Aside from water, Black Tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages.
It is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is frequently combined with other plants to create diverse flavors such as Earl Grey, English breakfast, and chai.
It has a stronger flavor and carries more caffeine than other teas, but not as much as coffee.
There are many black tea benefits, due to antioxidants and chemicals that can help decrease inflammation in the body.
Here are a few scientifically proven black tea benefits on health and more
Antioxidant Capabilities
Antioxidants are well-known for their numerous health advantages.
Consuming them can aid in removing free radicals and reducing cell damage in the body. This, in turn, may help reduce the risk of chronic illness. In addition, polyphenols are antioxidants present in a variety of foods and beverages, including black tea.
The major sources of antioxidants in black tea are polyphenol groups such as catechins, theaflavins, and Thearubigins, which may benefit general health.
In fact, one rat research looked at the function of theaflavins in black tea and the risk of diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. Theaflavins were shown to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Another study looked at the effect of catechins found in green tea extract on body weight. It discovered that individuals who took a bottle containing 690 mg of catechins from tea daily for 12 weeks lost body fat.
While antioxidants are found in many supplements, the best method to absorb them is through food and beverages. In fact, some evidence suggests that taking antioxidant supplements may be harmful to your health.
Black tea includes polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. Antioxidants may help lower your risk of chronic illness and enhance your overall health.
May Improve Heart Health
Flavonoids, another kind of antioxidant found in black tea, are beneficial to heart health. Flavonoids can also be found in vegetables, fruits, red wine, and dark chocolate, in addition to tea.
Regular consumption may help lower several risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased triglyceride levels, and obesity.
One randomized controlled research discovered that consuming black tea for 12 weeks dramatically reduced triglyceride levels by 36%, blood sugar levels by 18%, and the LDL/HDL plasma ratio by 17%.
Another study discovered that those who drank three cups of black tea per day had an 11% lower chance of getting heart disease. So including black tea in your daily routine is a simple method to get antioxidants into your diet and perhaps lower your future health issues.
Flavonoids found in black tea are good for heart health. According to research, drinking daily black tea benefits in lowering the risk of heart disease.
Lowering “Bad” LDL Cholesterol
Two lipoproteins in the body carry cholesterol throughout the body. The first is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while the second is high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL is known as the “bad” lipoprotein because it carries cholesterol to cells throughout the body. Meanwhile, HDL is known as the “good” lipoprotein because it carries cholesterol from your cells to the liver, where it is eliminated.
When the body has too much LDL, it can pile up in the arteries and form waxy deposits known as plaques. This can result in issues such as heart failure or stroke.
Fortunately, some research suggests that drinking tea may help lower LDL cholesterol.
One randomized trial discovered that consuming five cups of black tea per day decreased LDL cholesterol by 11% in people with somewhat or mildly increased cholesterol levels. Another three-month randomized trial, including 47 people, evaluated the effects of traditional Chinese black tea extract and placebo on LDL levels.
Compared to the placebo, individuals who drank black tea had a substantial drop in LDL levels, with no negative side effects. Researchers concluded that black tea benefits to improve cholesterol levels in those at risk of heart disease or obesity.
LDL and HDL are lipoproteins that transport cholesterol throughout the body. A high level of LDL in the blood can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to research, black tea benefits LDL cholesterol levels.
Also Read, 8 Amazing Benefits of Green Tea
This may help your gut.
According to research, the type of bacteria in your stomach may have a major impact on your health. This is because the gut contains billions of bacteria and 70–80 percent of your immune system.
While certain bacteria in your stomach are helpful to your health, others are not.
Indeed, some research suggests that the kind of bacteria in your gut may play a key role in lowering your risk of certain health disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and even cancer.
The polyphenols in black tea benefits the maintenance of a healthy gut by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria while preventing the growth of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella.
Furthermore, black tea includes antibacterial qualities that destroy dangerous chemicals and enhance gut flora and immunity by assisting in healing the digestive tract lining.
However, further study is required before a firm conclusion can be drawn on the effect of black tea on immunological function.
Trillions of microorganisms live in your gut, as does the bulk of your immune system. Black tea has polyphenols and antibacterial characteristics that may help enhance gut health and immunity.
Could Aid with Blood Pressure Reduction
Around 1 billion individuals worldwide suffer from high blood pressure. It raises your chances of heart and kidney failure, stroke, eyesight loss, and heart attack. Fortunately, dietary and lifestyle modifications can help decrease your blood pressure.
A randomized, controlled trial investigated the role of black tea in lowering blood pressure. Over six months, participants consumed three cups of black tea each day. When compared to the placebo group, individuals who drank black tea experienced a substantial drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
However, studies on black tea benefits on blood pressure are conflicting.
A meta-analysis of five trials including 343 people investigated the effect of drinking black tea for four weeks on blood pressure. Despite finding modest improvements in blood pressure, researchers determined that the data were not statistically significant.
