6 Benefits of Drinking Black Tea

People have been drinking tea for 5,000 years—it's the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. There's no dispute among experts that all types of tea offer benefits, but researchers are still uncovering the full power of black tea and the many ways it can improve your health.

Here's what you need to know:

What makes black tea unique?

Black tea is one of the most popular teas in the world. It is one of four types of tea made using the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant - the others are green, oolong and white tea. The difference between the types of tea is in the way they are processed.

Unlike other teas, black tea leaves undergo an extensive oxidation process, exposing the cells inside the leaves to oxygen. Experts believe that this oxidation may give black tea some different benefits than green tea (which does not undergo oxidation). Both oolong and white tea undergo partial oxidation.

Benefits of drinking black tea

The benefits associated with most teas come from polyphenols, antioxidants that offer protection against several chronic diseases. But black tea contains a group of polyphenols called theaflavins that are not found in other types of tea. Theaflavins develop during oxidation and make up 3% to 6% of the polyphenols in black tea. That's why black tea offers some of the same benefits as other types of tea, but it also provides unique advantages.

Flavored black tea still has benefits and can be healthier than drinking tea sweetened with milk and sugar. To get the full benefits, use loose tea (not tea bags).

Research shows that drinking black tea:

1. Helps with heart health

Black tea has a powerful impact on heart health. Theaflavins help lower blood cholesterol. And flavonoids—the same antioxidants found in red wine, dark chocolate, and nuts—reduce the risk of heart disease by 8%. Studies show that with every cup of tea you drink daily, you can lower your blood pressure and your risk of serious cardiovascular events (like heart attack and stroke).

2. Reduces the risk of stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Drinking black tea may be one way to reduce your risk of stroke. Studies show that drinking at least two cups of tea a day can reduce your risk of stroke by 16% compared to people who don't drink tea.

3. Improves focus

Unlike some other types of tea, black tea contains caffeine—about half the amount in coffee. It also contains an amino acid called L-theanine. The combination helps with alertness and focus. While caffeine alone can cause jittery energy, the addition of L-theanine to black tea produces a steady, even type of energy.

4. Lowers blood sugar levels

Drinking black tea without added sweeteners may lower blood glucose and improve your body's ability to manage sugar. Research also shows that black tea improves blood sugar levels immediately after meals in normal and prediabetic adults.

5. Reduces the risk of certain types of cancer

Researchers have been studying tea’s effects on cancer for decades. They have found that the polyphenols in tea play a role in fighting certain types of cancer. One study found that black tea reduced the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. A review of 64 studies concluded that all teas may help prevent oral cancer. Other cancers being looked at include breast, gynecological, lung, and thyroid cancers, but more research is needed.

6. Reduces the risk of death from all causes

Drinking at least two cups of black tea a day reduced the risk of death from any cause by almost 13% compared to people who didn't drink tea, according to a recent study . As with other findings, the more tea participants drank, the lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and stroke.

How much black tea is too much?

Unlike other teas, black tea contains caffeine—about 50 to 90 milligrams per cup. Too much caffeine can make you anxious, restless, and unable to sleep. To avoid overcaffeination, keep your daily caffeine intake under 400 milligrams. But don't count on black tea as your only source of caffeine. Your total intake should include caffeine found in medications and everything else you consume.

Explore the variety of Black Tea offered by Momenti Store here: Black Tea