While we often talk about the virtues of green tea, we sometimes forget to mention the many benefits of black tea. Consumed for thousands of years in its native China, black tea is today one of the most consumed beverages in the world after water. Indeed, this drink is very popular at breakfast for its frank taste and smoky notes. It is also black tea, married with bergamot, which makes up the famous Earl Grey tea, emblematic of the United Kingdom .
Although it comes from the same plant, black tea differs from green tea in the oxidation and fermentation phase that the tea leaves undergo. This difference in treatment directly impacts the molecular structure of the plant, and gives black tea its very particular flavor and virtues that we will discover together in this article.
THE VIRTUES OF BLACK TEA ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Black tea is the richest in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants from the polyphenol family, which help fight bad cholesterol and combat its consequences on the body. Regular consumption of black tea infusions helps reduce the risk of stroke, ensures good health of the arteries and heart muscle and promotes good blood circulation.
A PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STIMULANT
Just like coffee, black tea contains caffeine, but in much smaller quantities. Result: the brain and nervous system are stimulated, without causing unwanted symptoms (tachycardia, nervousness, headaches, subsequent loss of energy, etc.). Indeed, in excess, caffeine overstimulates the body and ends up having the opposite effect to that for which it is consumed. To have energy throughout the day without hindering your sleep and serenity, do not exceed 400 mg of caffeine per day, or 3 cups of coffee and almost 9 of the same cups of tea, without taking into account the fact that tea is commonly served in much larger cups.
BLACK TEA HELPS BURN FAT
The stimulating virtues of black tea also make it a valuable aid in keeping in shape. Combined with a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity, it stimulates the metabolism and facilitates fat burning. Thus, people wishing to lose a few pounds or get back in shape can incorporate black tea into their daily diet to facilitate their approach.
FIGHT FREE RADICALS WITH BLACK TEA
As you will have understood, black tea is rich in antioxidants. Theaflavin and thearubigin, in particular, help combat the oxidative stress that cells undergo in response to the aggression of free radicals. Free radicals are agents produced by the body, which, when present in excess, attack healthy cells and accelerate their degeneration.
The harmful effects of free radicals on the body are notably involved in aging, arthritis, cancer and certain cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
BLACK TEA TO STRENGTHEN BONES
We've been raving about the benefits of the flavonoids in black tea for fighting cardiovascular disease, but the powers of these antioxidants don't stop there. Black tea has actually been proven effective in fighting osteoporosis, a disease that causes bone loss and often leads to fractures in those who suffer from it.
It is therefore recommended for older people who are likely to develop this type of disease to prevent or help improve cases of osteoporosis. But there is no need to wait until you are a senior to drink black tea! The sooner it begins its beneficial action on your body, the better the results will be.
BLACK TEA REDUCES RISK OF CERTAIN CANCERS
When they undergo poor oxidation, cells no longer communicate properly with the rest of the body and change their behavior. This is when they can reproduce abnormally in the body, and cause cancer. Although black tea alone is not enough to eradicate the risk of developing this disease, its antioxidant content allows it to be among the foods to include in your daily life to help the body function at full capacity!
BLACK TEA, AN ALLY FOR YOUR ORAL HEALTH
Finally, black tea is said to have cleansing properties for the oral cavity! In fact, studies have shown that black tea can be used to slow the formation of dental plaque by preventing bacteria from digesting sugar residue and transforming it into acids that are aggressive for teeth and gums. Combined with good oral hygiene and a diet low in sugar and acids, black tea is therefore a tasty ally in the fight against cavities, bad breath, gingivitis and tooth sensitivity!