Those with high blood pressure may benefit from drinking black tea regularly and implementing other lifestyle changes such as stress management methods.
High blood pressure can lead to a variety of health problems. Regularly drinking black tea benefits in lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, although data is conflicting.
May Help Lower the Chances of Having a Stroke
When a blood artery in the brain becomes clogged or ruptures, it can cause a stroke. It is the world’s second-biggest cause of death. Fortunately, 80 percent of strokes may be avoided. Controlling your diet, physical activity, blood pressure, and quitting smoking, for example, can all help lower your risk of stroke. Surprisingly, research has discovered that drinking black tea benefits in lower the incidence of stroke.
Over ten years, one research monitored 74,961 persons. It was shown that individuals who drank 4 or more cups of black tea a day had a 32% lower risk of stroke than those who didn’t.
Another research looked at data from nine separate studies with a total of 194,965 individuals. Researchers observed that those who drank more than three cups of tea (either black or green tea) per day had a 21% lower risk of stroke than people who drank less than one cup of tea per day.
Stroke is the world’s second-biggest cause of mortality. Fortunately, in many situations, it is preventable. According to research, black tea benefits in lower the incidence of stroke.
Also read, Tea Tree Oil: 10 Benefits and how to use
Blood sugar levels may be reduced.
Elevated blood sugar levels may raise your chance of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal failure, and depression. Consuming a lot of sugar, especially from sweetened beverages, has raised blood sugar levels and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
When you eat sugar, your pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin, which transports the sugar to your muscles to be utilized for energy. If you eat more sugar than your body requires, the extra sugar is stored as fat.
Black tea is a delicious unsweetened beverage that has been shown to improve insulin utilization in the body.
One test-tube investigation investigated the insulin-boosting effects of tea and its constituents. According to the findings, black tea boosted insulin activity more than 15-fold. In addition, researchers found that numerous chemicals in tea, especially catechin called epigallocatechin gallate, have been demonstrated to enhance insulin levels.
Another animal research examined the effects of black and green tea extract on blood sugar levels. According to the findings, they both reduced blood sugar and improved how the body digested sugar.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced in response to the consumption of sugar. Black tea is a wonderful non-sweetened beverage that can assist enhance insulin utilization and lower blood sugar levels.
Cancer Risk Could Be Reduced
There are over 100 distinct kinds of cancer, some of which are incurable. Nonetheless, the polyphenols in black tea may aid in the prevention of cancer cell survival.
One test-tube investigation looked at the impact of tea polyphenols on cancer cells. It was discovered that black and green tea may help regulate cancer cell proliferation and reduce new cell formation.
Another study looked at the impact of polyphenols found in black tea on breast cancer. It has shown that black tea benefits in the prevention of the spread of hormone-dependent breast cancers. Although black tea should not be regarded as an alternative cancer treatment, certain studies have shown that it can help reduce cancer cell survival.
The more human study is needed to understand the relationship between black tea and cancer cells.
Polyphenols found in black tea may aid in the fight against cancer cells in the body. Although drinking black tea will not cure cancer, it may help slow the growth of cancer cells.
Focus may be improved.
Black tea includes caffeine as well as L-theanine, an amino acid that can increase alertness and attention.
L-theanine boosts alpha activity in the brain, which leads to relaxation and improved attention. Because of the effects of L-theanine on the brain, studies have revealed that drinks containing both L-theanine and caffeine had the greatest influence on attention.
This might explain why, compared to other caffeinated beverages like coffee, many people report having more consistent energy after drinking tea.
Two randomized controlled trials looked at the benefits of black tea on accuracy and attentiveness. In all trials, black tea significantly improved participants’ accuracy and self-reported attentiveness compared to a placebo.
As a result, black tea is an excellent beverage for increasing energy and attention without consuming caffeine.
Because it contains caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, black tea can aid enhance attention. This amino acid boosts alpha activity in the brain, which can aid with attention and alertness.
Also Read, 7 Best Places To Enjoy A Cup Of Tea In Delhi
Simple to Make
Not only is black tea healthy, but it is also simple to make.
To prepare black tea, first bring water to a boil. If you’re using store-bought tea bags, simply place one in a mug and fill it with boiling water. When using loose leaf tea, pour 2–3 grams of tea leaves into a sieve for every six ounces of water.
Allow the tea to steep in the water for 3–5 minutes, depending on your taste. Then, use more tea leaves and steep for a longer time to make a stronger tea. Remove the tea leaves or tea bag from the water after steeping and serve.
Making black tea is straightforward and just takes a few minutes. You may use tea bags or loose leaves and modify the flavor to your liking.
If you want a low-calorie, unsweetened beverage with less caffeine than coffee or energy drinks, try black tea.
It has a strong, distinct flavor and is high in antioxidants, giving a variety of health advantages. These include lower blood pressure, greater gastrointestinal health, and lower cholesterol.
Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and can be obtained in various places or online.
Consider trying black tea if you haven’t already, so you may appreciate its various health advantages.