Benefits of Black Tea
Black tea is the most widely consumed variety of tea in the world. Research suggests drinking black tea can not only help you to relax and concentrate better but also help to stay healthy. A cup of black tea can relax you, help your heart and even fight cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are a few health benefits of drinking black tea.
- Black Tea Helps Reduce the Risk of Heart Problems
Black tea drinkers have lower chances of contracting many cardiovascular diseases – including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart attack. Consuming 3 or more cups of black tea regularly can help reduce the risk of heart problems by cutting down the levels of bad cholesterol (responsible for heart strokes) and blood sugar and help people recover from heart attacks much faster.
- Black Tea Induces Weight Loss
Besides from suppressing food intake, studies have shown that black tea induces weight loss when consumed without sugar and milk.
Studies have indicated that:
- tea flavonoids may increase metabolic rate, fat oxidation and insulin activity
- tea catechins may also increase metabolism to improve weight loss and maintenance
- Black Tea Helps Lower Chances of Neurological Diseases
Studies have shown that black tea could lower the chances of getting neurological diseases such as:
- Parkinson’s disease, due to the presence of theanine, which increases alpha brain wave activity and results in a calmer state of mind.
- Alzheimer's disease, by stopping the activity of chemicals that cause plaques and tangles in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
- Dementia, by lowering the risk of cognitive impairment and decline.
- Black Tea Helps Fight Diarrhoea
If you are suffering from diarrhoea, try sipping plain, black tea. The astringent tannins found in black tea helps to reduce the intestinal inflammation, and the hot water will help you to rehydrate.
- Black Tea is Good for Asthmatic Patients
A person with asthma finds it difficult to breathe because the allergens irritate the air passage, and cause them to tighten. A cup of hot black tea can be very beneficial for them.
Caffeine,the stimulant found in black tea is chemically similar to theophylline, a drug used to treat asthma and bronchitis. Caffeine expands the air passage, thereby allowing a patient to breathe more easily.
- Black Tea Helps Fight Digestive Problems
Black tea is rich in tannins and other chemicals. They have a relaxing, anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive system, and can help cure digestive disorders.
- Black Tea Helps Reduce the Incidence of Gastric Ulcers
Unlike what many people think, black tea (consumed in moderation) does not cause acidity or lead to ulcers. On the contrary, studies in experimental animals have shown that it reduces the incidence of ulcers via catechins and flavonoids naturally present in it.
- Black Tea May Help Prevent Cancer
Drinking black tea helps prevent the growth of cancerous cells. The theaflavins in black tea inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells in the body before they cause any major damage or change into cancerous cells, and may also protect against damage caused by UV B radiation.
Although more research is required, research also suggests that antioxidants like polyphenols and catechins may help prevent certain types of cancer such as stomach cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, oral cancer and breast cancer.
- Black Tea Lowers the Risk of Diabetes
Black tea (without sugar and milk) may help blunt the spike in sugar levels after meals, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Black Tea May Help Protect against Osteoporosis
Drinking black tea is good for our bones. Studies suggest that black tea may positively impact bone mineral density (BMD) and protect against osteoporosis, especially in women.
Regular tea drinkers also tend to have stronger bones and lower chances of developing arthritis due to the phytochemicals found in black tea.
- Black Tea Fights HIV Infection
Accumulating evidence suggests that the tea polyphenols (such as those found in black tea) could be used as dietary supplements along with conventional anti-HIV drugs. Theaflavins are potent compounds that inhibit HIV-1 entry into normal (target) cells.
- Black Tea Prevents Tooth Decay & Oral Cancer
Studies have shown that black tea reduces the chances of periodontal disease – a serious bacterial infection that damages the gums and bones supporting the teeth. The polyphenols and tannins in black tea inhibit bacterial growth and ward off mouth infections, including dental cavities.
Catechins – a type of disease-fighting flavonoid and antioxidant found in black tea – reduce the risk of oral cancer, widely prevalent among people who smoke cigarettes and consume tobacco products.
- Black Tea Boosts Immunity
Drinking black tea every day can build up your immunity and prevent you from falling ill frequently. Recent studies indicate that the polyphenols found in black tea viz., theaflavins and thearubigins have powerful anti-oxidant properties. They boost immunity by protecting our cells and tissues from oxidative stress by destroying the free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are responsible for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc.
Drinking black tea won't completely prevent you from falling sick. But it will almost certainly lower your chances of falling ill.
- Black Tea Has Anti-Aging Properties
Black tea contains high levels of antioxidants. This means that drinking it regularly can slow down the aging process and delay the onset of age-related diseases.
- Black Tea Relaxes & Rejuvenates
According to researchers, the L-Theanine present in black tea can enhance- relaxation and tranquility, sensations of pleasure and mental clarity
