According to Healthline - Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. Tea has many variants, but one that is gaining popularity is black tea. Black tea is a type of tea whose manufacturing process uses very old tea leaves.
Besides having a delicious taste and fragrant smell, black tea also has many health benefits because it is high in antioxidants. There is no harm in starting to include this tea in your diet or daily food menu. To find out more about this type of tea, check out the various health benefits of black tea.
The process of making black tea
All tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, but different harvesting and processing methods can produce different types of tea. Camellia sinensis is often blended with other plants for different flavors, such as earl grey.
Making black tea requires the tea leaves to be withered and fully oxidized. Oxidation occurs when the leaves are exposed to air for a long time. Enzymes break down the chemicals in the leaves to produce a blackish-brown color and a distinctive fragrance.
Meanwhile, the correct way to brew black tea is to mix black tea bags with 200 ml of freshly boiled hot water and then let it sit for 2-3 minutes so that the tea releases its distinctive flavor and aroma.
Black tea content
The content of black tea consists of:
Alkaloids
Amino acids
Carbohydrates
Protein
Chlorophyll
Fluorine
Aluminum
Minerals.
Black tea also contains polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants. It has a stronger flavor, and contains more caffeine than other teas. However, it has less caffeine than coffee.
Health benefits of black tea
Black tea is quite beneficial for health because it contains antioxidants. Some of the benefits of black tea include:
1. Improves body health
One of the antioxidant groups found in black tea is polyphenols. Polyphenols consist of catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigins which are the main sources of antioxidants in black tea.
They can help maintain overall health. A study on rats examined the role of theaflavins in black tea, which showed that theaflavins were able to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar.
2. Improves focus
Black tea leaves contain caffeine and an amino acid (L-theanine) that can improve focus and alertness. L-theanine can help to increase alpha activity in the brain which results in relaxation and better focus. Black tea is a good choice in boosting focus and energy.
3. Improves gut health
Another benefit of black tea is also good for the digestive system. Polyphenols found in black tea can help maintain a healthy gut, encourage the growth of good bacteria, and inhibit the growth of bad bacteria.
In addition, black tea also contains antimicrobial properties that can kill harmful substances, and boost immunity by helping to repair the lining of the digestive tract.
However, more research is needed to actually prove these findings.
4. Reduces blood pressure
The properties of black tea are also good for keeping blood pressure stable. So, it is suitable for people with high blood pressure. A study involved participants to consume three cups of black tea every day for 6 months. The results showed that participants who drank black tea experienced a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, to reap these benefits, healthy lifestyle adjustments are required.
5. Lowers LDL 'bad cholesterol'
Several studies have found that consuming black tea can help reduce LDL cholesterol. One study showed that drinking five cups of black tea per day helped reduce LDL cholesterol by 11 percent.
In addition, the researchers also concluded that black tea helps improve cholesterol levels in individuals at risk of heart attack disease or obesity.
6. Improves heart health
Black tea contains another group of antioxidants, flavonoids. This content is beneficial for improving heart health.
A study found that consuming black tea for 12 weeks can lower triglycerides, blood sugar levels, and reduce the plasma LDL/HDL ratio. This allows the drinkers to avoid heart disease. Another study also showed that drinking three cups of black tea per day lowers the risk of developing heart disease.
7. Reduces the risk of stroke
A study found that drinking black tea can help reduce the risk of stroke. People who consumed four or more cups of black tea per day had a 32 percent lower risk of stroke than people who did not drink black tea. If your family has a history of stroke, you should consume black tea to reduce the risk.
8. Helps reduce cancer risk
Polyphenols found in black tea can help to prevent the survival of cancer cells. A study showed that black tea and green tea play a role in regulating the growth of cancer cells and reducing the development of new ones.
However, more research is needed to look further into the relationship between black tea and cancer. Most of these benefits of black tea still require further research as not everyone may be able to experience them. However, there is no harm for you to try consuming this delicious black tea.
9. Overcoming diabetes
Another benefit of black tea is that it can overcome diabetes. The benefits of black tea for diabetes come from its polyphenol content which is believed to lower blood sugar in the body.
The polyphenol content in black tea can inhibit the performance of enzymes that play a role in absorbing carbohydrates, so as to reduce blood sugar levels.
In addition, the antioxidants in it can provide various good effects for diabetics, such as preventing blood clots, reducing the risk of developing heart disease, preventing cancer, and increasing sensitivity to insulin.
10. Maintain brain health
A number of studies have shown that consuming black tea can improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. In addition, the caffeine content in it can also be an alternative to increase alertness and focus.
Side effects of black tea
Black tea can be a healthy alternative to other caffeinated beverages. Black tea also has a low calorie count so you don't have to worry about consuming it while on a diet.
If you have black tea powder or black tea bags, all you have to do is brew it using hot water.
Then, you can strain the tea powder to make a cleaner drink. What are the side effects of black tea? Check out what can happen when consumed in excess.
Toxic content. The lead and aluminum contained in tea can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Black tea also has very high levels of manganese which can be toxic. The longer the tea is brewed, the higher the toxic elements become. Therefore, it is only recommended to brew black tea for 3 minutes.
Effects of caffeine. People who are sensitive to caffeine may experience insomnia, anxiety, irritability or upset stomach when consuming black tea. In addition, excessive caffeine intake can also cause irregular heartbeat, irritable bowel, increased blood pressure and more.
People with a history of iron deficiency should be careful when consuming black tea as it may reduce the body's ability to absorb iron.
It is always best to consult your doctor before consuming black tea as you may have certain conditions that prevent you from consuming black tea.
If after consuming black tea certain symptoms appear, such as rash, itching, coughing, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, then stop consuming it immediately.
Content created and supplied by: Sportyblitz (via Opera News )
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