Though we turn to certain teas to relieve menstrual cramps (such as peppermint tea) or to help us sleep (such as chamomile tea), black tea is one of the most popular varieties that receives little credit for its health benefits. So, before you reach for another cup of coffee or green tea, we spoke with experts to find out why you should pour yourself a cup—as well as the black tea benefits you should be aware of.
According to Amanda Holtzer, M.S., R.D., a dietitian at Culina Health, drinking black tea is a healthy beverage option that is sugar-free, calorie-free, and high in antioxidants. In fact, aside from water, it is the most consumed beverage in the world, making it an important component of many people's life. According to Robin Foroutan, M.S., R.D.N., integrative dietitian, routinely sipping on black tea may add some important health benefits to daily routine as long as you're not sensitive to caffeine, feel reactive to the tea itself, or add excessive quantities of sugar to your brew. Furthermore, while black tea has many health advantages, it should be avoided if you have anaemia since it might reduce iron absorption, according to Anna Rios, R.D.N., the registered dietitian behind the study.
Though one of the biggest advantages of drinking black tea is that it's warm, soothing, tastes wonderful, and can be found for a reasonable price almost anyplace, we asked experts to break down the top health benefits of black tea for you to consider the next time you boil a cup.
Though one of the biggest advantages of drinking black tea is that it's warm, soothing, tastes wonderful, and can be found for a reasonable price almost anyplace, we asked experts to break down the top health benefits of black tea for you to consider the next time you boil a cup. According to Holtzer, the caffeine concentration of black tea can aid with attention and energy levels. And brewed tea contains roughly a third to half the caffeine content of a cup of coffee. Foroutan describes it as "ideal for people who want that extra boost without the stimulating sip." "Because tea contains caffeine as well as L-theanine, a compound that helps your body produce more calming neurotransmitters, black tea can help you relax."
A new study discovered that drinking two or more cups of black tea per day can reduce the chance of dying from cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, or stroke. Tea can also assist enhance the health and function of the endothelial layer of blood arteries, according to Foroutan. This can assist to promote healthy blood pressure and normal blood flow throughout the body. "Tea drinkers have a decreased risk of stroke and atherosclerosis," she says. Flavonoids, which are antioxidants contained in black tea, can also help lessen the risk of heart disease, according to Rios.
According to Holtzer, some study suggests that, in addition to overall heart health, black tea consumption can lower LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol in the blood. Other study has discovered that, while it does not always have an effect on total or HDL cholesterol, it can considerably reduce LDL concentrations. According to a new scientific assessment, drinking black tea on a daily basis can help lower blood pressure. According to research, drinking black tea helps reduce the dangers linked with high blood pressure, such as a stroke.
According to Foroutan, the antioxidants in black tea can have a favourable effect on intestinal microorganisms. "Polyphenols can also encourage the proliferation of food bacteria in the gut, which leads to enhanced gut health," Rios says. And research on polyphenols' beneficial effects on gut health backs it up. According to Rios, black tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols that can help decrease inflammation, lowering the risk of chronic illness. According to Holtzer, these polyphenols protect the body from oxidative stress, which can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, inflammation, heart disease, and cancer.
