Though green tea gets most of the press among health gurus, black tea is also loaded with health benefits that should capture your attention and keep it. Derived from the exact same plant as green tea, black tea is obtained from a longer fermentation period of the leaves of the camellia sinensis shrub. Besides having a more robust flavor than green tea there are plenty of other impressive black tea benefits.
The benefits of black tea can help with certain medical conditions, but the use of it is not an all-inclusive cure. For more serious health conditions, you still need to consult with a health care professional for proper treatment.
One of the most common among the many black tea benefits comes in its ability to help calm an upset stomach. The tannins in black tea have an astringent effect on the intestinal lining which helps reduce intestinal inflammation and bring diarrhea under control.
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Besides being a more flavorful tea, its antibacterial content and antioxidant properties are among the most powerful black tea benefits. Its polyphenols and tannins are easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and make it effective at killing bacteria.
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A more balance source of caffeine than coffee, lowering stress hormone production is another of the many black tea benefits which should grab your attention. Black tea specifically lowers the production of the stress hormone, cortisol, which brings greater relaxation without the adrenal high associated with coffee.
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Potentially life-saving among the black tea benefits is its ability to prevent strokes. Research indicates that daily consumption of 3 or more cups of black tea may provide a 21% lower risk of ischemic stroke.
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Numerous studies point to the positive impact of black tea on heart health. The daily consumption of 9 grams of black tea provides significant effects on lowering your risk of a coronary event via the flavonols, theaflavins and gallic acid derivatives which lower triglyceride levels and decreases the ratio between LDL and HDL cholesterol, thus leading to the conclusion that heart health is also among the top black tea benefits.
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Another potential life-saver among the many black tea benefits comes from the antioxidants which fight the growth of cancer. Black tea is a major source of the flavonoids catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol and myricetin. These compounds have proven to stop the growth of a number of different types of cancer cells before they have a chance to fully develop.
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Because the typical diet is loaded with all sorts of sugar and chemicals which increase insulin sensitivity, diabetes has become an ever-increasing chronic health problem. Reducing the risk of diabetes is also among the most potent black tea benefits to keep in mind. Research indicates that the consumption of at least 3 cups of black tea per day reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a factor of 42%. That is a pretty considerable number.
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Another of the major black tea benefits is concerned with oral health. Studies indicate that drinking black tea restricts the growth of oral bacteria which contribute to the formation of cavities and tooth decay. The polyphenols in black tea hinder the growth of the sticky material which binds plaque to your teeth.
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The phytochemicals and tannins found in black tea also contribute to producing healthier bones and joints, adding yet another item to our list of black tea benefits. Not only does black tea assist in the process of bone development and joint health, but is reported to significantly reduce your risk of developing arthritis as well.
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A stronger immune system is also among the most impressive black tea benefits. Contained in black tea are alkylamine antigens which help to give your immune system a boost. In addition, the tannins in black tea can aid in fighting off the viruses associated with influenza, stomach flu and the common cold.
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The problem with most energy drinks is that they go well overboard with caffeine, which commits murder on your endocrine system. Increased energy from caffeine is also among the black tea benefits, because its levels are low enough to prevent over-stimulating the heart yet still enhance blood flow to the brain.
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The amino acid L-theanine is present in black tea and is known to provide relaxed mental focus. In addition, the reduction of the stress hormone, cortisol, as we mentioned before, is reduced, which also helps reduce focus issues. These factors, as well as a connection between drinking black tea and a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease suggest that better mental health is also among the most potent black tea benefits.
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The metabolic boosting activities of black tea add another item to the list of black tea benefits; a weight loss aid. Besides the metabolic boost, substituting black tea for unhealthy sodas and drinks is huge in reducing calories. Black tea’s ability to reduce cortisol levels also contributes to reducing belly fat. If that wasn’t enough, drinking black tea works as an appetite suppressant as well.
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Also among the most exciting black tea benefits is its ability to help you have healthier skin. The tannins in black tea not only accelerate the process of skin regeneration, but they also provide protection against the numerous harmful environmental toxins that assault your skin. The polyphenols and tannins also improve blood circulation and fight of the development of bacteria which produce blemishes and pimples. If that wasn’t enough, black tea can also help improve skin elasticity, prevent wrinkles and get rid of puffiness around your eyes.
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Healthier hair is also a surprising item among the most encouraging black tea benefits. Black tea reduces hair loss and promotes hair thickness by decreasing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. It can also add shine, luster and a darker tone to your hair when utilized as a rinse.
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We hope you enjoyed reading the 15 benefits of drinking black tea, though this might have triggered another question. Is tea healthier than coffee? Let’s take a look at some reasons you should be sipping tea than coffee.
Tea contains antioxidants that aren’t present in coffee, such as polyphenols, and tannins – both of which have been linked to incredible health benefits. Another antioxidant found in tea is EGCG, which has been proven to lower the risk of cancer and diabetes.
Most of us reach for coffee over tea because of its increased caffeine levels to help give us more energy. But what we don’t consider is the spike of energy levels we experience after a cup of Joe.
Black tea contains less caffeine but that doesn’t mean you should avoid this drink if you’re looking to boost your energy. Instead, this beverage contains an important amino acid that helps to produce a steady release of energy so you don’t experience any crashes a couple of hours after drinking it.
In point 10, we discussed that black tea can boost your immune system so you’re less likely to get sick. This health benefit simply isn’t present in black coffee as it isn’t packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs to fight off infections and diseases.
Black tea is also an ideal drink to consume if you’re suffering from a sore throat or inflammation in your throat. There’s a variety of teas dedicated to loosening mucus and clearing your nostrils to help you breathe better – ideal if you have a cold.
The superior flavor brought on by the longer fermentation process used to create black tea make it easier to make black tea a regular part of your daily diet. Making it a regular part of your daily diet allows you to take advantage of the many black tea benefits we have listed above. Make black tea your go to drink for healthy living. You can also add your questions, comments and black tea recipes in the comments section below.
