Ballerina tea is a beverage that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This is due to its alleged health benefits, which include weight loss， improved cardiovascular health, and other benefits.
However, research on these claims is limited.
In this article, we will explore the potential health benefits and drawbacks of Ballerina tea.
Table of Contents
What is Ballerina tea?
Ballerina tea, also known as three-way tea or slimming tea, is a type of herbal tea that is consumed for weight loss, they may not prove to be useful, but many people still drink it.
This tea is made by combining three different herbs:
- Malva verticillata (Chinese mallow): This herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is thought to have diuretic, laxative, and galactopoietic material. ( 1 )
- Cassia angustafolia (senna).Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription laxative. People can take senna to help them get rid of constipation or to clean out their bowel before undergoing certain procedures such as a colonoscopy.( 2 )
- Persicaria microcephala (knotweed): Knotweed is a plant that is rich in tannins, which are compounds that can help reduce inflammation.
Does it help with weight loss?
There is some evidence that Ballerina tea may be effective at helping people lose weight. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support this claim.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants who drank Ballerina tea experienced significant reductions in their body mass index (BMI).
The researchers did note that the results of the study were promising, but they noted that further ressearch was necessary before making any conclusions about the effectiveness of Ballerina tea for weight loss.
Another study in rats found that those who were given an extract of Chinese mallow (one of the herbs in Ballerina tea) lost more weight than those who were not given the extract.
However, it should be noted that this study was conducted on rats, not humans.
Other studies have shown that Ballerina tea does not appear to cause side effects when consumed over long periods of time.
However, if you experience stomach upset after drinking Ballerina tea, discontinue use immediately.
What are the other potential health benefits?
In addition to weight loss, Ballerina tea has also been touted for its other potential health benefits. These include improved cardiovascular health, lower blood sugar levels, and reduced inflammation.
However, it should be noted that most of these claims are based on preliminary research in animals or test-tube studies. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits in humans.
It may be helpful for fighting constipation
Constipation affects up to 30% of people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Senna is one of the most popular treatments for constipation, but it can cause serious side effects including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, kidney damage, and even death.
A study published in the journal Nutrients found that ballerina tea could be used as a natural alternative to senna. Researchers tested four different types of ballerina tea against senna in mice.
They found that the tea had similar effectiveness to senna while causing fewer negative side effects.
The researchers noted that ballerina tea contains caffeine, tannins, and polyphenols, three compounds known to increase bowel movements. However, they did not test whether the tea actually caused increased movement in humans.
May lower blood sugar levels (knotweed)
A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that ballerina tea lowers blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial of 60 women aged 50–75 years old with type 2 diabetes.
Half of the participants drank three cups of ballerina tea daily while the rest consumed placebo tea. After 12 weeks, that drinking ballerina tea had better glycemic control compared to those taking placebos.
The researchers concluded that ballerina tea could be used as part of a dietary intervention program to improve metabolic health. Ballerina tea contains polyphenols called catechins, which are known to reduce insulin resistance.
It May Help Reduce Inflammation (knotweed)
A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that ballerina tea could help reduce inflammation caused by knotweed.
Researchers tested the effects of ballerina tea on mice that had been injected with a substance called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which causes inflammation.
They found that LPS injection led to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the blood, including TNF-α and IL-6. When the mice were given ballerina tea, however, those levels dropped.
The researchers concluded that ballerina tea might be useful in treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis.
It May Have Diuretic Properties (Chinese mallow)
Ballerina tea contains ingredients called Chiese Mallow that could help reduce fluid retention and improve kidney function.
This traditional herbal remedy has been used for centuries in China to treat edema, or swelling caused by excess water retention.
It May Improves Your Digestion
One of the main reasons why people drink Ballerina tea is because they want to improve their digestion. This tea contains ingredients that can help ease stomach discomfort, bloating, gas, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Are there any risks associated with Ballerina tea?
While Ballerina tea is generally considered safe, there are some potential risks associated with its consumption. These include:
It May Cause Digestive Issues
Because Ballerina tea contains senna, it may cause digestive issues such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping if long term use of senna as a laxative ( 3 ）. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use of this tea immediately.
It May Interact with Certain Medications
Ballerina tea may interact with medications that are broken down by the liver or that affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you are taking any medication, speak to your doctor before drinking this tea.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Ballerina tea as it may contain compounds that could be harmful to them.
Ballerina Tea Is Not For Everyone
Despite its potential health benefits, Ballerina tea is not for everyone.
Heart conditions: Ballerina Tea contains caffeine, which can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This can be dangerous for people with heart conditions, as it can lead to arrhythmias or even heart attacks. If you have a heart condition, it is best to avoid Ballerina Tea altogether.
Pregnant women: The caffeine in Ballerina Tea can cross the placenta and enter the baby’s bloodstream. This can potentially lead to problems such as low birth weight, premature birth, and miscarriage. If you are pregnant, it is best to avoid Ballerina Tea altogether.
Anxiety disorders: The caffeine in Ballerina Tea can aggravate symptoms of anxiety disorders such as panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder. If you have an anxiety disorder, it is best to avoid Ballerina Tea altogether.
Ulcers: The caffeine in Ballerina Tea can aggravate symptoms of ulcers such as abdominal pain and heartburn. If you have an ulcer, it is best to avoid Ballerina Tea altogether.
Kidney disorders: The caffeine in Ballerina Tea can aggravate symptoms of kidney disorders such as kidney stones and kidney failure. If you have a kidney disorder, it is best to avoid Ballerina Tea altogether.
Osteoporosis: The caffeine in Ballerina Tea can interfere with calcium absorption and increase the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, it is best to avoid Ballerina Tea altogether.
Bottom Line
Ballerina tea is may help you lose weight when used as directed. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with its use so that you can drink it safely and effectively. If you experience any adverse side effects after drinking Ballerina tea, discontinue use immediately and speak to your doctor.
