What is Black Tea?
Black tea is a highly oxidized and fermented tea derived from a tropical bush, Camellia Sinensis. This is the same plant from which green tea and oolong tea are extracted.
After picking the leaves, black tea is exposed to the sun for oxidation to take place. The humidity in the air acts as a catalyst in oxidation. It takes weeks for the process to complete.
Once the tea leaves are fully oxidized, they are pressed and dried by sucking the moisture out of them. Because of the oxidation, the leaves turn dark black. As a result of the extreme oxidation and fermentation, black tea is referred to as strong.
How to Drink Black Tea?
It is possible to prepare black tea in a multitude of ways. Spices like ginger, cardamom, fennel seeds, cloves, and cinnamon are added to black tea, giving it a rich flavor.
Black tea comes in various varieties. Some examples are Ceylon tea, Earl Gray tea, English Breakfast tea, Assam black tea, and Darjeeling black tea.
Also Read: Tea Brewing Guide: Learn Brewing Loose Leaf Tea
What are some Benefits of Black Tea?
The most popular tea in the world is black tea. But, if people worldwide are consuming it daily, it should make you wonder if it's worth having.
Would it be harmful or beneficial? And if it is beneficial, how does it help? How much is considered healthy? We'll answer these questions today.
Black tea is excellent for health even if it contains caffeine; it is far better than coffee or any other energy drink. As for the amount, it depends upon the level of physical activity of the individual. For an average human being, 2-3 cups a day should be sufficient.
Improves Gut Health
Do you know more than 80% of health problems originate from the gut? Your intestinal health decides your overall physical health and appearance.
If your stomach is unsound from the inside, it shows on the outside. Your gut contains both good and bad bacteria. If the percentage of harmful bacteria exceeds that of good bacteria, your gut is unhealthy.
It can lead to diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, acidity, and other digestive issues. Out of the many benefits of black tea, the most significant is its role in combating gut-related problems. You can try My Gut Health from Tea N Me.
It has Green Tea blended with Triphala, Mint, Licorice, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, Rose Petals and Lemongrass to help your gut.
Benefits Immune System
Black tea is known to strengthen our immune system. It is because of the antioxidants present in the tea. Covid-19, as we all know, affects our immune system adversely. This is what makes it deadly.
Also Read: Health Benefits of White Tea
So black tea might be helpful to boost immunity during Coronavirus outbreaks. While it is essential to stay away from crowded areas and use masks, we cannot ignore the necessity of strengthening immunity.
Combats Inflammation
Inflammation of any kind can be tackled with the help of black tea. People who drink black tea regularly are less prone to inflammation than those who don't.
This is because polyphenols present in black tea are responsible for keeping a check on inflammatory diseases. Inflammation can also give rise to joint-related problems, such as arthritis, which can be very painful.
In addition, drinking black tea may strengthen immunity* against certain illnesses and bacterial infections because it contains alkylamine antigens.
Also Read: Jasmine Tea Benefits: Why should you try Jasmine tea?
Reduces the Risk of Cardiac Arrest
One of the best health benefits of black tea is that it reduces triglyceride levels in the body—the increased triglyceride results in cardiac arrest and other serious issues. Since the mid-1980s, heart health has become a significant concern.
This is because the number of deaths due to heart failure has increased tremendously. Black tea keeps our hearts healthy and strong, reducing the chances of heart stroke.
It helps you concentrate better
There is an amino acid called L-theanine that is found in black tea. This acid enhances our ability to focus. Thus, black tea has a direct link with improving concentration. This makes it a perfect drink for the students who need to have an unwavering focus.
Regulates Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure is something people all across the world are suffering from. Black tea is functional in regulating blood pressure as well. But recent studies have shown that tea does not help control high blood pressure substantially. So, its hand in balancing blood pressure is minimal.
Releases feel-good hormones
Have you ever noticed that a cup of tea takes your mind off of the cares of life? You feel happy after having tea. This is because black tea contains certain chemicals that lower our bodies' cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
From the above-given information, we can deduce that there are innumerable benefits of black tea. It won't be an overstatement if we call it a magic drink. Black tea contains bioactive compounds that help reduce free radicals in our bodies.
Also Read: What is tisane? How is it different from tea?
The increased number of free radicals is the cause of many chronic ailments. However, drinking black tea is not enough. You have to follow a healthy physical regime to stay away from illnesses. Exercising regularly, eating healthy, and keeping your body hydrated should be on top of your list.