, S. J., Rousseau, M., Freiwald, A., Kodelja, V., Abdel-Aziz, H., ... & Sauer, S. (2013). Antidiabetic effects of chamomile flowers extract in obese mice through transcriptional stimulation of nutrient sensors of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family. PloS one, 8(11), e80335.
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