The best tea for abdominal bloating and obesity that you should drink every day
The best tea for abdominal bloating: That uncomfortable feeling of pressure in your belly from bloating is never fun. While you may do all the “right” things when it comes to preventing bloating from starting in the first place, sometimes it sneaks up on you and you’re left trying to figure out what caused it and how to treat it…stat!
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But, we’re here to help! Thankfully, as science evolves, so does the research on foods (and drinks!) that may help relieve bloating and leave you feeling more like yourself. We’ve spoken with nutrition experts to get the lowdown on what tea may actually help relieve bloating. Whether you’re a tea drinker or not, we’ve got you covered with flavor-packed chef tips to incorporate this drink into your diet, too.
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The best tea for abdominal bloating
Promotes Gut Health
The best tea for abdominal bloating: Thanks to the earlier research on the gut, scientists have continued to explore conditions in which antioxidants—like polyphenols found in green tea—offer support for the microbiome. In a 2023 study published in Molecules, researchers stressed the important role antioxidants play in gut health.2
In a condition often referred to as “leaky gut”, researchers identified increased intestinal permeability can cause harmful compounds to leak into the body and can cause harm. Thankfully, they also noted diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in keeping our microbiome strong, including the addition of foods that are rich in polyphenols, like catechins and EGCG. We know from the numerous studies that green tea is rich in these two polyphenols, and may even help with the bloating that often coincides with digestive disorders.
Manaker agrees, writing, “Green tea contains compounds known as polyphenols, which may aid in the reduction of gastrointestinal discomfort by supporting the balance of gut flora.”
May Reduce Risk of Cancer
The best tea for abdominal bloating: A review published in the 2021 journal, Molecules, explored the effect green tea compounds, mainly EGCG and its metabolites, had on colorectal cancer protection.4 While the researchers in the review used both human and animal studies, the results were consistent: green tea consumption increased phenolic activity in both humans and mice affected by cancer cells. This means that both humans and animals who consume green tea may experience a suppression in cancer cell growth with the addition of green tea in the diet.5
Helps Relieve Dysmenorrhea
The best tea for abdominal bloating: If you’ve ever struggled with painful periods—often referred to as dysmenorrhea in the literature—then adding green tea to your routine may be beneficial. In a 2019 cross-sectional, population-based study published in BMJ Open, scientists explored the effect green tea had on period pain in a group of 1,183 women in China.6 While there are clear limitations based on self-reported measures and confounders in the results, the bottom line was clear: participants who consumed green tea daily noted a decrease in dysmenorrhea. While bloating specifically was not addressed, it’s likely that the green tea may help offer relief to menstrual pain that occurs with bloating.
Tips On How to Include Green Tea in Your Diet
The best tea for abdominal bloating: Try a Green Tea Latte: If your go-to is coffee, try switching it up with a matcha latte (matcha is a form of green tea that is packed with health benefits). Consider using a plant-based milk, like soy, that delivers protein and won’t interfere with the metabolic benefits that green tea provides (which cow’s milk might for some, according to research), says Peterson.8
The best tea for abdominal bloating: Flavor It Up: Add a slice of lemon, a dash of honey or a sprig of mint to boost the flavor of your green tea. Alternatively, consider infusing your staples, like honey, with green tea. “Matcha provides a wonderful enhancement to honey”, shares Peterson.
Sun Tea: Prepare a refreshing sun green tea by steeping green tea bags in cold water in a glass jar out in the sun.
The best tea for abdominal bloating: Make Ice Cubes: Pour your sun tea into an ice tray and freeze. Add to your water, lemonades or other beverages to add an antioxidant boost to each sip.
Green Tea Smoothies: Blend brewed green tea with your favorite fruits and a bit of yogurt to create a healthy and refreshing smoothie.
Cook with Green Tea: Use brewed green tea as a base for soups, broths or rice dishes to add an extra layer of flavor and antioxidants.
The best tea for abdominal bloating: Green Tea Desserts: Incorporate matcha powder, a form of powdered green tea, into baked goods like muffins, cookies or even ice cream for a unique and nourishing twist. Peterson recommends trying matcha powder in panna cotta for a fun, flavorful twist with a coconut and almond milk base.