Black tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
It contains more caffeine than other teas but less caffeine than coffee.
In addition, black tea provides various health benefits thanks to its high content of antioxidants.
Here are the top 10 benefits of black tea based on scientific research.
1. Has Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants fight free radicals and reduce cell damage. This is beneficial because it reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Black tea provides us with a type of antioxidants called polyphenols that are good for the general health of the body.
According to a study in rodents, the antioxidants in black tea reduce the risk of diabetes and regulate cholesterol levels.
Another study found that consuming a bottle containing 690 mg of catechins (a type of polyphenol) helps burn body fat.
It is always advisable to consume antioxidants through drinks and food, and not through supplements. In fact, one study found that antioxidant supplements can damage the heart.
2. May Boost Heart Health
In addition, black tea contains other antioxidants called flavonoids.
Its regular consumption reduces the risk of heart disease, while regulating the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.
One study found that consuming black tea reduces triglyceride levels by 36%, blood sugar levels by 18%, and cholesterol levels by 17%.
Finally, a study found that consuming three cups of black tea per day reduces the risk of heart disease by 11%.
3. May Lower “Bad” LDL Cholesterol
Black tea also has beneficial properties when it comes to reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood.
One study found that consuming 5 cups of black tea per day reduces cholesterol levels by 11%.
In addition, another study conducted on 47 people found that the consumption of black tea helps reduce LDL levels in people with obesity or risk of heart disease.
4. May Improve Gut Health
Trillions of bacteria are housed in the intestine. While some of them are beneficial to health, others are not.
According to studies, healthy bacteria in the gut reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The high content of polyphenols present in black tea helps regulate bacteria in the intestine.
In addition, black tea contains antimicrobial properties that fight harmful substances and repair the lining of the digestive tract.
5. May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
Hypertension is a condition that affects a billion people globally.
Although it is a disease that can cause many health complications, the good news is that if you change your diet and your lifestyle, you can help reduce blood pressure levels.
According to a study, the consumption of black tea helps reduce diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
However, there is not yet enough evidence to ensure that black tea has beneficial effects in reducing blood pressure.
6. May Help Reduce the Risk of Stroke
Strokes are the second leading cause of death worldwide.
However, with a healthy diet, physical activity, and regulation of blood pressure, the risk of stroke can be reduced.
According to a 10-year study, the consumption of 4 or more cups of black tea per day reduces the risk of stroke by 32%.
Another study found that consuming more than three cups of tea (green or black) per day helps reduce the risk of stroke by 21%.
7. May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels are associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, kidney failure, and heart problems.
Sweetened beverages cause an increase in blood sugar levels.
In this sense, green tea is an unsweetened drink that, in turn, improves the functioning of insulin in the body.
According to a study, tea has compounds (mainly epigallocatechin gallate) that improve insulin levels.
In addition, a study conducted on rodents found that green tea and black tea help metabolize sugar.
8. May Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer
According to a study, both green tea and black tea act by regulating the growth of cancer cells and preventing new cancer cells from developing.
In addition, another study found that black tea helps reduce the risk of breast tumors.
9. May Improve Focus
Since black tea contains caffeine and L-theanine, it helps with concentration and alertness.
Different studies have found that beverages containing L-theanine and caffeine help improve concentration but without the effect of excessive caffeine consumption.
On the other hand, two studies found that black tea increases accuracy and self-reported alertness.
10. Easy to Make
Besides having many health benefits, black tea is easy to make.
The first thing you should do is boil the water and place a bag of black tea in a cup with the water.
If you want to use loose-leaf tea, add 2-3 grams of tea leaves to every 6 ounces of water.
Let the tea sit in the water for 5 minutes.
Then remove the tea leaves or the tea bag and drink.
