Health Benefits of Earl Grey Tea—Boost Weight Loss, Lower Cholesterol and More
Plus, learn how many cups of this blend of black tea leaves and citrus you should drink a day
Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy sipper on a cool day, Earl Grey tea is a popular choice. This citrusy blend made with black tea and bergamot has a stronger flavor profile than other brews and is packed with perks. Earl Grey tea benefits your health by boosting immunity, lowering cholesterol and more. Keep reading to learn how adding a cup (or more!) to your daily routine can improve your well-being—which is very much our cup of tea!
What makes Earl Grey tea special?
Earl Grey starts with black tea, which comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. But it “gets its flavor mainly from oil from the rind of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit mostly found in Italy and France,” says Chris Mohr, RD, PhD, registered dietitian and exercise physiologist at Barbend. “Sometimes, this tea is blended with other citrus peels or floral notes to change its flavor.”
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What makes bergamot a wonder ingredient?
The bergamot oil in a cup of Earl Grey tea is renowned for its cholesterol-lowering properties. “Bergamot contains unique polyphenols (such as melitidin and brutieridin) that have been shown to mimic statin-like effects by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in cholesterol synthesis,” says Katie Sanger, MS, MA, RDN, licensed dietitian nutritionist WellTheory. That means it works like prescription medications to block cholesterol production. “This mechanism could support cardiovascular health by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and improving lipid profiles.”
Sanger notes that these cholesterol-lowering effects aren’t commonly associated with other brews. While antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties are usually good for heart health, the bergamot in Earl Grey makes it extra beneficial.
Top health benefits of Earl Grey tea
In addition to the bergamot boost, Earl Grey blends contain antioxidants and healthy compounds that benefit your health. From raising your energy levels to aiding in weight loss, this brew has it all. Here’s where it shines:
It boosts energy
Since it’s a black tea, Earl Grey has a moderate level of caffeine, which Sanger says provides a natural energy lift. “This can enhance focus and reduce fatigue without the jitters associated with higher-caffeine drinks like coffee.”
It can speed weight loss
Earl Grey tea may help with weight loss, but not directly, explains Catherine Gervacio, RND, a registered nutritionist and dietitian consultant for Superfood Green Fusion.
“The caffeine in black tea can boost metabolism and fat burning, while bergamot’s polyphenols may help regulate cholesterol and fat absorption,” she says. However, it’s not a wholly effective solution. Gervacio suggests drinking Earl Grey in addition to exercising and following a healthy diet, which will be the best way to experience significant weight loss.
Bonus: Mohr adds that Earl Grey is a calorie-free drink that can be substituted for higher-calorie drinks in a weight-loss plan.
It aids digestion
Similar to herbal teas, Earl Grey is great for digestive health. “The polyphenols in tea act as prebiotics, which support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria,” says Sanger. She adds that bergamot’s mild antispasmodic properties can soothe digestive discomforts like bloating or cramping, making it an excellent choice for those seeking gentle digestive support.
It benefits your heart
Like other types of tea, Sanger notes that Earl Grey contains antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. The bergamot in Earl Grey also helps with this as it lowers bad cholesterol.
Black tea also helps with heart health by lowering blood pressure. A study published in Jama found that drinking three cups of black tea daily for six months helped 95 people significantly lower their blood pressure compared to those who drank a placebo.
How much Earl Grey should you drink?
If you’re an Earl Grey fan, you’re in luck. Mohr suggests you can drink two to four cups daily to enjoy its health benefits without getting too much caffeine.
Gervacio adds that you should drink Earl Grey tea with a balanced diet for the maximum amount of health benefits. “Also, skip adding sugar and use a splash of low-fat milk or honey if you don’t want to drink it black,” she says.
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