Though there are varieties of teas available in the market across the world but still many of us prefer the classic black tea to soothe our soul. Black tea is made from the leaves of a shrub called Camellia sinensis. A procedure called oxidation turns the leaves from green to dark brown in color. During oxidation, the leaves are exposed to damp, oxygen-rich air. Manufacturers of tea can control the amount of oxidation. Black tea is fully oxidized tea.
Why people drink black tea?
Many people drink black tea for energy & alertness. Black tea contains caffeine and a little bit of a stimulating substance known as theophylline. Both these things can speed up the heart rate & make you feel more attentive. Black tea is also rich in healthy substances called polyphenols that can help in protecting your cells from DNA damage.
According to scientists, specific antioxidants in tea like polyphenols and catechins, can help in preventing some types of cancer. Also research shows that women who drink black tea regularly have lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who do not consume it.
Black Tea Nutrition
Black tea is very rich in antioxidants called polyphenols and also has minimal contents of proteins, sodium & carbohydrates. Like other types of tea, it contains: Caffeine, Amino acids, Potassium, Manganese, Fluoride and Polyphenols
Black Tea Benefits
Check out the amazing benefits of black tea;
Heart Health
The black tea properties have been found to improve heart health, mainly because of the flavones present in it. Scientists have also confirmed that consuming more than or equal to three cups of black tea every day can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Digestive Benefits
The amount of tannin in black tea offer digestive benefits. It pacifies gastric as well as intestinal illnesses helps indigestion, and also decreases intestinal activity (making them useful for those with diarrhea).
Cancer Prevention
One of the most-studied tea health benefits is its anti-cancer benefit. Though most of the study has been on green tea there is evidence that black tea also plays an important role in cancer prevention. The polyphenols present in the black tea helps in preventing the formation of potential carcinogens in the body. This is particularly true with certain types of cancer like lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer & bladder cancer.
Cardiovascular Health
Black tea is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids that have proved to lower the risk of heart disease. They do this by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol & preventing damage to the bloodstream and artery walls. In addition, black tea flavonoids can improve coronary vasodilation & reduce clots, and their manganese can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by helping cardiac muscle function.
Strong Bones
If you drink black tea regularly, you are more likely to have stronger bones & connective tissue than those who does not drink it. Scientists believe that this could be due to tea's phytochemicals.
Oral Health
Research has found that black tea can also reduce oral cancers. Moreover, the polyphenols and tannin in the tea kill and prevent the bacteria that cause tooth decay and drastically reduce oral bacteria that cause bad breath.
Skin Health
Consumption of black tea will benefit the skin in three ways. Firstly, it will nourish the skin with vitamins B2, C & E, with minerals like magnesium, potassium & zinc and important polyphenols and tannins. Secondly, caffeine & some of its other chemical components may kill oral viruses that help prevent skin infections or pimples. Lastly, black tea has been shown to reduce 'mimic wrinkles' as well as signs of premature aging.
Healthy Hairs
Black tea is great for your hair. A good amount of antioxidants & caffeine in black is beneficial for hair health. The antioxidants promote healthy hair growth and caffeine decreases a hormone that leads to hair loss.
Increases Energy Level
Moderate consumption of caffeine not only stimulates the metabolism but also increases the alertness level and overall brain function.
Relieves Asthma Studies prove that caffeine present in black tea and other teas can help in the functioning of the lungs. Additionally, the flavonoids in black tea have a good effect on people who have asthma. How to make Black Tea There are many ways to make black tea - for example, you can add 2 drops of lemon in your normal black tea or can put a teaspoon of honey. You can also add cinnamon, cardamom etc in your black tea to enhance its taste.