What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Flavored Teas

Flavored teas have grown in popularity in recent years, offering a delicious twist on traditional tea drinking. The versatility of flavored teas means you can likely find a blend that you like, from lavender to pomegranate, citrus, tropical, and more.

When we talk about the health benefits of flavored teas, we’re talking about those that don’t contain added sugars. These are blends that you can brew at home or order from a coffee shop that contain only tea leaves and/or other herbal ingredients (fruits, flowers, spices)—as opposed to a bottled flavored tea that’s sweetened with sugar.

Some flavored teas may be made from real tea leaves (black, green, white) and contain caffeine, while others will be caffeine-free herbal blends.

Once you find your favorite flavor (or several flavors you like), you may want to include them in your daily rotation. Here’s what happens to your body when you do:

Related: The Best Time to Drink Green Tea for Maximum Antioxidant Absorption, According to Dietitians

The Health Benefits of Flavored Teas

Hydration

One of the biggest health benefits of flavored tea is its contribution to hydration. Staying well hydrated is essential to maintaining good overall health, and flavored teas offer a delicious alternative to plain water. The infusion of fruits, herbs, and spices adds pleasant flavors that make you want to sip a cup regularly. This can be a huge benefit if you know you’re not drinking enough plain water throughout the day.

Plus, many flavored teas are naturally low in calories, making them a refreshing option for hydration if weight loss is one of your goals.

Support for immune function

Many flavored teas contain ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and citrus, all of which are known for their immune-supporting properties. For example, ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities., while citrus fruits are a source of vitamin C, a nutrient that supports immune function. By enjoying flavored teas containing these beneficial components, you can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses.

Blood sugar control

If water seems too bland, flavored tea may be a good fit, and it doesn’t contain added sugars like soda, juice, and sports drinks. This is beneficial if you’re actively managing your blood sugar, as limiting added sugars helps prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. Additionally, some flavored teas contain cinnamon, a spice linked to blood sugar regulation. (Keep in mind, though, that the amounts in tea blends are much lower than the dosages used in studies. Flavored tea may be an additional way to incorporate cinnamon into your diet.)

It may be surprising how pleasantly sweet some flavored teas can be, and it’s all thanks to the fruits and spices in the blend. In other words, you won’t need to add any additional sweeteners. By choosing flavored teas without added sugar, you can enjoy a flavorful beverage that supports your overall metabolic health.

Related: The #1 Habit to Kick for Better Blood Sugar Balance, According to a Dietitian

Heart health

Tea leaves, as well as many of the herbs, spices, and fruits used in blends, contain compounds that promote heart health. For starters, real teas (black, green, and white varieties) contain compounds that care for your heart. These are called flavan-3-ols, which have been shown to improve blood vessel function by keeping them flexible, which is beneficial for blood pressure.

If you drink herbal teas, some of these ingredients may also have beneficial effects on your heart. For example, some blends contain hibiscus leaves, which contain anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that can also help relax blood vessels for better cardiovascular health.

Nutritional profile

Most herbal teas have a similar nutritional profile, as long as they don’t contain ingredients with added sugars or sodium. Always check the nutrition facts label on your sip before brewing. For example, here’s the nutritional profile for one serving of acai green tea:

• Calories: 0 calories
• Total carbohydrates: 0 g
• Alimentary fiber: 0 g
• Total sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Potassium: 20 mg

Note about ingredients: Some flavored teas contain fruit pieces or juice (like apple or pomegranate), while others use natural flavors. Natural flavors do not provide the same health-promoting compounds as the food itself.

How to enjoy flavored teas

To enjoy flavored teas, there are a few simple steps to follow to achieve a truly delicious cup:

• Choose a blend that matches your taste preferences, whether fruity, spicy or floral.
• Use fresh, cold water for brewing to get the best flavor.
• Pay attention to water temperature and steeping time. In general, green and white teas require lower temperatures and shorter steeping times than black or herbal teas. Some tea containers will have specific steeping instructions to follow.
• To enhance the flavor, consider adding a slice of lemon, a pinch of honey or even a sprig of fresh mint while steeping.

Precautions for Flavored Tea

Check the ingredients first for allergens, as some flavored teas may contain nuts, dairy, or other allergens that can cause adverse reactions. Also, pay attention to the caffeine content, especially if you are sensitive to stimulants or consume tea in the evening, as it may disrupt your sleep. Look for added sugars or artificial sweeteners before deciding if the tea blend is right for your health goals.

Finally, if you’re pregnant or have any specific health concerns, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare professional to make sure what you’re drinking is safe for you.

The essential

The health benefits of flavored teas depend largely on their ingredients, but they are typically hydrating, sugar-free beverages that may also contain compounds that help regulate blood pressure. However, some commercially available flavored teas may contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other additives, so it’s important to look at the ingredients to know exactly what you’re getting in your cup.