Beyond being a classic for breakfast and snacks, the properties of black tea for health make it especially recommended.
Black tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and unlike other varieties, it goes through a particularly long oxidation process. Dark in color in the cup, with a strong aroma and flavour, black is the favorite of many tea drinkers. Together, let’s find out more about its benefits.
The properties of black tea
Probably, nowadays, we are more used to hearing about the benefits of green tea than of any other. However, the entire family of teas, including black, has interesting properties to take care of our health.
Stimulating effect
Theine (as the caffeine in tea is called) in combination with theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, improves focus and concentration without over-exciting you; that is to say that consuming a cup of tea can help you reach a state of relaxed concentration, unlike the effects of coffee , which are more aggressive.
On the other hand, the duration of this effect would be longer than that of a cup of coffee. In this sense, do not hesitate: drink tea when you have an exhausting day of work or study ahead of you.
Antioxidant properties of black tea
Tea consumption in general is associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases. The cause? Tea is rich in antioxidant substances, such as flavonoids and catechins; These substances fight against free radicals that attack the body, preventing oxidative damage and thus premature aging and the appearance of chronic diseases.
Lowers high blood pressure
A recent study concluded that, due to the presence of flavonoids, regular consumption of black tea helps lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Let us remember that it is a risk marker for coronary heart disease, which is why it is important to control it.
Reduces the risk of heart attack
Linked to the aforementioned, exposed data from a study that indicated that those who drank tea regularly after having suffered a heart attack reduced the risk of suffering it again by 44%, in relation to who did not consume this infusion. It is believed that this is due to the antioxidant action of flavonoids, which, on the one hand, would prevent oxidative damage and, on the other, would favor the relaxation of blood vessels, reducing the risk of thrombi.
Please note: A study recommends avoiding adding milk to black tea. According to their results, doing so would decrease its protective effects on the cardiovascular system.
Prevents cerebrovascular accidents
Did you know that one of the properties of black tea could be to protect against brain accidents? The catechins and flavonoids present in the tea would have a protective effect against strokes, by preventing the formation of clots capable of stopping blood flow in the brain. More research in this regard would be necessary to confirm these data.
Improves digestion
Black tea is naturally astringent, something you can tell when drinking it by its bitter taste. Precisely, said astringency allows to improve heavy digestions.
Helps to have strong bones
The nutrients present in the tea allow to protect the bones and, therefore, reduce the risk of invoice. Some research suggests that women who drank more black tea had stronger bones.
Diuretic properties
Black tea, like other varieties such as green tea, helps combat fluid retention due to its diuretic properties, that is, it helps to urinate.
Promotes weight loss
Black tea is traditionally used to lose weight, thanks to its satiating and thermogenic action.
Fat removal is related to theine alkaloid compounds that initiate thermogenesis (the heat production process of the human body). On the other hand, polyphenols inhibit lipid absorption and promote metabolism; this added to its diuretic effect helps to lose weight.
Now that you know all the benefits of black tea, surely you have wanted to drink a delicious hot cup. Start today to take care of your health!