10 Of The Most Important Benefits Of Black Tea

Black tea is recognized for its benefits on the body, with countless studies attesting to its positive effects on general health, but also for the help it offers in preventing or combating serious and common medical problems. Here are the main properties of black tea:

Improves overall health

Polyphenols have an antioxidant effect and thus help counteract free radicals, according to a study published in the Pharmacognosy Review. Free radicals are molecules that can affect health by attacking, modifying, and even destroying the cells of the human body.

Another beneficial effect of black tea is given by the tannins it contains. According to a study published in the journal Science, tannins help the body fight viruses that cause the flu, but also dysentery or hepatitis.

Stimulates brain activity

Black tea contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine, which can stimulate attention and alertness. According to a study published by Nutrition Reviews, L-theanine also stimulates the activity of alpha waves in the brain, which gives a state of relaxation and improves concentration.

Helps control blood sugar levels

Many compounds in black tea have beneficial effects on the way the human body produces and uses insulin. Among these compounds, the most important is epigallocatechin gallate, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

May reduce the risk of stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, but it is also one of the most easily preventable strokes. A balanced diet and exercise can help reduce the risk, and black tea can also have beneficial effects.

Prevents cardiovascular diseases

Hypertension is one of the most common heart problems, with nearly one billion people affected worldwide. According to a study published by the American Medical Association, black tea can help reduce blood pressure.

The results of the study showed that patients who drank three cups of black tea over six months experienced a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Another study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that people who consume at least three cups of black tea a day have an 11% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Helps reduce "bad" cholesterol

"Bad" cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoprotein) is responsible for some of the most common medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke.

A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that black tea reduces total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol in patients at high risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, or obesity.

Other benefits of black tea

Regenerates the skin and helps heal burns - black tea is rich in vitamins B2, C, E, but also zinc, potassium, and magnesium, a combination of minerals and vitamins that rejuvenates the skin and helps in cases of sunburn and inflammation.

Helps strengthen the bone system - a study in Europe PMC found that one of the antioxidants in black tea - theaflavin-3 - can prevent bone loss, especially in patients with osteoporosis.

Improves oral health - a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Microbiology showed that black tea helps fight tartar and attacks bacteria that lead to cavities.

Fight stress - a cup or two of black tea helps eliminate the unpleasant effects of stress, according to a study by researchers at University College London.

The recommended amount for daily consumption

Experts believe that tea, in general, is a drink that does not involve major risks for consumers. This does not mean that we can drink as many cups of tea every day. The side effects that excessive consumption of black tea can cause are mainly caused by caffeine, the active substance that is commonly found in coffee.

One cup of black tea contains between 42 and 72 milligrams of caffeine, or nearly half the amount of caffeine in a cup of the same amount of black coffee, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at the University of Oregon.

Under these conditions, consuming more than five cups of black tea a day can cause an excess of caffeine in the body and can lead to several side effects and side effects.