fun fact: Adding a pinch of lemon juice in the black tea increases the absorption of the antioxidants whereas adding milk in the black tea reduces the absorption of the antioxidants.
Introduction
Next to water is tea. It is a well-known fact that water is the safest and healthiest drink there is. If you are looking after your health as well as calorie intake, but want to add flavor than water, then tea is great for you. Among the different types of tea is the black tea. As compared to teas like green, white and oolong, black tea is more oxidized resulting to its stronger taste and caffeine-laden.
Black tea boasts its almost nonexistent calories. A cup of black tea contains about two calories. It is also very low in fat and sodium. The low calorie, fat and sodium content makes black tea advantageous for losing weight. By drinking black tea over other high calorie beverages, you are cutting calorie intake, which results to a fitter and healthier body.
The fats present in black tea are primarily Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These types of polyunsaturated fats assist in the prevention of developing a heart disease and in regulating blood pressure.
Black tea consists of folate, which makes up 3% of its daily value, and 2% of the daily value of Riboflavin. These two B-vitamins are usually found in teas. Folate or folic acid (vitamin B9) is important for the formation of red blood cells and helps improve digestion. Meanwhile, Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in metabolism of energy as well as in tissue building. Riboflavin also contributes to maintain healthy vision.
This tea is also a good source of various minerals that help the body function properly. Such minerals are potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, manganese, and fluoride.
Potassium keeps the body fluid in balance, while sodium maintains normal blood pressure. These two electrolytes interact to keep the muscles and nerves work appropriately. Magnesium, aside from assisting in the metabolism of energy, also ensures the health of bones and teeth just like fluoride. Manganese, meanwhile, metabolizes carbohydrates and fat.
As mentioned, black tea is distinct from other types of tea because of its caffeine content. Caffeine is known to be an effective element to improve mental alertness. It also stimulates the central nervous system, which control blood pressure. And because it contains caffeine, which has its own downside, one should drink black tea in moderation.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Black Tea
Improves Oral Health
It has been found that black tea has mouth bacteria killing properties to keep the oral condition healthy. Mouth infections, gum diseases, and tooth decays are primarily caused by bacteria in the mouth. Drinking black tea fights formation of plaque in the mouth to prevent cavities and tooth decays. This is due to the polyphenol compounds found in black tea that are already proven in discouraging growth of bacteria that trigger oral disorders and diseases.
Healthier Heart
Drinking black tea is very good for the heart because of its unique compounds that have cholesterol suppressing characteristics. Research concluded that consumption of black tea can reduce risks of heart ailments, stroke, and heart attack up to 30% depending upon the regularity of consumption. If you have a heart condition or you are prone to heart ailments due to family’s medical background, you must always drink a cup of black tea to help prevent heart diseases. Black tea has triglycerides lowering effects to keep HDL cholesterol higher than LDL cholesterol. It is vital to lower LDL cholesterol because this type of cholesterol triggers high blood sugar levels that negatively affect the functions of the heart. High cholesterol levels cause improper circulation of blood and weakening of the blood vessel linings. This can lead to blood clotting that can eventually encourage heart attack. It is important to keep cholesterol levels in check to avoid damaging cells as well as blood vessel constriction and dilation. This condition in the blood vessel triggers heart ailments.
High Antioxidant Levels
Antioxidants are good for our health in many ways. Antioxidants clear the body from toxins that can cause accumulation of free radicals that damage the DNA. If you are constantly smoking or drinking alcohol, you need a black tea to flush the toxins from your body to avoid irregularities or organ failure in the future. Antioxidants found in black tea, called polyphenols, reduces risks of sickness especially cancer.
Reduces Risks of Cancer
It has been found that black tea have strong antioxidant compounds that reduce the risks of various types of cancer such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and others more. Cancer is one of the most horrible illnesses of today because of the fact that there is still no remedy aside from prevention. It is only proper to eat healthy foods that will help in reducing risks of cancer to avoid future regrets. Black tea’s properties effectively eliminate free radicals and their effects. They are able to repair and restore damaged cell. It is essential to keep your body as healthy and fit as you can.
Promotes Bone Health
People who drink black tea regularly are less likely to suffer from bone disorders, fractures, and joint issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatism, etc. The role of iron, manganese, phosphorus, and calcium is very significant to the health of our bones. Good thing with black tea is that it is a good source of these minerals. This explains why their consumption can promote healthy and strong bones even as you age. Having black tea regularly will ascertain growth and development of healthy bone tissues.
Prevents Diabetes
As mentioned above, drinking black tea can regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a condition wherein blood sugar is too high and insulin resistance is too weak. Research concluded that having one to two cups of black tea a day can prevent type 2 diabetes up to 70%. This is because of the black tea’s polyphenols that lower triglycerides in the blood.
Helps in Managing Stress
In every day of our lives we encounter stress. Stress is implicit in life and the only way for stress not to affect us is to know how to manage it. Compounds found in black tea are proven to have calming effects. In fact, drinking black tea always is highly recommended to those who have anxiety and stress management issues. Eating peach regularly will allow you to think clearly and able to focus. If you are having a hard time managing stress and maintaining focus, having a milk tea daily is of much help.
Boosts Immune System
The immune system is strengthened due to the abundance of antioxidants present in Black tea. Alkylamine antigens that black tea has are significant antioxidants that boost the defense mechanism of the body against sickness. Your immune system will be able to fight off common diseases and infections on its own. This compound also avoids viruses that cause stomach disorders.
Healthy Digestive System
Black tea also has the ability to regulate proper digestion. It is vital that the digestive system is functioning properly so that the nutrients from food intake are absorbed efficiently by the body. Proper digestion also promotes regular bowel movement thus avoiding constipation and other digestive issues.
Books on Black Tea And Tea in General
- 7 Different types of Tea and Their Amazing Health Benefits
- Health Benefits of Pu-erh Tea
- Health Benefits of Blooming Tea
- Health Benefits White Tea
- Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
- Fun Facts of Black Tea