Yellow tea, Helba, Egyptian tea - these are all names for the same drink. It has not only a pleasant taste, but also great benefits for the body. The Arabs are convinced that this drink can replace most medications. Recently, yellow tea has been actively advertised as a means of losing weight, and there are even a lot of positive reviews about it.
What is Helba tea
Helba is not just any type of tea. The drink is called so solely due to its external similarity. It is not produced from leaves, as is the case with tea bushes, but from seeds formed at the end of flowering. The fruits of the plant are beans. They ripen in mid-summer. Each bean reaches a length of 10 cm. Small, hard, rectangular seeds are hidden inside under its walls. When brewed, the result is a golden drink with a specific tart taste, vaguely reminiscent of a mixture of vanilla and cocoa.
History and legends
The history of many types of tea is shrouded in a haze of mystery and is closely intertwined with legends and tales.
Yellow is no exception. First, let's talk about the facts. It is known that yellow Chinese tea was especially highly valued by emperors and courtiers during the Song Dynasty (reign: mid-10th to late 13th centuries). And the very first mention of it occurs during the Tang reign.
Historical accounts from the 8th century noted that tea with yellow leaves was a privilege of the imperial court. Pressed and lump teas were popular back then. He was probably one of their varieties.
During production, the leaves were exposed to high temperatures, as a result of which they turned yellow and the taste was lost. In any case, the product that was produced then was significantly different from the modern one.
For many years, this tea was inaccessible to countries outside the Middle Kingdom: there was an embargo on its export. And only in the 19th century they began to export it.
There is a legend in the Celestial Empire, although not confirmed by official sources. She associates yellow tea with Princess Wen Chen, the revered queen of Tibet in China. In the mid-7th century, she married Sungsang Gabu.
Why this tea was called Egyptian is unknown. After all, it is grown and produced in the Chinese villages of Sichuan and Huainan. The first mention of the miracle drink dates back to the eighth century AD. It was served exclusively at the imperial table.
Over time, the imperial secret was sold to foreigners, and residents of hot countries became the main consumers of this drink.
Chemical composition of the drink
The qualities that yellow Egyptian tea has are determined by its chemical composition. It includes the following components:
- enzymes;
- tannins;
- glycosides;
- carotenoids;
- coumarins;
- diosgenin;
- polysaccharides – starch and cellulose;
- amino acids – tryptophan, lysine, isoleucine;
- vitamins – groups B, A, C, E;
- microelements;
- unsaturated fatty acids;
- vegetable proteins.
The drink saturates the human body with carbohydrates and proteins, and restores the lack of fat. Its energy value is 12 kcal per 1 teaspoon of seeds.
Contraindications
Despite the huge number of beneficial properties of yellow tea, it also has contraindications that must be taken into account.
1. Pregnancy; 2. Presence of vaginal bleeding; 3. Iron deficiency anemia; 4. Individual intolerance to the product; 5. Increased levels of estrogen and prolactin in the female body; 6. Ulcers of the stomach, duodenum; 7. Presence of colic and gastritis.
Those who suffer from type 1 diabetes, as well as those who take medications that contain thyroid hormones and anticoagulants, should always consult a doctor before use. Also, do not forget that fenugreek contains substances that help slow down blood clotting . If adverse reactions occur while drinking tea, such as allergies, abdominal cramps or diarrhea, it is better to stop taking it and seek help from a doctor.
Feature benefits for women and men
Yellow tea from Egypt is beneficial for everyone. The drink contains diosgenin, an estrogen analogue of plant origin. The compound normalizes the functioning of the endocrine and reproductive systems of women. Whose helba is recommended for:
- heavy and painful menstruation;
- polycystic ovary syndrome;
- inflammatory processes in the uterus;
- mastopathy;
- lack of breast milk during lactation;
- infertility of hormonal origin;
- early menopause.
Men introduce yellow tea into their diet for sexual disorders and decreased libido. The components of the drink have a beneficial effect on hormonal levels and increase potency.
The list of medicinal properties of tea from Egypt does not end there. Both men and women can take the drink when:
- chronic cough;
- inflammatory processes in ENT organs;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- joint pathologies;
- infectious diseases affecting the kidneys and urinary tract.
See also: herbal tea for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract
The aromatic drink is useful for high mental stress, memory loss and decreased concentration, prolonged stress, and chronic fatigue.
