The leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant are made into a tea and consumed all over the world in different forms. Simply by processing the leaves in different ways, it is possible to convert them into green or black tea. For instance, to get black tea, the leaves are dried and rolled. But, before the final heating, the leaves are fermented. You can drink the beverage one or two times a day safely, but to get the complete black tea benefits, it is advisable that you avoid adding milk or any kind of sweetener.
Black Tea Benefits for Your Body
Strengthens Your Heart
Drinking 2 to 3 cups of black tea can lower your risk of getting a stroke by at least 21%. That’s because the beverage contains antioxidants called flavonoids that help lower levels of triglycerides and bad LDL lipoproteins that carry cholesterol to your body cells. Black tea also helps control systolic and diastolic blood pressure and prevents stress on the heart. In turn, you lower your risks of getting related illnesses like stroke, kidney failure, heart failure, and problems with your vision.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Black tea contains polyphenols that can destroy the bacteria which cause cavities. The beverage can also prevent the action of bacterial enzymes that create plaque on your teeth. As a result, you can avoid problems like tooth decay.
Improves Digestion
The polyphenols and tannins in black tea also act on the gut by stimulating the growth of good bacteria. In addition, they destroy bad, illness-causing bacteria like salmonella. Having adequate amounts of good bacteria in your gut can help you prevent related illnesses like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and possibly even cancer. The anti-microbial properties of black tea can help repair the lining of the intestines.
Acts as a Detoxifying Agent
The antioxidants such as thearubigins, theaflavins, and catechins present in the beverage are some of the key black tea benefits. These antioxidants remove the free radicals in the body that prevent damage to the cells and DNA of the body. As a result, you remain protected from various diseases and promote overall health.
Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels
By drinking black tea at least once or twice a day, you lower your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes by 70%. By substituting sweetened drinks with tea, you can promote the release of insulin in the blood so your body can respond better and lower sugar levels. The specific compound that can bring about this action is a catechin called epigallocatechin gallate.
Helps Lower the Incidence of Cancer
The polyphenols and catechins in black tea can help you avoid various kinds of cancer. That’s because these elements can regulate the growth of the cancer cells and even prevent them from duplicating. In case of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, these polyphenols can control the spreading of cancer that is caused by hormone imbalances.
Strengthens Your Body’s Immune System
The tannins in black tea can avert the effects of viruses that cause diseases. These ailments may include influenza, stomach flu, colds, and other such viruses. Further, the alkylamine antigens help to raise your body’s defense systems to keep you protected from ailments.
Lowers Stress and Anxiety
Drinking a cup of black tea after a busy day at work can help calm the stress and relax you. Further, studies have shown that the amino acid L-theanine contained in black tea can raise levels of concentration. And, your responses to the elements in your environment. You may also feel more energized and alert. That’s because of the limited amounts of caffeine in the tea that are not likely to cause harm to your system.
And, before we sign off on black tea benefits, you may want to know that the phytochemicals in tea can help you build stronger bones and lower the incidence of arthritis. So, go ahead! Brew that delicious black beverage, kick up your feet and enjoy!