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Tea is the most preferred and loved benerages known to mankind. The popular varieties include green tea, black tea, white tea, etc. All of them are extracted from the plant Camellia Sinensis. However, the difference is in the way each of them are processed. While processing, black tea is oxidized and fermented, thus acquiring the color, health benefits and the flavor. Read through this HeathSpectra post to learn more in detail about the unbelievable benefits of black tea.
What Is Black Tea? How Is Black Tea Different From Green or White Tea?
Black tea is well-known popular tea world-wide. It is famous for its medicinal and health benefits like impact on high cholesterol, tooth decay, diarrhea, concentration levels, digestive issues, etc. It improves blood circulation, blood pressure levels and asthma condition. As mentioned earlier, it obtains its color and flavor by the way it gets processed. Several top tea brands process and sell black tea powder across the world.
Characteristics Of Black Tea:
- Black tea tastes bolder, stronger, and richer compared to green tea.
- The color of the brewed black tea can range from amber to red-dark brown.
- The flavor of the black tea ranges from savory to sweet and is based on the time length of oxidation and the way it was heat processed.
However, as black tea contains highest degree of tannins, over-steeping it may turn into having the highest degree of bitterness.
Black Tea vs Coffee
Tea drinkers have lower heart risks and higher bone density compared to coffee due to the high amounts of antioxidants present in it. Coffee has more stimulants than tea and is more acidic compared to tea.
Black Tea vs Green Tea
Black tea and the green tea have equal health benefits. Green tea is wilted, partially oxidized and bruised. It is grassy and light. While, black tea is has a sweeter and stronger taste. Black tea is the best refreshing beverage.
Nutritional Facts Of Black Tea:
- Black tea is rich in catechins and polyphenols, which prevent DNA damage and cancers.
- Minimal protein, sodium and carbohydrate content is good for health.
- Several studies have proven to the black tea’s ability to reverse the abnormal functioning of the blood vessels.
- It helps avoid heart strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Caffeine present in it improves the mood.
- Research have found that the compounds like thearubigins and theaflavins
According to the recent medical research, the compounds like theaflavins and thearubigins found in the black tea are positively loaded with health benefits, besides adding to the peculiar flavor and the dark color.
How Do People Consume Black Tea?
Sweetening agents like chocolate, spices, or rare herbs are used while brewing black tea. Chinese people add sweeteners to back tea, while Indians add sugar and milk. Some other adD herbs like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, mulethi, tulsi, lemongrass, etc.
A few types of black tea are:
- Darjeeling Black Tea
- Keemun Black Tea
- Assam Black Tea
- Yunnan Black Tea
- Ceylon Black Tea
- Earl Gray Black Tea
- Nilgiri Black Tea, etc.
These varieties are categorized based on the province from where the tea leaves are originated.
How To Brew Loose Leaf Black Tea?
Follow directions on the package as different tea leaves may vary with different brewing methods. However, high brewing water temperature is a part of healthiest black tea preparation. A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition has revealed that adding milk to black tea lowers its antioxidant properties. Moreover, boiling black tea at the nearest boiling temperature results in the highest antioxidant activities.
- Simply boil water in a tea kettle.
- Add 1 tbsp to 2 tbsp of loose black tea to just boiled water (8 to 12 oz) based on your preferable strength.
- Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Is It Good To Consume Black Tea After Meal?
It is not recommended to consume tea or coffee following meals or in between meals. The caffeine and the tannins present in these beverages, act as hindrance factors for iron absorption. Similarly, it is better to avoid black tea before bed as black tea, white tea or green tea leaves contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that has to be avoided before bedtime.
Health Benefits And Advantages Of Black Tea:
Black tea is known for its curative qualities and health benefits. A few of them are listed below.
1. Black Tea To Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases:
Coronary artery dysfunctions of the heart can be repaired by the regular consumption of the black tea. Drink a cup of black tea to decrease heart ailments. Several studies (3) have proved the effectiveness of the black and green tea extracts in healthy adults and those at high risk of CVD.
2. Black Tea For Skin And As Skin Toner:
Black tea has amazing qualities to fight free radicals and clear up acne. The caffeine content helps minimize puffiness. Moderate black tea everyday can get you the good-skin effects. Black tea acts as a good skin toner. It can protect from premature aging , accelerate skin regeneration, cures wrinkles, besides soothing the skin.
3. Black Tea For Hair:
The caffeine in the black tea blocks DHT, the hormone responsible for hair loss. It helps grow soft and shiny hair.
How To Make:
- Add 2-4 tea bags to 2 cups of boiled water
- Allow the tea bag to steep for a few hours.
- Pour the tea on the hair after shampooing.
- Leave for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off and apply a deep conditioner.
4. Reduces Cholesterol:
A study conducted by the American Heart Association in New Orleans revealed that people who consume black tea can reduce their bad cholesterol levels, responsible for fatal attacks and heart strokes. People who consume three to four cups of black tea daily are at a lower risk for heart problems compared to people who drink minimal amounts or no tea at all.
5. Black Tea To Improve Digestion And Treat Diarrhea:
Abundant tannins and other chemicals in black tea show relaxing and positive effects on human’s digestive system. The anti-inflammatory qualities help cure digestive disorders. Intestinal disorders are believed to get healed with black tea due to the presence of tannins in it. Patients with diarrhea are advised to sip plain black tea for quicker recovery.
6. Black Tea Face Mask DIY:
Prepare black tea and honey exfoliating mask using 1 tbsp black tea leaves, 1 tbsp honey, ¼ cup hot water, 1 tsp lemon juice.
How To Make:
- Pour hot water in a cup containing black tea leaves.
- Allow to steep for a few minutes and drain the water.
- Stir in honey and lemon.
- Apply the mixture on the face as a mask.
7. Black Tea Prevents Breast Cancer:
Several studies have revealed that the tea extracts or tea polyphenols can suppress breast cancer. Tea works by raising the globulin hormone levels in women during the menstrual cycle (2). Thus, the consumption of green or black tea is believed to prevent the cancerous growth in the breasts of the women.
Black tea is particularly beneficial for those in the pre-menopausal phase. Theaflavins present in the black tea (1) help destroy abnormal cells in the body, before major damage is done. A study have found an inverse relationship between caffeine intake and breast cancer among postmenopausal women in one large study.
8. Black Tea And Pregnancy, Fertility:
Moderate amounts of black tea is considered safe for nursing and pregnant women and even those who are trying to conceive. However, there are several stances where black tea may have to avoided. Talk to your doctor before including the black tea to your diet.
9. Black Tea Relieves Asthma:
Any brewed and hot liquids are believed to bring relief from asthma. Similarly, black tea is beneficial for asthmatic patients in expanding the air passage and allowing easy breath. Black tea has numerous ingredients that help alleviate your asthma symptoms.
10. Black Tea For Weight Loss:
Flavonoids present in the black tea helps with the weight loss program. However, still a lot of research is required to support the impact of the black tea on the weight loss.
Side Effects Of Black Tea:
It is known to cause acidity issues in the stomach. Thus, addiction to black tea is not at all recommended. Further, drinking black tea post lunch or post dinner may lead to digestion issues. Over consumption of black tea may lead to sleep problems, nervousness, vomiting, irritability, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, tremor, heartburn, ringing in the ears, dizziness, convulsions, and confusion.
Black tea is the best beverage option that is refreshing and stimulating as well. It comes with numerous health and beauty benefits. Avoid consuming it in huge amounts to avoid the black tea side effects. Enjoy that freshly brewed hot cup of black tea and stay healthy!
