The cerasee plant, also known as Momordica Charantia, is a tropical vine native to the Middle East and Africa. It produces an edible fruit called bitter melon that has many health benefits of its own. But in this article, we’re going over cerasee tea benefits, which is produced from the leaves and stems of the plant.
In Jamaica, cerasee tea is used to treat a wide range of ailments. From relieving colds, constipation, and diabetes, to treating parasitic worms and hypertension. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, and it’s known for its very bitter taste.
Let’s see what cerasee tea (also called cerassie tea) has to offer.
Cerasee Tea Properties
Cerasee tea benefits largely come from its medicinal properties:
- Antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-microbial
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Phosphorus
- Iron
Cerasee Tea Benefits
Cerasee Tea For Diabetes
As we’ve mentioned in the beginning, cerasee tea is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. And that claim has been backed up by recent scientific studies that prove cerasee tea does in fact play a role in managing diabetes.
It improves glucose tolerance and reduces hyperglycemia. And it was also found to potentially promote glucose disposal. All of which is extremely helpful if you suffer from diabetes.
These properties can be attributed to three substances found in cerasee tea, charanti, vicine, and polypeptide-p.
Cerasee Tea For Weight Loss
Weight loss is a big goal in many people’s lives, and cerasee tea might just help you take that extra kilo off. It was found to curb fat accumulation and even actively burn fat. Now, cerasee tea benefits weight loss in other ways too, which brings us to the next benefit, a healthy gut.
Cerasee Tea For Gut Health
Cerasee tea is filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. All of which play an active role in keeping your gut healthy and functioning.
It also has laxative properties, and Jamaican moms often give it to children suffering from stomach aches. It’s an overall great tea for gut health, which will also help you with weight loss.
Cerasee Tea For Cholesterol
Flavonol is a powerful antioxidant from the flavonoids family that’s present in many different plants and vegetables. And, evidently, it’s present in cerasee too. And in no small amount either.
It also has a bunch of other antioxidants, but for cholesterol, flavonoids play the significant role. Studies found strong evidence that they directly improve HDL (good) cholesterol function, which then plays an active role in alleviating the buildup of fats and cholesterol in the arteries.
Cerasee Tea For Blood Pressure
Other than improving blood pressure by preventing the buildup of fats and cholesterol in the arteries, cerasee tea seems to affect it directly too. One study done in the United Kingdom found a transient drop in heart rate and blood pressure directly after cerasee tea consumption.
Cerasee Tea For Parasites
While we don’t wish this experience on anybody, if you happen to get a parasite, cerasee tea can help. In fact, it’s one of its most popular traditional uses. This benefit can be attributed to the tea’s anti-microbial properties.
Cerasee Tea For Kidney Health
It is correlated with expelling kidney stones and overall protects the kidneys due to all its other benefits. But, be aware, massive tea consumption is linked to kidney failure, so don’t go overboard and always consult a doctor.
Cerasee Tea For Acne
Since cerasee tea is rich with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help fight and prevent acne. As well as diminish existing impurities.
Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, which is a big reason for acne. Oxidative stress basically means there are too many free radicals (unstable molecules) going around in your body, and these molecules often turn into inflammations, which means acne. Antioxidants balance the scales and fight the free radicals.
Other than actively preventing inflammations, cerasee tea will also fight existing inflammation with its anti-inflammatory action.
Cerasee Tea For Menstrual Cramps
Since menstrual cramps are all about inflammation (when you take ibuprofen, you’re taking anti-inflammatory medication), Cerasee tea, with its natural anti-inflammatory properties, can help.
Cerasee Tea For Disease
As we’ve explained in the acne benefit, free radicals roam your body looking for something to turn to. Sometimes they develop into acne, but very often they develop into much worse than that.
Free radicals are correlated with health problems such as cataract, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular and inflammatory disease, and even cancer. So it’s always good to keep a healthy balance of antioxidants, and cerasee tea has some.
Of course, you can try other things as well, check out our article about spirulina benefits or earl grey tea benefits for more information.
Cerasee Tea Side Effects
As with anything, too much will turn all the benefits into side effects. So be sure to keep moderate consumption and see how your body reacts. Some known potential side effects are:
- G6PD deficiency, in which blood cells break down prematurely due to a lack of glucose (if you have G6PD, avoid cerasee tea)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Conclusion
Overall, cerasee tea benefits the body with minimal downside. Well, other than being bitter. As long as you keep things in moderation, you shouldn’t have any problem. So go ahead and try this exotic Jamaican medicinal tea, what have you got to lose?