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Tea and Health - Black Tea
By:International Tea Importers -14/09/2021
Besides water, tea is one of the most enjoyed beverages around the world. Black tea is obtained from the leaves of a tea plant called
Camelia sinensis. It has a characteristic strong flavor and more caffeine than other varieties of teas. However, it does contain a lower caffeine content than coffee.
Tea leaves are exposed to oxygen rich air and the process of oxidation changes the originally green tea leaves to black. Black tea is a highly oxidized tea compared to other tea such as green tea for example.
Black tea contains a high level of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds,which have many health promoting properties. Modern science has unearthed amazing health benefits of black tea.
Health Benefits Of Black Tea
Loaded with Antioxidants
Black tea is an excellent source of polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, flavonols and catechins, which are powerful antioxidants.
Other polyphenolic compounds present in black tea include theaflavin, kaempferol, quercetin and gallic acid. When tea leaves are exposed to air following being harvested, oxidation results in the production of theaflavin and thearubigin. These are antioxidant compounds and are credited for black teas strong flavor and health benefits.
Antioxidants are compounds responsible for neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals and protect the body from chronic diseases resulting from oxidative damage.
In addition to antioxidants, one cup of black tea contains:
Calories - 2
Carbohydrates - 0.7 grams
Manganese - 0.5 mg
Folate - 11.9 mg
Omega-3 fatty acids - 7.1 mg
Potassium - 87.7 mg
Black Tea May Improve Focus and Concentration
Black tea contains more caffeine than other teas obtained from the same plant. The difference lies in the method of processing of black tea.
Though the caffeine content is lower than coffee, it is sufficient to exert its stimulatory effects. 1 cup of black tea contains about 47 mg of caffeine compared to coffee which contains 95 mg of caffeine.
Black tea has the potential to improve focus, attention and cognitive abilities due to the presence of caffeine. A study has shown that black tea has a promising effect in improving memory, alertness and cognition.
In addition to caffeine, black tea has L-theanine, an amino acid responsible for promoting relaxation and improving focus and attention. When going to make your next study break drink, make black tea your beverage of choice to add in your daily routine in order to improve alertness, cognition and attention.
Supports Digestive Health
The human body contains a wide variety of bacteria responsible for promoting good health in the digestive tract. Polyphenolic compounds found in black tea has ability to improve gut health by restricting the growth of harmful bacteria such as salmonella for example. Moreover, black tea has antibacterial properties, helping to kill harmful bacteria and support the growth of good bacteria, which improve digestion and metabolism.
Antibacterial Properties
Black tea contains potent antibacterial benefits and helps to kill the harmful bacteria found in the digestive tract. Black Tea can also help prevent dental plaque build-up which can then result in bacterial infections. It also helps to reduce bad breath. Black tea when consumed in combination with honey is linked with killing of H. pylori bacteria and reduces the symptoms associated with H. pylori infections
Improves Skin Health
Black has been known to have beneficial effects on skin health. Black tea is an optimal source of nutrients and antioxidants, which protects from oxidative stress and slows down the aging process.
In addition, Black tea contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help fight against acne, skin irritation, psoriasis and other skin conditions. Black tea extract when applied to the skin protects from ultraviolet rays of sun and can potentially reduce the risk of skin cancer. To keep your skin fresh and glowing, it doesn’t hurt to add black tea to your daily routine!
May Support Bone Health
Studies show that daily consumption of tea for long periods can be associated with increased bone mineral density.
Black tea contains a considerable number of minerals such as potassium and manganese, which are known to improve Bone Mineral Density and is essential for bone development and maintenance.
Relieves Inflammation
Besides antioxidants and antibacterial properties, compounds in black tea have strong anti-inflammatory benefits. Theaflavin, a polyphenol in black tea, has the potential to relieve inflammation by inhibiting the activation of inflammatory mediators and prevent diseases resulting from chronic inflammation.
Besides antioxidants and antibacterial properties, compounds in black tea have strong anti-inflammatory benefits. Theaflavin, a polyphenol in black tea, has the potential to relieve inflammation by inhibiting the activation of inflammatory mediators and prevent diseases resulting from chronic inflammation.
A study showed that people who consumed black tea for a 6-week period experienced a decrease in C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker). Owing to
the anti-inflammatory properties, black tea has the potential to help relieve osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
May Improve Heart Health
Black tea is supercharged with antioxidants, which promotes heart health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides level.
A randomized control study revealed that by consuming black tea for 3 months, there was reduction of triglycerides levels by 36%, decreased blood sugar levels by 18% and reduced LDL levels by 17%. Additionally, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial abilities of black tea reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Relieve Stress and Stimulate Brain Activity
Caffeine levels present in black tea can exert stimulatory effects on the central nervous system. The potential effect of caffeine helps to improve alertness and brain energy. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, which is involved in signaling the brain when stressed or overworked. This results in increased levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve mood and brain activity.
Black tea is capable of reducing the level of cortisol, the stress hormone and can help to relieve stress, depression and anxiety. A study concluded that L-theanine in black tea has the potential to relieve stress and relax the mind without inducing drowsiness. This amino acid works synergistically with caffeine, reduces stress hormones and improves brain activity.
Boost Immune System
Polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, flavonols and catechins have strong antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
These antioxidants act as scavengers of free radicals, prevent oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Black tea also contains tannins, theaflavin and thearubigins which help the body fight against viruses and bacteria and reduces the risk and severity of infections such as influenza and pneumonia.
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