Aside from water, black tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world. Now it has a stronger taste and more caffeine than other teas, but less caffeine and coffee, like tea, also has a variety of health benefits and in this article we’re looking at five of the best ones, number one has antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants are known to provide a host of health benefits. Consuming them can help remove free radicals and decrease cell damage in the body. This ultimately may help decrease the risk of chronic disease. Now, groups of polyphenols, including catechins and Thea Flavin’s, are the main sources of antioxidants in black tea and may promote overall health. In fact, one study in rats examined the role of Thea Flavin’s in black tea and the risk of diabetes, obesity and elevated cholesterol.
Results show that Thea Flavin’s reduced cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Another study examined the role of catechins from green tea extract on body weight. It found that those who consumed a bottle containing 690 milligrams of Carrigan’s from tea on a daily basis for 12 weeks showed a decrease in body fat now, while many supplements contain antioxidants, it’s best to consume them through whole foods and beverages.
Of course, number two may boost heart health: black tea contains another group of antioxidants called flavonoids, and these may be beneficial for heart health. Now, alongside tea, you can also find them in certain vegetables, red wine and dark chocolate. Consuming them on a regular basis may help reduce many risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated triglyceride levels and obesity.
One randomized control study found that drinking black tea for 12 weeks significantly decreased triglyceride values by 36 %, reduced blood sugar levels by 18 percent and lower the LDL to HDL. Plasma ratio by 17 percent. Number 3 may lower bad LDL cholesterol and there’s too much LDL in the body. It can build up in the arteries and cause waxy deposits called plaques. This can lead to problems like heart failure or stroke. Unfortunately, some studies have found that consuming tea may help reduce LDL cholesterol.
One randomized study found that drinking 5 servings of black tea per day reduced LDL cholesterol by 11 percent in individuals with slightly or mildly elevated cholesterol levels. Another randomized 3-month study in 47 individuals compared the effects of traditional Chinese black tea extract and a placebo on LDL levels. Our results showed a significant decrease in LDL levels in those who drank black tea compared to the placebo.
Without any undesirable side effects, researchers concluded that black tea helped improve cholesterol levels in individuals at risk for heart, disease or obesity. Number 4 may improve focus black tea contains caffeine and an amino acid called el fini, which can improve alertness and focused healthy Nyan increase is alpha activity in the brain resulting in relaxation and better focus. Studies have found that beverages containing l-theanine and caffeine have the greatest impact on focus due to the effects of L fini on the brain.
Now this may be why many individuals report more stable energy after drinking tea compared to other caffeinated beverages like coffee, two randomized studies tested black teas effects on accuracy and alertness now, in both studies, black tea, significantly increased accuracy and self-reported alertness among participants compared to placebo. This makes black tea a great beverage if you’re looking to improve energy and focus without relying on lots of caffeine, number five may improve gut health, so this have found that the types of bacteria in your gut may influence many aspects of Health.
The polyphenols found in black tea may help maintain a healthy gut by promoting the growth of good bacteria and inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria such as salmonella.
Further research is needed in this area, but it’s interesting nonetheless. Ultimately, black tea is a healthy, high antioxidant option.
Read More: What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Green Tea Daily For 30 Days?
