Black Tea: Know its benefits

 

Of all the tea varieties, black tea is one of the most famous and has millions of fans around the world who do not give up their cup of black tea every day.

What few people know is that, black tea, as with other varieties of tea such as white or green, is made from the plant Camellia sinensis, a small tree of the teaceae family. All tea is derived from this plant and its hybrids. The difference between teas lies in the selection of the leaf to be used for each of them and in their processing.

Despite its name, this tea does not have a black color. Instead it has a reddish Brown coloration.
Compared to green tea, black tea has a higher amount of theine (tea caffeine), which is why many people use it as an energy source, including as a substitute for coffee.

With regard to its multiple health benefits, as with green tea, black tea also stands out for its antioxidant capacity (despite being less antioxidant than green tea), for improving mood and preventing a great multiplicity of diseases, especially degenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

In this article we introduce you to this wonderful drink as well as its multiple health benefits.

 

But what is black tea?

 

 

Black tea is obtained from the older shoots and leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference lies essentially in the way it is made, that is, to produce black tea, the plant is harvested and left to wilt, a process that can take 12 to 20 hours. After that, the plant is rolled up by hand or through mechanical reels.

Then, the plant moves to a second stage, oxidation, in which the leaves and buds are modified by contact with oxygen. At this stage, two types of polyphenols are produced, which are the substances that give black tea its color and also its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, responsible for the neutralization of harmful free radicals.

Black tea is a soft drink, and can be drunk both hot and cold, and can also be mixed with milk for those who like it like that.

 

What nutrients can be found in black tea?

 

 

For those more sensitive to caffeine, moderation in the consumption of black tea is recommended because it, as mentioned above, compared to other types of tea (such as green tea ,for example) has a substantially higher amount of theine (caffeine).

However, theine also has its advantages as it has stimulating properties that promote the full functioning of the brain, reduce the feeling of tiredness and lethargy throughout the day.

In addition, theine also facilitates the digestive process as it increases the production of digestive acids. The thermogenic action of this compound, in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, stimulates the fat burning process, thus helping with weight loss.

Black tea is also known to be very rich in bioflavonoids, which are substances with recognized antioxidant properties and which, therefore, help in the prevention of various types of diseases. These reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and also have a great anti-inflammatory action. However, it is worth mentioning that black tea has a lower amount of polyphenols than green tea and even white tea.

Another substance in black tea is L-theanine, an amino acid that acts on the brain promoting increased levels of dopamine, serotonin and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are neurotransmitters responsible for the feeling of relaxation and well-being.

Last but not least, black tea is also rich in tannins that are also known for their antioxidant action.
 

The main benefits of black tea

 

From a plant with such an outstanding list of nutrients, one could only expect a multiplicity of health benefits.

Below we share only the main benefits associated with the consumption of this ancient drink.

 

Helps to lose weight

 

 

Consumption of black tea has long been associated with weight loss. This correlation with weight loss is directly related to the caffeine existing in black tea, as it speeds up metabolism and promotes fat burning.

In addition, the catechins in black tea help to reduce appetite and eliminate fats.

Another aspect that makes black tea help you lose weight has to do with the fact that it has a powerful diuretic action, thus contributing to the reduction of fluid retention in the body.

 

Protects the brain

 

 

Brain degeneration is a natural and evolutionary process promoted by inflammation and the oxidation of brain cells caused by harmful free radicals. Due to the polyphenols in its chemical composition, black tea acts as a neutralizing agent for this problem.

Scientific studies prove that the potent antioxidant action of black tea helps to protect the brain and other organs, such as the skin.

Also, don't forget that the caffeine present in black tea increases cerebral blood flow and stimulates concentration and attention.

 

Prevents cardiovascular disease

 

 

Studies show that regular tea consumption inhibits the clumping of platelets in the blood, thus avoiding the dangerous clots that cause most heart attacks and strokes.

In addition, maintaining control of LDL cholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the body. When the body does not perform this function properly, this increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

The consumption of black tea helps to control this bad cholesterol, thanks to the polyphenols present in its composition. In addition, caffeine influences the dilation of blood vessels which helps to prevent heart attacks.

 

Strengthens the immune system

 

 

Tea contains antioxidants that prevent the degeneration of cells responsible for more than 50 diseases.

The tannins present in black tea, besides promoting the health of the digestive system (very important to streghten the immune system), also have a strong antibacterial action and a great capacity to fight viruses that cause diseases such as flu, dysentery, hepatitis, among many others.

For example, catechins in black tea help to reduce the incidence of tumors and the development of diseases such as cancer.

Tea also contains antigens, substances that boost the body's immunity and decrease the frequency of health problems.

 

A true source of energy

 

 

As previously mentioned, theine (caffeine) in black tea works as a natural stimulant that may well serve as a substitute for coffee. There are even many athletes who drink black tea before training to increase their energy, muscle response and attention levels.

In addition, there is another substance in black tea, theophylline, which stimulates the respiratory system, kidneys and heart, keeping the body healthy and with plenty of energy.

With this article we hope to have clarified what this miraculous drink is and all the aesthetic and health benefits you can take from it.