Can You Drink Herbal Tea While Fasting?
Fasting has become increasingly popular amongst many people who are looking for health benefits and to reset their eating habits. An important part of fasting is regulating your intake of food and drinks. Due to this, it is important to know whether or not herbal tea is suitable when fasting.
What is Herbal Tea?
Herbal tea refers to any drink made from infusing a herb or combination of herbs in hot water. Some popular herbs used in teas are chamomile, ginger, peppermint, lavender and hibiscus. Many herbal teas are enjoyed due to the taste alone, while others may provide health benefits such as aiding digestion or helping with relaxation.
Is Herbal Tea Allowed When Fasting?
In general, yes. Most forms of fasting such as intermittent, 16:8 and 24-hour fasting allow herbal tea, as it generally does not contain any calories or carbohydrates. The only exception would be plant-based milks such as almond, oat or coconut milk, which contain some calories and carbohydrates, even when unsweetened.
Health Benefits from Drinking Tea
Herbal teas may provide some health benefits which can be beneficial in a fasting state. Some of these benefits include:
- Aids digestion – many herbs used in teas, such as peppermint and ginger can help to aid digestive health.
- Reduces inflammation – certain herbs can reduce inflammation in the body, which can be especially beneficial during intermittent fasting.
- Promotes relaxation – some herbal teas have a soothing, calming effect which can help to promote relaxation.
Tips for Drinking Tea While Fasting
If you choose to drink herbal teas while fasting, here are some tips to remember:
- Keep it simple – the fewer ingredients or additives in your tea, the better.
- Choose caffeine-free – herbal teas without caffeine do not cause any sudden changes in your energy levels
- Watch the brewing time – allowing your tea to steep for too long may increase the caffeine content. Most herbal teas should only be brewed for a few minutes.
Overall, drinking herbal tea can provide some health benefits and be a welcome break within a fasting period. However, it is important to remember not to add any additional ingredients to your tea, as these may contain calories or carbohydrates which could affect your fast.