Analogue from Egypt - marmaria
Many people believe that Marmaria is an analogue of Helga yellow tea. But in fact, the composition of these drinks varies greatly. Marmaria does not contain fenugreek seeds and is sold in ready-made form (a complex composition of cinnamon, ginger, khabak and other plants), although it has a similar effect to Egyptian tea.
The effect of marmaria tea is based on accelerating metabolic processes, reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It cannot be called the only correct way to lose weight, but it can be actively used as an aid.
A distinctive feature of multi-ingredient tea from Egypt is that you can prepare its dry composition yourself. To do this, purchase the herb marmaria (it is very similar to sage) and mix it with mint, rosemary, and ginger root in any proportions to your liking. The only thing that is strictly forbidden to add to the finished drink is sugar; it is better to replace it with honey.
We recommend reading about hibiscus tea for weight loss. You will learn about the benefits of hibiscus tea for the body, its dietary properties, and contraindications for use. And here is more information about Kudin tea for weight loss.
Herbal teas, including marmaria with Helba, have beneficial properties and activate the process of losing weight. But they should not be perceived as a panacea for excess weight! Only a combination of the drink with a diet and moderate physical activity will give a positive effect - weight will begin to decrease, the body’s functioning will normalize, energy will appear, and performance will increase.
How to brew and drink Helba tea correctly
Before brewing, the raw materials undergo preliminary preparation - the seeds are kept in cold water for 3 hours. This allows the flavor to fully develop. Next, start brewing the drink using one of three methods.
- The seeds are fried in a hot frying pan without oil for 5 minutes, cooled and ground in the same way as coffee beans. Pour boiling water over the powder and leave for 7-10 minutes.
- The seeds are fried for 2-3 minutes, poured into an enamel bowl and poured with boiling water at the rate of 1 cup per teaspoon. The mixture is boiled for 10 minutes and then filtered.
- Without pre-roasting, the seeds are loaded into an enamel bowl and poured with boiling water. The mixture is brought to a boil and kept on low heat for 10-15 minutes, then filtered.
Yellow Egyptian tea is drunk not hot, but warm. If desired, add sugar, honey, lemon zest, ginger or milk to the drink. Gourmets will definitely appreciate the tart floral aroma, but the medicinal drink should not be overused. The recommended dose is 1-2 glasses three times a week.
Price of Egyptian tea for weight loss
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Helba yellow tea (how to brew tea for weight loss)
Egyptian yellow tea is one of the unusual and healthy teas in the world. It is made from the fenugreek plant (in other words, helba). For brewing, it is not the leaves that are taken, but the seeds of the tea bush. In Egypt, this drink is very popular; it is used not just as aromatic tea, but as a medicine for the treatment and prevention of many ailments, as well as to combat excess weight. Yellow tea for weight loss is quite effective if it is brewed and consumed correctly.
Recipes for brewing Helba tea
There are many options for brewing fenugreek seeds. In different recipes they are combined with other ingredients to enhance the healing effect.
Classic recipe
A universal way to prepare a flavored drink. One teaspoon of ground fruit is poured with boiling water (250 ml). Place the mixture in a metal bowl over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally. After 10 minutes, the drink is filtered. Tea is served with sugar, cinnamon or cloves.
For respiratory diseases
For sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis or sore throat, use the following method. To prepare tea take:
- fenugreek – 1 tsp;
- fennel – 1 tsp;
- elderberry – 1 tsp;
- linden blossom - 2 tsp;
- tricolor violet – 2 tsp.
The ingredients are poured with water (200 ml), kept for 2 hours, and then heated in an enamel container for 5 minutes. The product is drunk warm in small sips throughout the day.
Colds
General weakness, sore throat and fever are characteristic signs of a viral disease, which can be easily treated with a tart fenugreek drink. For colds, the classic recipe is used, but a little more seeds are taken to obtain the most rich taste. Tea can not only be taken internally. It is used for gargling.
Diseases of the digestive system
Shambhala tea is an effective remedy for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended as an adjunct to drug therapy if the patient has inflammation of:
- stomach;
- pancreas;
- liver;
- gallbladder;
- intestines.
Tea is prepared according to the classic recipe, adding fig pulp or apple cider vinegar (no more than a tablespoon) at the final stage. The product envelops the digestive tract, protecting the mucous membranes from inflammation, and helps cleanse the intestines of toxins.
