The beverage you drink every morning may be one of the most important decisions you make each day because what you consume has a direct effect on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. That’s why it’s so important to know which drinks are good for you and which ones aren’t worth the calories or money spent on them. It is all too common for people to not drink black tea often enough, and when they do, they don’t think about what makes it so great. Yet when it comes to healthy beverages, there are few things more valuable than your daily cup of black tea. To help get things started, here are 13 reasons why black tea is an excellent choice for anyone who wants their body to look and feel its best!
Black Tea Is Loaded With Antioxidants
One of the most valuable compounds within black tea is known as L-Theanine. This amino acid contains powerful antioxidant properties that work to neutralize free radicals, allowing them to do less damage to your body (8).
Of course, antioxidants can also help prevent cancerous cells from developing and growing into tumors that will spread throughout the body. Additionally, there’s evidence that these antioxidants can reduce cellular decay caused by oxidative stress through increased hydration (8).
The Amino Acids Within Black Tea Can Reduce Stress And Anxiety Levels
Another major benefit of L-Theanine is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety levels. A 2019 study published in the National Institutes of Health found that participants who took 200 mg of this amino acid before bed had lower nighttime cortisol secretion, indicating a decrease in overall stress (4).
At the same time, these black tea components were linked to increased serotonin production, which can help promote more restful sleep for optimal recovery from all your hard work at the gym (4).
Black Tea Boosts Gut Health
One of the most overlooked but critical areas of health is gut health. By promoting healthy digestion and preventing inflammation in the digestive tract, black tea can actually help increase nutrient uptake and prevent disease (8).
To begin with, it works to restore proper levels of good bacteria within your GI system and also reduces unwanted bacterial byproducts such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide (8).
The L-Theanine found within black tea is linked to increased gut health, which can prevent digestive issues and improve your immune system. Even better, the antioxidants in this beverage are known to reduce inflammation throughout your body that often causes leaky gut syndrome (8).
Read More: Facts About Green Tea, Health Benefits And Side Effects
Antioxidants May Help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
When it comes to drinking black tea for cardiovascular health, research has shown that you may experience several benefits through the L-Theanine compound found within this beverage. For one thing, there’s evidence that this amino acid can help prevent fatty buildups in your arteries, which is a common cause of heart attacks and strokes. At the same time, L-Theanine may help reduce blood pressure levels (7).
Black tea is also linked to improved cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of developing heart disease and other serious health conditions. It works to lower LDL cholesterol levels while raising HDL levels, providing the best ratio for mitigating any risk of heart disease (7).
Black Tea Can Improve Weight Loss
One of the primary reasons to drink black tea for weight loss is its caffeine content. In large doses, this stimulant works as an appetite suppressant, allowing you to feel fuller without eating as much food throughout the day. At the same time, caffeine helps release fatty acids within your body, so they burn off as energy through thermogenesis. Drinking black tea later in the day can also keep you energized and burning calories more efficiently throughout your evening workout sessions before bedtime rolls around again (8).
This Beverage May Be Able To Reduce Your Risk Of Type II Diabetes
Black tea components have been shown to help improve glucose tolerance in animal studies. In these tests, it was found to reduce the ability of insulin to regulate how much glucose is absorbed by cells (5). As a result, less sugar gets converted into fat as a storage mechanism. In this way, drinking black tea may be able to lower your risk of type II diabetes as well as obesity.
Black Tea Is High In Certain Minerals And Vitamins That Can Promote Healthy Hair Growth
In addition to being loaded with antioxidants that can help fight off free radicals and prevent cellular damage within your body, it’s also important to note that black tea contains certain minerals and vitamins that are vital for healthy hair growth. For instance, the niacin found in black tea is essential for cellular metabolism. This means that cells can’t produce new proteins without this vitamin component (9).
The Caffeine And Antioxidants Can Help Protect Against Damage Caused By UV Radiation
UV radiation from the sun is one of the leading causes of skin damage, including wrinkles and DNA damage. However, studies have shown that antioxidants found in black tea may be able to help prevent some of these effects when consumed regularly (10).
One study testing green and black teas against UVB radiation found that both beverages were equally effective at preventing DNA mutations caused by free radicals and reducing oxidative stress on your body. Black tea may also be able to protect against UVA penetration, though more research needs to be done in this area (10).
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You Can Enjoy Black Tea As Part Of Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Black tea contains calcium, fluoride, and fluoride ions that can help prevent tooth decay when added to your oral hygiene routine. With natural antibacterial properties, the tannins within black tea are capable of slowing down bacterial growth on teeth, which means you have fewer plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth after drinking it regularly (2).
