Black Tea

Black tea, like green tea, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, but it is fermented while green tea is protected from oxidation. Known as red tea in China (as they already had pu-erh tea, which they call black tea), it is believed to have been discovered in the mid-17th century. Green tea had already been around since its first use as a beverage in 2737 BC. A romanticized story of black tea’s origins is that an army marched into Fujian Province and camped at a nearby tea factory, delaying tea production and leaving the tea leaves to lie in the sun for long periods of time, causing the leaves to turn a deep red color due to oxidation. A farmer trying to save the tea decided to put the leaves on a pine fire to speed up the drying process. The result was a smoky-flavored tea, the original Lapsang Souchong, which eventually became popular in China and the Western world. The oxidation process causes the tea to retain and even improve its flavor with age, making it very popular with British and Dutch traders, who called it black tea. British traders bought everything they could until the Dutch traders took over the market and the British were forced to look elsewhere, leading to the discovery of a stronger-flavored, higher-caffeine tea in India. And so the black tea phenomenon began.

In Europe, tea sold for extremely high prices and was a symbol of wealth and social status. As such, the drink was primarily consumed by the aristocracy, with Princess Catherine introducing it to the British palace, where it has been a staple ever since. When tea prices became a little more affordable, it became possible to drink tea at times other than breakfast, and Duchess Anne Telford introduced “afternoon tea.” Incidentally, the British traditionally pour milk into the cup before adding the tea, which goes back to the history of the delicate cups in which tea was served, which would break if boiling water was poured into the cup first. Today, black tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water.

Black tea contains vitamins B2 (riboflavin), C and E, as well as iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and essential polyphenols and tannins in addition to flavonoids. They are responsible for antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-myocardial, anti-diabetic and cleansing properties, among many other benefits. Although it is considered less healthy than green tea, the fermentation process provides additional nutritional benefits that green tea lacks and may help maintain blood pressure, protect the heart from atherosclerosis, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Unlike coffee, the caffeine in tea has a long-term tonic effect that invigorates the mind and body. It should be noted that for maximum benefits, black tea should be consumed without milk or sugar.

Antioxidant

Black tea is extremely rich in chemical compounds called thearubigins, which are formed during the process of oxidation. Research has shown that they are extremely beneficial to the body, reducing symptoms of colds and coughs and providing anti-inflammatory effects to fight certain types of cancer. The antioxidants found in black tea can fight free radicals caused by UV radiation, as well as block oxidative damage to DNA caused by tobacco or toxic chemicals. Antioxidants, with their anti-inflammatory properties, can help rid the body of harmful free radicals, helping to protect the body from oxidative stress, aging, and certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and a weakened immune system. Black tea contains compounds that strengthen the immune system and prepare the body to fight off common infections, viruses, and illnesses. One study noted that up to 30% of the dry weight of tea is made up of phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant properties. It is these compounds that are altered by oxidation and convert catechins (found in green tea) into thearubigins, theaflavins, and flavonols, giving black tea a number of benefits over green tea. Black tea has many cardiovascular health benefits. One review found that drinking it three or more times a day can help prevent coronary heart disease, while another study found that black tea drinkers had an 11% lower risk of heart disease. Black tea is thought to prevent plaque from forming on the walls of arteries, thereby protecting against atherosclerosis. One study that was conducted over 10 years found that those who drank four or more cups of black tea a day had a 32% lower risk of stroke, while another found that those who drank three cups a day had a 21% lower risk. In the studies, tea has been shown to manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby reducing plaque buildup in the artery walls and lowering the risk of stroke and heart failure. A controlled study also found that drinking three cups of black tea a day for six months resulted in a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Black tea drinkers were found to have lower levels of platelet activation, which reduces the risk of heart attack, as platelet levels are directly related to clots. Drinking black tea has also been shown to improve insulin levels and increase its use in the body, as well as reduce blood sugar levels and diabetic cataracts. Additionally, polysaccharides, which are normally responsible for inhibiting glucose absorption, have been shown to have antihypertensive and immune-boosting properties when exposed to tea antioxidants. Studies have also shown that tea can help reduce the risk of tumors, regulate cancer cell growth, and prevent new cells from forming. Researchers have also found that those who drink tea daily have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, with one report based on a 12-year study even finding that the risk was reduced by 71%. When studying the habits of people already suffering from Parkinson’s disease, it was noted that black tea also protected against it. Additionally, it has been found to improve bone density and reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

May Improve Gut Health

The tannins in tea can have a very positive effect on digestion, and since 70% of the immune system is in the digestive tract, it is especially important for overall health that it is functioning properly. They can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, as well as improve digestion. Black tea is a prebiotic, and its antimicrobial properties can help balance the bacteria in the gut, suppress harmful bacteria, including salmonella, and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Some research promotes the idea that the mix of bacteria in the stomach plays a role in the development of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, IBS, obesity, heart disease, and cancer. It is also suggested that tea may help prevent ulcers by protecting the stomach lining from acids and pathogens. Additionally, black tea is an excellent way to combat the effects of dehydration caused by diarrhea, as it contains nutrients that help replenish the body’s reserves.

Increased Focus and Reduced Stress.

Black tea contains two compounds that can improve focus and attention span – caffeine and L-theanine. Caffeine increases blood flow to the brain, improving mental focus, but in a more consistent way than coffee, which has more caffeine, and has a restorative effect on the heart, kidneys, and respiratory system, rather than overstimulating the heart and muscles. L-theanine increases alpha activity in the brain, improving focus and relaxation. Together, these two compounds help improve focus in a more gentle way. Studies have shown that black tea significantly improves alertness and focus. Four cups of tea a day have also been shown to improve memory by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Reducing cortisol levels further reduces stress, and black tea has been shown to reduce stress headaches faster than painkillers.

Oral Health.

Studies have shown that the antimicrobial properties of black tea reduce plaque formation and prevent the bacteria that cause tooth decay. One study found that plaque-causing bacteria were killed after rinsing with black tea for just 30 seconds.

Making Black Tea

Dosage: Add 1 teaspoon of black tea to a cup of boiled water and let it steep for at least 2 minutes. Steeping the tea will make it stronger. You can add sugar or honey. You can also add milk or a slice of lemon if desired.