Elevated blood sugar
To normalize blood glucose levels, the drink is prepared in the evening. A tablespoon of roasted and crushed helba seeds is poured with warm water (1 glass) and left overnight. In the morning, a decoction of stevia is added to the infusion - a plant whose leaves contain a safe natural analogue of sugar.
Unsatisfactory state of the nervous system
For depression, neuroses, fatigue and insomnia, a drink is prepared from several medicinal herbs. Take in equal proportions:
- fenugreek seeds;
- chamomile flowers;
- motherwort grass;
- mint leaves.
A tablespoon of the herbal mixture is poured with boiling water (300 ml), heated for 10 minutes, filtered and drunk twice a day.
For female diseases
Fenugreek decoction is used for douching in case of inflammation on the walls of the vagina or disturbance of its microflora.
The recipe is simple:
- 2 tablespoons of seeds are poured with boiling water, left for 30 minutes, then filtered;
- take 200 ml of tea between breaks before meals.
Lack of breast milk
To normalize hormonal levels and improve lactation, the following recipe is recommended:
- A tablespoon of helba seeds is mixed with a glass of water;
- Heat the liquid for 10 minutes and then add ¼ cup of milk;
- Tea is consumed orally three times a day, 250 ml.
Helba and its beneficial properties for weight loss
- Fenugreek reduces appetite. In addition, the seeds swell in the stomach, increasing the volume of the contents, thereby satiating with food faster;
- In the intestines, having anti-inflammatory properties, helba treats small foci of inflammation and erosion;
- The seeds are a good antiparasitic agent and cleanse the intestines of helminths;
- Helba creates a nutritious environment and helps the growth of beneficial microorganisms, prevents the development of dysbacteriosis;
- It has a mild laxative effect and when taken, timely cleansing of the large intestine is established;
- Fenugreek takes part in carbohydrate metabolism, slowing down the absorption of glucose in the intestine, and also stimulating the synthesis of the hormone insulin in the islets of Langerhans;
- With its participation, “bad” cholesterol is removed from the liver faster, which contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of blood vessels;
- Fenugreek helps in the functioning of the genitourinary system and actively removes excess water from the body;
- The seeds raise hemoglobin levels, strengthen the immune system, and tone the body. And this speeds up metabolism and helps normalize weight.
In combination with improved digestion, an obstacle to the appearance of tissue swelling, the seeds promote the burning of adipose tissue and prevent the development of diabetes, thereby helping the body get rid of adipose tissue.
The benefits of helba in cosmetology
Fenugreek is used not only to restore health, but also to preserve beauty. Popular uses of the plant are hair and face masks.
Hair Mask
The product will improve blood circulation in the follicles, prevent hair loss, and also accelerate hair growth. For wrapping take:
- ground helba seeds – 1 tsp;
- ground black pepper – 1 pinch;
- coconut oil – 3 tbsp. l.
The ingredients are mixed and rubbed into the roots. After application, it is better to insulate the head with plastic film and a towel. Wash off the mask after 30 minutes.
An alternative use is an anti-dandruff mask. Ground fenugreek seeds are mixed with black cumin oil. The mask is applied to the root zone and scalp with massaging movements and washed off after 20-30 minutes.
Irritated and inflamed skin
Shambhala helps with dermatological problems - eczema, skin inflammation, acne, boils, allergies. Using a herbal remedy, you can relieve irritation and even out your complexion. A universal recipe - a cleansing mask. For preparation take:
- fenugreek seeds – 1 tsp;
- olive oil – 1 tbsp. l.;
- tea tree essential oil – 1 drop.
The mixture is applied to previously cleansed skin for 7 minutes. For a visible effect, it is enough to repeat the procedure every 7-10 days. As a base, you can choose any oil that suits your skin type or alternate universal ones - apricot, peach, almond.
