We have already heard of many different kinds of teas that are good for our health, but one that is especially beneficial is black tea. Black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and there are plenty of black tea varieties. What distinguishes this tea from the rest is the oxidation and processing that occurs before it’s ready to drink.
Although it shares many health benefits with other tea types, black tea is unique in the sense it is particularly beneficial for certain health purposes. It contains caffeine, amino acids, potassium, manganese, minerals, and the most important one – polyphenols.
Below is some helpful information about black tea, you may not have known!
1. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are known to prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. Some of the antioxidants found in black tea are polyphenols, such as theaflavins, thearubigins, and several other flavonoids or catechins that help prevent diseases.
Drinking black tea has a number of health benefits because it contains lots of strong antioxidants that have the potential to decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol.
2. Heart health
Some studies have shown that drinking black tea on a daily basis helps to reduce the chances of cardiovascular disorders. The most powerful antioxidant that benefits heart health is called flavonoid. It can also be found in dark chocolate, vegetables, and red wine.
One study shows that drinking 3 cups of black tea per day has significantly improved the antioxidant status in the body, and thankfully there was no evidence that shows that black tea is harmful. Moreover, another study shows that drinking black tea for 12 weeks straight has seriously decreased triglyceride, blood sugar levels, and LDL/HDL.
3. LDL Cholesterol
As many people struggle with controlling their cholesterol levels, drinking black tea may help them reduce LDL levels.
HDL and LDL are types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol through the body. HDL is considered as “good” because it transports cholesterol away from the cells, while LDL is considered as “bad” lipoprotein because it transports cholesterol to the cells. This way, if there is too much LDL in the body, it may build up in the arteries and cause plaques which can lead to health problems such as stroke or heart failure.
One study shows that drinking at least 5 servings of black tea per day may reduce LDL by 11%.
4. Diabetes
Consuming black tea can be very beneficial for people who suffer from diabetes. It is a non-sweetened drink that decreases blood glucose and improves the status of insulin.
One study shows that the polyphenols found in black tea lower glycemic response which may be responsible for lower rates of diabetes. People who suffer from diabetes can help control this condition by drinking black tea daily.
Other benefits from drinking tea are: maintaining healthy blood pressure, preventing blood clots, reducing the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, and reducing the risk of developing cancer.
5. Cancer
Cancer is known as one of the leading diseases in the world. It is important to know that tea helps in preventing or lowering the risk of some cancers.
The powerful polyphenols found in black tea may help reduce the risk of cancers such as breast, skin, prostate, and lung cancer. Even though drinking black tea will not cure cancer, it can help decrease the development of cancer cells.
Some study shows that green and black tea may play a role in reducing the development of new cells and regulating cancer growth.
6. Digestion
As we may already know, tea is sometimes used as traditional medicine. One of the benefits is to help with digestive problems. Black tea may help prevent the growth of bacteria that causes ulcers and can help with conditions such as diarrhea.
The polyphenols in black tea promote the growth of healthy bacteria which benefit our body. One of its particular effects is preventing Helicobacter pylori and Salmonella which are both causes of stomach ulcers.
Black tea can also help with an upset stomach, which is one of the most common stomach conditions nowadays. It is better to drink black tea instead of using supplements in order to reduce inflammation and irritation.
7. Oral health
Research has shown that drinking black tea not only helps prevent tooth decay but also shows that tea consumption is associated with decreased risk of oral cancer.
The polyphenols and tannin in tea prevent and kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay, reducing the oral bacteria that cause bad breath.
There are also some side effects of drinking black tea. One of them is tooth discoloration. But of course, there are simple solutions to this too, such as rinsing the mouth with water, chewing on sugar-free gums, or just talking to your dentist to recommend you some bleaching options.
8. Skin health
Today, people pay a lot of attention to skincare. The good news is, black tea helps with this, too. Drinking black tea can benefit the skin in 3 ways.
First, it provides vitamins B2, C, and E, and also minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Second, it prevents skin infections and pimples. Black tea contains caffeine and some other chemical compounds that can kill oral viruses. And third, it has been indicated that it reduces signs of premature aging and “mimics wrinkles”.
Instead of buying and experimenting with different skincare products, you can try a simple solution, and that is black tea.
Risks
Besides the very positive effects of drinking black tea, there are also some risks. Some of the risks of drinking black tea include developing anemia, toxicity, experiencing the effects of caffeine (although black tea has significantly less caffeine than coffee) and it might also interact with any drugs or supplements you might be taking.
And remember, the best way to consume antioxidants is through food and drinks, because some supplements containing antioxidants may harm your health.
In conclusion
Black tea with all of its benefits and distinctive taste and aroma may become one of the leading drinks in the future. As many people turn to a healthier lifestyle, that also means a healthier diet, which further translates into drinking black tea instead of coffee.
Scientists have already concluded that it possesses many health benefits that help in preventing chronic diseases and improving our overall health. As much as it is important to know the benefits of this tea, we must also know the side effects before considering a daily consumption.
