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.
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, getting a cup or two of black tea might in fact be a healthy life choice, as studies have shown.[1]
Both green and black tea are made from a shrub called Camellia Sinensis, 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 black tea, though it should be noted that it is recommended that black tea be consumed without any additives like milk or sugar to truly harness its benefits.
11 Health Benefits of Black Tea
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.[2] 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.[3] 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.[4]
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.[5]
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?
There you go, 11 reasons why you should drink black tea more often. When you’re drinking it without additives like milk or sugar, you’ll experience more of its health benefits!
Conclusion
Black tea offers numerous health benefits due to its high concentration of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. These benefits include improved heart health, improved gut health, and potential protection against certain types of cancer. Additionally, black tea has been shown to help improve mental wellness.
Incorporating black tea into your daily routine can be a simple and effective way to support your overall health and well-being.
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