Useful video
Watch this video about the benefits of fenugreek seeds:
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Unique properties of yellow tea
The beneficial effect of Egyptian yellow tea is due to the value of its seeds. Their chemical composition is very rich. At the same time, all the elements necessary for weight loss are completely transferred into the drink during proper brewing. Yellow tea contains:
- amino acids, which are a source of energy and increase the body's endurance;
- polysaccharides that stimulate intestinal functions, promoting the removal of harmful substances from the body;
- flavonoids that increase tissue elasticity and slow down aging;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids that normalize fat metabolism and protect cells from early aging;
- vitamin C, which lowers cholesterol levels and ensures proper conversion of glucose into energy;
- B vitamins, which activate the reaction of converting fats into energy;
- zinc, which helps curb appetite;
- calcium, which promotes faster metabolism;
- magnesium, which accelerates fat burning in the body;
- selenium, which helps other elements to be better absorbed.
The health benefits of yellow tea: opinions of nutritionists
Experts involved in weight loss have found out how Helba tea works. It has a diuretic and laxative effect, ridding the body of excess water and toxins. Thanks to this, constant consumption of the drink leads to the loss of several kilograms. For best results, yellow tea should be drunk on an empty stomach. In addition, helba has a tart taste, due to which the feeling of fullness lasts for a long time.
Not all nutritionists are sure that yellow tea promotes rapid weight loss. According to some experts, Egyptian helba is not able to speed up the body's metabolic processes and eliminate the consequences of overeating. Scientists do not find any specific properties in it that make losing weight much easier. However, they agree that yellow tea effectively cleanses the body of toxins, so it can be used as a drink to complement the main diet.
Egyptian tea recipe
In order for yellow tea to have the most beneficial effect, you need to know how to prepare this drink correctly. Helba is different from the tea that everyone is used to brewing every morning, so the recipe for its preparation will also be unique. The seeds must first be prepared: rinsed with running water and dried on paper. Only after a few days will they be ready to brew.
Pour a glass of water into a small saucepan and add 1 teaspoon of dry seeds. Place the container on the fire and bring to a boil. The seeds should cook for 6-7 minutes. You can simplify the recipe by simply brewing the tea with boiling water and leaving it to steep for the same amount of time. But in order for the seeds to release all the beneficial substances into the drink, they must first be soaked in water at room temperature for at least 2.5 hours.
How to drink Helba tea correctly?
Helba tea should be taken warm. It has an interesting taste with a slight bitterness and a subtle date aroma. To enjoy it to the fullest, drink the tea slowly and in small sips. The drink should not be taken with food; it should be consumed regardless of food: an hour before or 2 hours after. Tea is a great thirst reliever if you don’t drink it in one gulp. When losing weight, you should take up to 6 cups of Egyptian tea per day.
How to drink tea to maximize its benefits for weight loss? Add chopped ginger, lemon or lime juice, and a spoonful of honey to the finished drink. This will enrich the yellow tea with a new taste. It is not recommended to add sugar or jam.
Description of the plant
Yellow Helba tea has nothing in common with yellow Chinese teas. It gets its name because of its yellow color. The drink is prepared from an annual plant, which in Egypt is called helba, in our country fenugreek, and the names fenugreek and shambhala are also known. It grows in Iran, Egypt, and the homeland of helba is Tibet.
The plant grows up to 70 centimeters in height and blooms with multiple yellow flowers. Shambhala fruits look like flat, cylindrical beans. The fruits have a pleasant nutty aroma. All the beneficial properties of the plant are contained in the fruits. They are used to make tea, as a spice, and also for medicinal purposes. Let's talk about yellow helba tea and the properties that the plant has.
Composition of Bedouin tea
The main ingredient of Bedouin tea is the leaves of a plant called Marmaria (Maramiya). This plant grows only in the Sinai desert between the mountains of St. Catherine and Moses. It grows after heavy rains in January-February. Bedouins collect the leaves every year and dry them to preserve them until next year. The second important ingredient is habak. This is a herbaceous plant with a sweetish taste, reminiscent of mint. The mixture may also contain other medicinal herbs and spices: hibiscus tea, black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, anise, rosemary.
The healing effect of a miracle drink
Everyone who has had to be treated with yellow tea for weight loss speaks of it as an excellent analgesic, hemostatic and immunostimulating agent. In women, thanks to the drink, lactation improves, hair loss stops, and mood normalizes. In men, prostatitis goes away, potency increases, and blood pressure decreases. In addition, this drink is very rich in fiber and has a tart taste, which significantly dulls the feeling of hunger. And its tonic effect helps maintain vitality and energy, even with the most meager diet.
For overweight people, it is best to drink tea half an hour before meals or two hours before breakfast.