This is especially true if you opt for a decaffeinated version of this drink since caffeine can cause dryness around your gums, making it easier for plaque build-ups to form.
The Antioxidants Can Help Fight The Effects Of Aging
As you age, your skin becomes less capable of protecting itself against free radicals. One of the ways that antioxidants can help fight age is by protecting your skin from UV radiation damage so you don’t develop sunspots or other issues later in life. At the same time, these compounds may also be able to repair some of the DNA mutations caused by free radicals, which means you could potentially even out your skin tone if you drink black tea regularly (10).
May Improve Focus And Concentration Levels
Another benefit of black tea is its ability to improve focus and concentration levels. The L-Theanine found this beverage is known to boost alpha brain waves. These brain waves are linked with mental clarity, better moods, problem-solving abilities, and more (7).
Black Tea May Protect Against Diabetes
The polyphenols found in black tea may be able to help decrease insulin resistance and thus protect against diabetes. In addition, these compounds may also be able to reduce the amount of fat that’s deposited in the liver. This can provide further protection against type II diabetes (5).
Black Tea Contains A Substance Capable Of Boosting Immunity
Black tea contains the amino acid L-theanine which is known for its ability to boost immunity by increasing your body’s disease-fighting white blood cells. Studies have shown that this substance is capable of activating T lymphocytes that fight infections as well as stimulating antibody production (7). This means you can drink more black tea if you want a stronger immune system to fight off diseases like the common cold or flu.
Read More: Tea That Makes You Lose Weight: Health Benefits And Side Effects
Tips For Serving Black Tea
Black tea is a versatile beverage that can be sipped hot or cold. You can also add it to your favorite soups, smoothies, and other recipes for a quick flavor burst.
Here are some ways you can enjoy this beverage:
Unsweetened
Black tea is commonly served sweetened to cut through its natural astringency. However, you can also drink this beverage unsweetened if you want a more intense taste. The health benefits of unsweetened black tea may outweigh those of the sugary alternative, including:
- Fewer Calories. You’ll save calories by opting for an unsweetened version of this beverage.
- Bodyweight Control. If you drink caffeine, it can boost your metabolic rate and encourage calorie burn (3). This can be especially true if you drink black tea without adding anything to it.
- Fewer Sugar Cravings. The sweeteners added to black tea can cause you to crave more sweet foods, so you’ll be more likely to overeat. If you drink the unsweetened version, this won’t be an issue.
Drinking unsweetened black tea doesn’t have to be a flavorless experience.
Here are some ways of infusing flavor without adding sugar or other sweeteners:
- Blending black tea with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
- Blending black tea with herbs such as mint or basil.
- Add some vanilla extract to unsweetened black tea for a hint of sweetness.
As A Stock For Flavoring Soups And Sauces
Black tea also works well as a stock for any soup or sauce. The English have been using black tea to flavor their meat dishes for centuries. This beverage can help you cut down on salt intake since it has an intrinsic level of salinity. The other flavors found in this drink will create a more nuanced flavor profile that your taste buds will love.
In Poaching Liquids
Black tea can add a flavorful punch to poaching liquids for fruits or vegetables. Some pastries such as scones and shortbread use black tea in their dough recipes. This is because this beverage can enhance rich flavors while also bringing out subtle hints of sweetness that you may not have tasted before.
If you want to give seafood some extra flavor, try using black tea as the poaching liquid. It works especially well for white fish like halibut and cod. However, you can also use it with salmon or other kinds of fish, depending on your personal preferences. Just be sure that the tea leaves don’t touch the fish.
For Cooking Beans And Grains
Black tea can also be used to cook beans and grains. This is because it can create a rich, earthy flavor that you probably haven’t experienced before. You may want to try using jasmine or green tea for cooking since they have subtle flavors that take longer to infuse into food.
In Cooking Beets
This red root vegetable is known for its capability of adding color to dishes. However, it can also add a rich earthy flavor that balances out sweet notes. If you want all these benefits in your next meal, try cooking beets with black tea leaves. Just boil the roots in water mixed with black tea bags or loose leaves. You can also roast or steam them before adding the liquid if you prefer.
In Adding Body To Sweet Treats
Black tea is known for its ability to bring out flavors that are subtle and delicate. If you want something with a richer, more nuanced taste, this beverage will help you achieve that. You may notice these same effects when baking something sweet, such as cake or chocolate brownies since strong flavors like coffee and tea can enhance other ingredients.
