Impressive Benefits Of Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most beloved drinks or beverages in the world, and almost 80% of humans consume it. The impressive health benefits of black tea include its ability to boost heart health, lower stress, reduce high cholesterol, improve oral health, boost bone health, increase alertness, and prevent diarrhea and digestive problems. It also improves blood circulation, helps lower high blood pressure, and reduces symptoms of asthma. It is one of the most popular teas and is well-known for its antibacterial and antioxidant qualities.
What is Black Tea?
Black tea is the most usual type of tea served without milk. It is made from tea plant scientifically known as Camellia sinensis. The level of oxidation gives it a unique color and flavor, which ranges from amber to dark brown and savory to sweet.
The difference between black, green, and white tea is the way they are processed. During the processing stage, black tea is fermented and oxidized. On the other hand, green tea and white tea are not fermented.
Health Benefits of Black Tea
This amazing tea is known for its curative qualities and other health benefits. The most powerful benefits are as follows:
Prevents Heart Diseases
High amounts of flavanols, flavonols, theaflavins and gallic acid derivatives present in black tea help repair coronary artery dysfunctions in heart patients. It also reverses the abnormal functioning of blood vessels, which may lead to strokes, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular conditions. Therefore, everyone who drinks it is at a decreased risk of contracting heart diseases.
Anticancer Potential
A 2014 study led by researchers from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA, suggests that intake of black tea may have the anticancer potential against skin, prostate, lung and breast cancer.
Another study suggests that the presence of polyphenols in tea have a potent free radical scavenging effect and that tea consumption helps inhibit tumorigenesis (Yang CS et al., 2002). Animal studies have shown that tea compounds help reduce carcinogenesis of the skin, lung, oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, liver, prostate and other organs.
Black tea may lower the risk of ovarian cancer in women who drink tea compared to those who rarely do (Source: MedlinePlus). However, more human studies are required to be conducted to understand the precise way that tea may help prevent cancer.
Helps Manage Diabetes
Long-term tea intake is associated with reduced levels of fasting blood glucose and lower rates of type 2 diabetes. The major bioactive compounds in black tea are polyphenols which lower the glycemic index. A study published in the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism revealed that regular consumption of tea had antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in people with type 2 diabetes.
Anti-bacterial Activity
Tea polyphenols are known for their antibacterial activity. Studies show that black tea reduces the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection.
It can be an effective foot treatment and remove problems of sweaty, smelly feet. It also closes the pores and prevents frequent sweating. You can also apply chilled tea bags to razor bumps and burns to soothe rashes, redness, and itchiness.
Relieves Stress
Black tea consumption not only lowers the production of the stress hormone, cortisol but also normalizes it. Also, the amino acid, l-theanine, found in this tea eases stress and promotes relaxation. Tea intake may speed up recovery following acute stress, which otherwise can cause a greater risk of chronic illnesses like coronary heart disease.
Relieves Asthma
Generally, hot and brewed liquids are known to bring relief to asthmatic conditions. So, it is no surprise that black tea is extremely beneficial for asthmatic patients, as it expands the air passage, thereby allowing them to breathe more easily.
Improves Oral Health
Polyphenols in black tea include catechins, flavonoids, and tannins which have an anti-microbial effect and an inhibitory action on the bacterial and salivary enzymes. A cup or two of unsweetened tea taken daily can reduce inflammation, prevent cavities, and stop the growth of bacteria in the mouth.