As if anyone needs more reasons to enjoy tea on a daily basis, here are a few of the most powerful health benefits black tea has to offer.
11 Health Benefits of Black Tea
1. Antioxidant Rich
Different from an average fruit or vegetable, black tea contains a unique kind of antioxidant, called the polyphenol. This powerful antioxidant can help prevent the DNA damage associated with toxic chemicals and tobacco use.
Polyphenols have a wide range of health benefits, from improving skin quality to brain function.
2. Oral Health
Black tea is fantastic for our oral health, as one study funded by the Tea Trade Health Research Association found. Enjoying several “doses” of black tea each day reduced plaque build up and helped to control the bacteria that promotes cavities.
The polyphenols found in black tea either killed or suppressed the cavity causing bacteria from growing or producing the acid that eats away at the tooth’s surface. [1]
3. Heart Health
Not only is a hot cup of black tea heart warming, it is actually heart healthy.
One study conducted in 2009 by the David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles showed that drinking just 3 cups of black tea a day could prevent the onset of ischemic stroke. [2]
Individuals who regularly drink 3 or more cups of green or black tea had a 21% lower risk of having a stroke, compared to those who drink less than 1 cup per day.
4. Bone Health
Black tea has profound benefits for the skeletal system as well. Phytochemicals found in tea are responsible for stronger bones and a reduced risk of arthritis.
One study found that elderly women who regularly drank tea had a higher bone mineral density and lost mineral density far slower than non-tea drinkers. [3]
5. Relieve Stress
Anyone who has enjoyed a hot cup of tea can attest to its calming effect. Within the first sip you find your stresses melting away, and the science backs this up. [4]
Black tea contains L-theanine, which can help you relax and improve concentration. Black tea can also reduce cortisol levels when consumed regularly. Cortisol is a stress hormone and it can be extremely damaging if left unchecked.
6. Boost Immunity
Rich in antioxidants, black tea can help enhance our immune function.
Tannins are the specific type of polyphenol that can help protect us from the influenza virus, stomach flu and other other common viruses.
Naturally enhancing the function of the immune system yields powerful health benefits across the body, reducing inflammation and removing harmful toxins.
7. Increase Energy
The small amount of caffeine found in black tea can help naturally boost energy levels.
Caffeine can over stimulate the heart if it is ingested in high quantities, the levels in black tea are low enough to avoid this problem though. The small amount of caffeine helps to stimulate metabolism and enhance blood flow, without over stimulating the heart.
8. Reduce Risk of Diabetes
One study done in the Mediterranean showed black tea had extraordinary effects for reducing the risk of diabetes.
Individuals who consumed 1-2 cups of black tea per day on a long-term basis had a whopping 70% reduced chance of developing type 2 diabetes. [5]
9. Cancer Prevention
There is quite a bit of research suggesting that regularly drinking tea can have cancer prevention benefits. We are still far from being able to flat out say that drinking tea prevents cancer, but the research suggests that it can help.
The unique array of antioxidants in black tea can help clear away toxins and prevent chronic inflammation, two key components in cancer manifestation.
10. Weight Loss
Not only is tea extremely low in calories, it can also help boost metabolic activity. This makes it a great replacement for soda, juice and other sugary beverages.
Drinking black tea won’t contribute to your daily calorie intake, and it will even help passively burn off excess weight and calories through increased metabolic activity.
11. Lower Cholesterol
Enjoying black tea frequently is an effective way to lower triglycerides and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve arterial function.
Author: Contributing to numerous online health publications, Jeff focuses the majority of his research towards antioxidants and dietary supplements. This led to the formulation of his new L-glutathione supplement GSH Gold.
Article References and Sources:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117434 [1]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19228856 [2]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17921409 [3]
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20061005/drinking-black-tea-may-soothe-stress [4]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19259345 [5]