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Addition-To Smoothies And Shakes
If you want an easy way to add more flavor without adding sugar, try making your smoothies and shakes with black tea. This beverage works well with fruits, vegetables, and other drinks. You can also add it to protein shakes for a more fulfilling drink that will promote muscle growth.
The caffeine found in this beverage speeds up your metabolism, so you burn calories faster. It also releases fatty acids from fat cells so your body can use these substances to create energy.
In The Compost Pile Or Garden
Composting is a great way to get rid of leftovers and other organic material that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to use. You can add black tea leaves to your compost bin if you want some extra nutrients in the soil for your garden. If you’re not into gardening, you can just discard the leaves in your compost pile.
How To Brew Black Tea?
Brewing black tea is easy, but there are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind to get the most out of this drink.
- The water you use should be between 176 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit (80 to 85 degrees Celsius). If the water is too hot, it can damage your tea leaves and produce a bitter flavor. However, if the water isn’t hot enough, you won’t release all of the polyphenols found in this beverage.
- Black tea needs to steep for at least three minutes to release all of its flavor and health benefits. However, you can let the leaves sit in water for up to ten minutes if you want a stronger taste.
There are several different ways you can brew black tea.
Here are just some examples:
Traditional Teapot
To make the traditional cup of black tea, simply place two teaspoons (five grams) of loose leaves in a teapot and add water that’s 176 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit (80 to 85 degrees Celsius). Let it steep for three minutes before pouring. If you want a stronger taste, leave the tea leaves in the hot water for up to ten minutes.
French Press
Another way to make black tea is by using a French press. Pour boiling water directly onto the leaves, put on the lid, and let it steep for about four minutes before pushing down the plunger.
Tea Bag
Black tea bags are convenient when you’re on the go. Place one teabag in a mug and pour boiling water over it. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes before removing the teabag.
Risks Of Drinking Black Tea
There may be some risks to drinking black tea, including:
Toxic Elements
Black tea may contain toxic elements such as fluoride. Most people don’t have a problem with this beverage since it contains trace amounts, but some studies show that excess intake can cause health issues (11).
Lead and aluminum are also present in tea. While most of the aluminum is removed with processing, some can still be found in this beverage (11). Studies show that excessive, prolonged intake of lead and aluminum may cause health problems such as anemia, osteoporosis, low birth weight babies, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer (6).
Allergic Reactions
There are several substances found in black tea leaves that can cause allergic reactions for certain groups of people. These include tannic acid, caffeine, and theaflavins (11).
Anxiety And Sleep Problems
If you already suffer from anxiety or trouble sleeping, black tea may make these conditions worse. This is because it contains caffeine, which can cause these symptoms (1).
Anemia
The tannins found in black tea can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb iron. This can result in anemia, a condition that causes fatigue and other symptoms (11).
Gastrointestinal Issues
An excess intake of this beverage may cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, belching, abdominal pain, and flatulence (11).
Headache Or Migraine
People who have a sensitivity to caffeine may experience headaches when they drink black tea. This is because black tea contains caffeine, which can cause these symptoms in some people (11).
The Bottom Line
Black tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world and with good reason. It offers several health benefits, such as antioxidants, improved concentration and memory, and reduced stress. However, you should be careful about how much of this beverage you drink since there are some risks associated with an excess intake. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, black tea may cause anxiety and sleep problems. It may also lead to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and diarrhea.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
SOURCES:
- Black Tea (2021, medlineplus.gov)
- Black Tea Aids Oral Health (n.d., pacificcollege.edu)
- Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug? (2015, nih.gov)
- Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2019, nih.gov)
- Green and black tea suppress hyperglycemia and insulin resistance by retaining expression of glucose transporter 4 in muscle of high-fat diet fed C57BL/6J mice (2010, pubmed.gov)
- Lead: Health Problems Caused by Lead (2018, cdc.gov)
- L-theanine: A potential multifaceted natural bioactive amide as health supplement (2017, sciencedirect.com)
- Molecular evidences of health benefits of drinking black tea (2019, nih.gov)
- Niacin-Vitamin B3 (n.d., harvard.edu)
- Protection of black tea and green tea UVB and UVA + B induced skin cancer in hairless mice (1998, pubmed.gov)
- The Benefits and Risks of Consuming Brewed Tea: Beware of Toxic Element Contamination (2013, hindawi.com)
