What are the health benefits of nettle tea?
1. It offers anti-inflammatory benefits
Nettles have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with inflammatory disorders and reducing symptoms in conditions such as eczema, arthritis and psoriasis.
2. It’s high in antioxidants
Nettle tea contains high levels of an antioxidant called phylloxanthobilin. A diet high in antioxidants helps protects our cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and some cancers.
3. It helps support bone health
Nettles contain a number of vitamins and minerals that help support strong and healthy bones, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin K. They also contain high levels of boron which helps to maintain healthy calcium levels in the body and may help prevent osteoporosis.
4. It has skin-healing properties
Nettles are a natural antihistamine, as well as having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, hives and eczema.
5. It may help with a healthy prostrate in men
The anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and anti-viral properties of nettles have been found to help in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
6. It may reduce pain in those with arthritis
A study by Plymouth University found that stinging nettles may reduce pain and disability in those with osteoarthritis.
7. It helps to improve blood sugar levels
Nettles have been found to improve blood sugar levels by increasing insulin and the number of pancreatic β-cells in the body, which play a vital role in glucose homeostasis as they are the main source of insulin.
8. It helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels
Nettles contain a phytochemical called quercetin, which helps to decrease total cholesterol, as well as having properties that help reduce lipid levels in the blood.
9. It may help to reduce blood pressure
Some research has demonstrated that drinking nettle tea regularly may help to reduce blood pressure.
10. It may offer protective benefits against certain cancers
Some research has demonstrated that nettle tea may protect against or slow down the progression of certain cancers. This research has only been carried out in vitro so far but may offer potential benefits in human studies.