Tea-riffic! Benefits of Drinking Black Tea

Most of us are aware that there are many benefits of drinking green tea. Read this previous post on health benefits of green tea HERE.

How about black tea then? Does it have any health benefit? Personally i prefer black tea over green tea because of it's stronger flavour and its so versatile: Teh O ais, teh ais, teh tarik, three layered tea, bubble milk tea.

But of course to maximize the health benefits, it is not recommended to add sugar or cream. But mehh..some tea is better than no tea at all.

Both green and black tea are made from a shrub called Camellia Sinesis, but with different processing methods. In addition to the leaves being withered, rolled and heated, black tea leaves are fermented before the final heating process.

1. Oral Health: Studies suggests that Polyphenols found in black tea reduces plaque formation as well as restricts bacteria growth that promotes the formation of cavities and tooth decays.

2. A Better Heart:  Regardless of people’s country of origin, individuals who consume 3 or more cups of tea had a 21% lower risk of a stroke than people who consume less than 1 cup of green or black tea per day*.

3. Antioxidants: Black tea contains polyphenols, which are also antioxidants that help block DNA damage associated with tobacco or other toxic chemicals. These antioxidants are different from those obtained from fruits and vegetables and therefore as a regular part of our diet they can provide additional benefits towards a healthy lifestyle.

4. Cancer Prevention: Though a lot more research is required to confidently suggest cancer prevention techniques, some research  over the years suggests that antioxidants like polyphenol and catechins in tea may help prevent some types of cancer. It has been suggested that women who drink black tea regularly have a lower chance of ovarian cancer than their counterparts.

5. Healthy Bones: It has also been suggested that regular tea drinkers have stronger bones and lower probability of developing arthritis due to the phytochemicals found in tea.

6. Lower Risk of Diabetes: Based on a research  study conducted of elderly people living in the Mediterranean islands it was discovered that people that had been consuming black tea on a long-term basis on a moderate level (i.e 1-2 cups a day) had a 70% lower chance of having or developing type 2 diabetes.

7. Stress Relief: We all are aware and well experienced about the calming and relaxing benefits of black tea. Not only does it help slow you down after a long day, studies  show that the amino acid L-theanine found in black tea can help you relax and concentrate better. Black tea has also been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol when consumed in moderate amounts on a regular basis.

8. Better Immune System: Black tea contains alkylamine antigens that help boost our immune response. In addition it also contains tannins that have the ability to fight viruses and hence keep us protected from influenza, stomach flu and other such commonly found viruses in our everyday lives.

9. Healthy Digestive Tract: In addition to improving your immune system, tannins also have a therapeutic effect on gastric and intestinal illnesses and also help decrease digestive activity.

10. Increased Energy: Unlike other drinks that have a relatively higher caffeine content, the low amounts found in tea can help enhance blood flow to the brain without over-stimulating the heart. It also stimulates the metabolism and respiratory system, as well as the heart and the kidneys.

A cup of tea is really my cup of tea! I love black tea. With so many fancy teas on the market, i still find black tea is the best. There's nothing like a cup of hot tea to warm the soul. Besides the many health benefits, tea drinking is always about memory of my loved ones like chatting over a cup of tea in the evening or on rainy nights. It reminds me of home.

Hmm..i seriously should go home soon before i go crazy.


*Arab L. et al. (2009). Green and black tea consumption and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis
Source: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-black-tea.html