To include one more spice in the great variety that we can find, there is black tea. This comes from the Camellia Sinensis Tea Plant and is a great stimulant and restorer of the human body. Black tea contains a wealth of health benefits, both physical and mental.
You may be surprised to find that tea is actually a spice, but yes, this is truly the case[1].
In this article, we’ll talk about various black tea health benefits and how to make it.
Black Tea Health Benefits
Tea has been consumed in China for thousands of years[2]. They believed to be much more than a beverage, claiming it had numerous restorative properties.
Black Tea Contains Antioxidants
Many of black tea’s other health benefits are derived from its high concentration of antioxidants. It has a high concentration of flavonoids that act as protectors against free radicals. Therefore, it helps to fight aging through the prevention and reduction of wrinkles[3].
One of the reasons why black tea is highly used for cosmetic and beauty products is because of its antioxidant property. Putting tea bags after they’ve been used on the skin, can help reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes.
Black Tea is a Diuretic
Diuretics are those substances that when ingested, help with the elimination of excess fluid in the body. Black tea is part of this selected group of substances or beverages.
This is the reason why it is considered one of the best options to lose weight and include it in several low-calorie diets. It is not necessary to drink it. You can always try to include it in drinks or meals.
Black Tea Helps to Relieve Stress
In support of mental health, black tea comes to the rescue!
Black tea contains an amino acid called theanine. This amino acid is commonly used to treat anxiety and high blood pressure[4].
Also the act of preparing tea and then sitting and drinking hot tea has a calming effect which helps to relieve stress.
Black Tea is Rich in Minerals
Black tea is rich in minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, among others which helps to provide energy and nutrients necessary to our body.
With a higher caffeine content than other varieties of tea, black tea provides a healthy energy boost.
Black Tea Helps Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Related to its use as an antioxidant, it helps against cardiovascular diseases since we can find that black tea is efficient to avoid the oxidation of good cholesterol.
Studies also show that black tea can reduce the amount of LDL or bad cholesterol[5].
How to Make Black Tea
Luckily, one of the greatest benefits of black tea is that it’s very easy to make.
First of all, heat the water until it begins to boil. Black tea is quite special, and many of the active substances it contains do not start to activate until it gets close to boiling. Watch well the type of black tea you have bought, because if it is of low quality, you can surely cook them at a lower temperature.
Once the water is hot, pass it to a teapot or jug where it will preserve the heat for a while, in case you have finished more tea or you have to serve more people.
Put the black tea leaves, or the sachet (tea bag), inside the cup and pour the water. You will have to let it rest for four minutes before drinking it, but never leave it less than a minute. The longer you let the tea rest, the more bitter the finish.
Black Tea For Your Health
It’s difficult to find a drink as simple as black tea that contains an equivalent amount of health benefits. From mental health to physical health, black tea has you covered.
Including black tea in your diet and wellness routine on a daily basis will help keep you healthy and energized.
Sources & Additional Reading
1. Is This That Food?: Is Tea an Herb or Spice?
2. Wikipedia: History of Tea
3. Skin and Brow Lounge: The Anti-Aging Benefits of Black Tea
4. WebMD: Theanine: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning
5. US National Library of Medicine – NIH: Black tea consumption reduces total and LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults.
I'm a freelance writer from Israel. I like to write about just about anything. English is my 2nd language so please forgive me if my writing isn't perfect.