Tea is one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world. Its origin dates back to ancient China, where it was not only highly appreciated for its flavour, but also for its excellent health benefits. Today drinking tea is a normal daily habit for many, and in some cultures it is even a tradition or used as part of a ceremony.
In this blog post we are going to tell you all about black tea and its effects on our health. Whilst in some cultures it may be one of the less popular teas, in the UK it is our most popular and it stands out for offering a whole host of health benefits.
What is black tea good for?
Made from Camellia Sinensis leaves, black tea contains a higher concentration of nutrients, organic compounds and caffeine than other types of tea such as green tea. This is due to it having a higher degree of oxidation which is responsible for its dark colour and intense flavour.
Among the most notable benefits of black tea are it's antioxidants which not only delay and prevent the effects of ageing in the body, but have also been found to help fight free radicals, preventing the appearance of cancer and other disease.
Benefits of black tea
Drinking black tea on a daily basis has many positive health benefits. Read on to find out what they are exactly.
Prevention of cardiovascular disease
One of the main effects of black tea is its ability to improve the dilation and contraction of blood vessels. By regulating the dilation and contraction of our vessels, our circulation can be improved and therefore often help reduce stress on our heart.
It has been found that this significantly reduces the risk of having a heart attack or similar type of cardiovascular or heart disease. Black tea can also help prevent the formation of clots or blockages by maintaining healthy blood circulation.
Controls cholesterol levels
Black tea has also been found to help reduce cholesterol. Its high content of natural compounds prevents cholesterol deposits from accumulating in the circulatory system.
By removing cholesterol deposits, blood pressure is regulated, which in turn reduces the chances of arterial blockage. Simply put, black tea infusions help prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Cleanses the body
Another of the major health benefits of black tea is its high content of flavonoids. These are organic compounds with antioxidants that reduce the presence of free radicals. Thanks to these drinking black tea can help cleanse the body of unwanted toxins, protecting the body from radicals produced by environmental pollution, chemical compounds, pesticides, etc and reducing the risk of health complications.
Prevents the appearance of neurodegenerative diseases
Various studies have shown that free radicals have a direct relationship with the appearance of neurodegenerative health and diseases typical of old age such as Alzheimer's.
As we mentioned, black tea is rich in antioxidants, so it helps prevent accelerated oxidation of neurons, delaying the appearance of such conditions. In addition, its high theine content also helps reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease.
Strengthens bones, teeth and prevents cavities
Another compound found in black tea and good for our health is phytochemicals. Phytochemicals help the body absorb and process calcium, necessary to strengthen bones and teeth.
As for the prevention of cavities, drinking black tea can help to clean teeth and refresh our mouth. Its high content of fluorine can strengthen the teeth meaning a lower risk of cavities appearing.
How to prepare black tea?
- Making black tea is simple, just follow our steps:
- Bring water to the boil. Unlike other infusions such as green tea, it is good to have the water boiling with plenty of bubbles.
- Add the tea bag or leaves.
- Let it brew for about 5 minutes to release all its flavour.
- Remove the tea bag or tea leaves.
- Smell the aroma and enjoy the intense flavour of this tea.
Remember to control the amount of tea you drink per day, since going beyond what is recommended can have side effects such as headaches, nervousness or problems sleeping due to it's high caffeine content. If you experience any negative side effects, see your doctor.