What is black tea good for health — 7 proven properties

Black tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It not only has a rich taste and aroma, but also has a beneficial effect on the human body.

According to scientists, black tea has tangible benefits for our health. It is able to protect against cancer, cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, as well as Support bowel function .

7 facts about the benefits

Consider the 7 main beneficial properties of taking black tea (based on scientific sources of information).

1. It has an antioxidant effect

Antioxidants, which abound in many plants, protect the body from the effects of free radicals, which cause cell death or malignant damage, and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Taking foods rich in antioxidants, reduces damage to cells by free radicals and, as a result, reduces the likelihood of developing chronic and oncological pathologies.

Black tea contains antioxidants polyphenols (catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins). Researches show that these substances can prevent the development of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis.

According to Japanese scientists, drinking black tea is positive is reflected on body weight and can significantly reduce the likelihood of obesity.

In order for black tea to reveal all its medicinal properties, it is not recommended to combine it with sugar and sweet confectionery.

2. Reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood

The product contains flavonoids – special antioxidants that support vascular health.

It has been proven that flavonoids reduce the level of total and "harmful" (TAG and LDL) cholesterol, increase the concentration of HDL ("useful" cholesterol).

As a result, no conditions are created for deposits of cholesterol crystals on the walls of arterial vessels and the development of pathologies such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, chronic cerebral ischemia.

When taking only 3 cups (200-250 ml each) of black tea daily, the risk of these diseases decreases by 11%.

3. Supports intestinal health

Bacteria, which are constantly present in the intestinal lumen, play an important role in maintaining the health of the entire body. In the gastrointestinal tract inhabits several trillion microorganisms and located up to 80% of the cells of the immune system.

Bacteria can be divided into friendly, pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic. From their rational ratio depends the frequency of occurrence of many chronic pathologies (obesity, cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, etc.).

Established that the polyphenols of black tea allow you to maintain the balance of the intestinal microflora and destroy some pathogenic bacteria, for example, salmonella, which is the causative agent of salmonellosis.

The antimicrobial properties of the drink manifest themselves even in the oral cavity. Tea helps eliminate bad breath and improve dental health.

4. Reduces blood pressure

According to the World Health Organization estimates, hypertension affects more than 1 billion people worldwide.

This disease is characterized by constantly elevated blood pressure and dangerous complications: acute or chronic heart failure, stroke, atrophy of the ocular disc, etc.

Studies demonstrate the significant role of black tea in the regulation of blood pressure levels.

Taking 3 cups of a drink per day can reduce blood pressure by 1-2%. Although this does not allow tea to be used for the treatment of hypertension, however, it can significantly reduce the risk of developing this disease, especially with a burdened history (the presence of the disease in relatives).

5. Reduces the risk of stroke

Stroke or acute cerebrovascular accident is fatal dangerous a disease in which a separate part of the brain stops receiving blood with oxygen and nutrients.

A stroke occurs either when a blood vessel ruptures, or when its duct is completely blocked by a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque.

According to the data employees of the Institute of Environmental Medicine, up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by changing diet and lifestyle.

Major studies conducted under the supervision of American experts, show the ability of black tea (3-4 cups per day) to reduce the likelihood of stroke by 32%.

6. Reduces blood sugar levels

Constantly elevated blood sugar levels can lead leads to the development of type II diabetes mellitus, obesity, fatal kidney dysfunction, pathologies of the cardiovascular system and depression.

Black tea, according to numerous studies, demonstrates the ability to reduce the concentration of glucose in the blood.

For example, experts from the USA installed the ability of the drink to increase the production of endogenous insulin by beta cells of the pancreas, which causes body tissues to absorb sugar, reducing its level in the bloodstream.

Chinese scientists claim that black tea also increases the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to inulin and regulates metabolic processes in the body.

7. Protects against cancer

Polyphenolic compounds of black tea slow down the growth and division of malignant cells, prevent the appearance of distant metastases.

Drink also effective and with hormone-dependent tumors, for example, from the mammary glands in women.

The role of the product in the prevention of prostate cancer in men is being actively studied.

Black tea should not be considered as an alternative to antitumor medications, however, it can significantly reduce the risk of cancer of any organ.

Possible harm

Black tea is undoubtedly a healthy drink, but in some cases it can be harmful to health. Side effects include:

1. Heavy metal poisoning. Black tea leaves contain minerals (aluminum, lead). In large doses, they are toxic to the body and cause symptoms of general intoxication, seizures, and depression of consciousness.
2. Anxiety and anxiety. Some people have hypersensitivity to caffeine. Drinking black tea, which always contains caffeine, can cause anxiety, fear, anxiety, increased irritability, as well as passing pains in the stomach area.
3. Anemia. Tea contains tannins that slow down the absorption of iron from food. With prolonged use of tea, iron deficiency anemia can develop with each meal.
4. Allergic reactions. Are rare, but can manifest in different ways: papular rash, isolated itching, anaphylactic shock, etc.

The drink is not recommended to be consumed in conjunction with antibacterial drugs, ephedrine and carbamazepine. Such interactions can lead to increased pharmacological effects of medications and an increased risk of side effects.

Admission Tips

Let's focus on the most significant aspects of proper preparation and reception of black tea:

1. How to brew it correctly . For 200 ml of the drink, 1-1.5 tsp of black tea leaves are needed (preferably use unpeeled leaves and not in bags). Pour the tea with hot water (80-95 degrees) and let it stand for about 5-10 minutes. Strain it.
2. When and how much is better to take . It is recommended to drink up to 3-4 cups (200 ml each) of the drink per day. It is better to consume the product in the morning or in the daytime for 15-20 minutes from the moment of brewing, otherwise it will lose a significant part of the antioxidants. You should not take tea cold.
3. What can be combined with . Black tea perfectly harmonizes with slices of lemon or orange, ginger. It is often combined with bergamot, soursop, mint and melissa. In folk medicine, spices (turmeric, black pepper, cumin) and various herbs (mint, linden flowers, thyme, oregano) are added to tea. It is better not to add sugar and milk, so as not to reduce the biological potential of the drink. Instead of sweets, you can use tea with dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes) and berries (blueberries, currants, mountain ash).
4. Other methods of reception . In stores, you can find black tea extract in capsules. They are useful, but it is preferable to choose natural unprocessed leaves. An equally common option is aromatherapy (along with essential oils of peach, rowan, currant and mint). The smell of black tea is used to increase vitality, normalization of the emotional background and fight depression.
5. How to store . Black tea should be stored in a dry, ventilated and dark place, protected from insects and direct sunlight. It is preferable to use special bags or any sealed containers (enameled dishes, glass).

Conclusion

1. Black tea is a healthy drink. It reveals all its properties when using high-quality raw materials and observing brewing technology.
2. It reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels, maintains blood pressure, normalizes the composition of microflora in the intestine, and also protects against cancer.
3. The drink can cause side effects. Most of them are associated with excessive consumption or taking in conjunction with certain medications (carbamazepine, ephedrine, antibiotics).