There are a lot of reasons to drink black tea. From the comfort of a mug warming your hands on a cold winter day to the beautiful aroma wafting up from a freshly brewed cup.
But there are more reasons to drink black tea than the good feelings it gives…
As tea drinking increases in the Western world, people are beginning to discover what has been known in the East for centuries – there are many health benefits to be gained by drinking black tea.
If tea isn’t a part of your daily ritual yet, let’s see if we can change that.
Here are 7 reasons to drink black tea:
1. Black tea can keep you focused.
Many people believe that black tea contains more caffeine than green and white teas. However, the oxidation process involved in making black tea can actually reduce the amount of caffeine it contains.
Yet, it’s this same oxidation process that makes black tea so stimulating because it allows the caffeine in black tea to be absorbed into the bloodstream more rapidly than the caffeine in green and white teas. This rapid absorption makes black tea a great physical and mental stimulant.
2. Black tea may help prevent cancer.
Black tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins and flavanoids. These antioxidants can help repair the damage to cells that causes cancer.
3. Black tea is calming.
Black tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that is thought to give tea the ability to cause relaxation despite its caffeine content. Theanine acts as a neurotransmitter, minimizing the shaky, jittery effects of caffeine, without affecting its mental and physical stimulation.
4. Black tea may help prevent osteoporosis.
It is thought that the vitamins and amino acids present in tea help prevent bone loss. Some studies show that women who drink black tea have stronger bones than women who don’t. More research is needed, but some health experts recommend drinking black tea to help prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. (It is usually advised to eliminate caffeine to prevent bone loss, so check with your doctor first! Or try decaffeinated tea.)
5. Black tea may help prevent heart attacks.
Early studies are showing that the antioxidants in black tea may lower the risk of heart attacks. They may also reduce atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), especially in women.
6. Black tea is good for your teeth.
Black tea contains flouride and tannins that may prevent plaque. Drinking unsweetened black tea, along with your daily dental routine of brushing and flossing, may help you have healthier teeth and gums.
7. Black tea tastes good.
Do I need to say more? With milk, without milk…with sugar or without…black tea just tastes good. I think that’s the best reason to drink black tea!
References:
| Gascoyne, Kevin, Hugo Americi, Jasmin Desharnais, and Francois Marchand. Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties. Buffalo: Firefly, 2011. Print. | |
 |
Heiss, Mary Lou., and Robert J. Heiss. The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed, 2007. Print. |
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