Why Adding Sugar to Chamomile Tea Is Not A Good Idea

Tea

Many want to know whether or not it’s okay to add sugar to chamomile tea. Why wouldn’t you want the little bit of extra sweetness? And, if you drink chamomile tea regularly, why wouldn’t you want to cut out the extra calories that accompany that little bit of sugar? Let us discuss them in this article.

Can you add sugar to chamomile tea?

The simple answer is yes. You can add sugar to chamomile tea. Many people prefer the taste of this type of tea when there is added sugar or honey. 

When we think about adding sugar to herbal teas, we might also wonder how much sugar is in these teas and whether they are healthy or not. 

Chamomile is one of the herbs with the most soothing qualities, and adding anything sweet would counteract its effects. Even though sugar is considered safe by many people, the rule of thumb in herbal medicine is that any ingredient that changes the herb’s nature will lessen its therapeutic properties. 

What can you add to chamomile tea?

Let us see if the following can be added to Chamomile tea:

Honey

The answer to adding honey or sweetener to chamomile tea is much more complicated. It all depends on the type of tea you are drinking. Suppose you are drinking traditional white or green tea. In that case, it is best not to add anything because the flavor and aroma should be in their natural state. But suppose you drink an herbal infusion like licorice root, ginger, peppermint, or lemon balm. In that case, adding some honey or other sweetener will increase the health benefits.

Sugar 

You want to put in as little as possible other sweetener or artificial ingredients. About a teaspoon is usually plenty. If you are trying to cut back on sugar, honey and natural sweeteners like agave nectar are good options. However, too much can make the drink too sweet, which might clash with the taste of the herbal tea itself.

Purpose of adding sugar

One thing is for sure. You’re not doing any harm by adding some sugar. Some argue that the benefits of adding sugar vary. Adding a bit of sweetener help balance out bitter undertones, and Chamomile’s antioxidants are more readily absorbed into your body when combined with something else. 

And while it might seem silly or insignificant, studies show that adding a teaspoon of honey can improve how your body absorbs medication. Taking the medication with honey rather than water could even reduce side effects and boost your overall health!

What does chamomile tea do to the brain? 

Chamomile is known for its ability to soothe the skin and make users feel calmer and more relaxed. The effects of chamomile tea on the brain depend on how much you drink and your body’s reaction to it. For example, some individuals may experience headaches from drinking too much, while others may have just the opposite reaction. 

It is important to note that there are other ways to take advantage of the positive aspects of Chamomile besides just drinking it! For instance, some believe placing a few leaves under your pillow will help induce sleep.

Who should not drink chamomile tea?

People with diabetes should not drink chamomile tea because the combination of caffeine and sugar can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Individuals allergic to ragweed or daisies should also avoid drinking this tea. Adding a teaspoon of honey or agave nectar for individuals without these allergies will make the flavor more pleasant.

What happens if you drink it every day?

The effects of drinking it every day are unknown. Still, some people claim that there is a link between obesity and having high levels of Fructose in your system. On the other hand, others say that a certain amount of Fructose can help with weight loss because it causes your body to metabolize more fat cells than usual. 

How can I make chamomile tea taste better?

The flavors that can make Chamomile taste better are usually spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla. These spices will usually be added with honey or maple syrup. 

Chamomile can be bitter tasting because of its tannin content. These tannins are naturally occurring chemicals found in plants that cause bitterness. Adding milk or sugar will help counterbalance this bitterness, making it more palatable for most people.

Conclusion

Adding sugar, or any other sweetener, to a cup of chamomile tea may not be the best idea for many reasons. Chamomile is an herbal plant and does not contain sugar. Therefore the taste and effect are changed. If you add a sweetener, you can expect a result as such keeping in mind the changes you made.