11 Benefits of Black Tea
Have you ever heard people criticizing your choices in having
caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee? Though over-indulging in
anything will have negative consequences, having an extra cup of black
tea might not be as bad as you might have imagined.
Personally I love my perfect cup of tea. It’s how I like to begin my
day—not to help me wake up, but rather I like to enjoy a tasteful cup of
bliss first thing in the morning. When it comes to herbal, green or
black tea, different things suit different people and a doctor’s
recommendation should never be overlooked, but for most of us, indulging
in a cup or two of black tea might in fact be a healthy life choice, as
some studies have shown.
Both green and black tea are made from a shrub called Camellia
Sinesis, but with different processing methods. In addition to the
leaves being withered, rolled and heated, black tea leaves are fermented
before the final heating process.
Below are 11 health benefits of having a cup or two of black tea on a
regular basis, though it should be noted that it is recommended that
black tea should be consumed without any additives like milk or sugar to
truly harness its benefits.
1. Oral Health: Studies
funded by the Tea Trade Health Research Association suggests that black
tea reduces plaque formation as well as restricts bacteria growth that
promotes the formation of cavities and tooth decays. Polyphenols found
in black tea kill and surpass cavity-causing bacteria as well as hinder
the growth of bacterial enzymes that form the sticky-like material that
binds plaque to our teeth.
2. A Better Heart: As identified by Arab L. et al. in their 2009 research paper
called “ Green and black tea consumption and risk of stroke: a
meta-analysis”, it is seen that regardless of people’s country of
origin, individuals who consume 3 or more cups of tea had a 21% lower
risk of a stroke than people who consume less than 1 cup of green or
black tea per day.
3. Antioxidants: Black tea contains polyphenols,
which are also antioxidants that help block DNA damage associated with
tobacco or other toxic chemicals. These antioxidants are different from
those obtained from fruits and vegetables and therefore as a regular
part of our diet they can provide additional benefits towards a healthy
lifestyle.
4. Cancer Prevention: Though a lot more research is required to confidently suggest cancer prevention techniques, some research
over the years suggests that antioxidants like polyphenol and catechins
in tea may help prevent some types of cancer. It has been suggested
that women who drink black tea regularly have a lower chance of ovarian
cancer than their counterparts.
5. Healthy Bones: It has also been suggested that
regular tea drinkers have stronger bones and lower probability of
developing arthritis due to the phytochemicals found in tea.
6. Lower Risk of Diabetes: Based on a research study
conducted of elderly people living in the Mediterranean islands it was
discovered that people that had been consuming black tea on a long-term
basis on a moderate level (i.e 1-2 cups a day) had a 70% lower chance of
having or developing type 2 diabetes.
7. Stress Relief: We all are aware and well
experienced about the calming and relaxing benefits of black tea. Not
only does it help slow you down after a long day, studies
show that the amino acid L-theanine found in black tea can help you
relax and concentrate better. Black tea has also been shown to reduce
levels of the stress hormone cortisol when consumed in moderate amounts
on a regular basis.8. Better Immune System: Black tea contains alkylamine antigens that help boost our immune response. In addition it also contains tannins that have the ability to fight viruses and hence keep us protected from influenza, stomach flu and other such commonly found viruses in our everyday lives.
9. Healthy Digestive Tract: In addition to improving
your immune system, tannins also have a therapeutic effect on gastric
and intestinal illnesses and also help decrease digestive activity.
10) Increased Energy: Unlike other drinks that have a
relatively higher caffeine content, the low amounts found in tea can
help enhance blood flow to the brain without over-stimulating the heart.
It also stimulates the metabolism and respiratory system, as well as
the heart and the kidneys.
11) Happiness Factor: If a perfect cup of tea makes you smile and lets your heart indulge a little, then what could possibly be the harm?