As we continue to do research on all types of tea, we are coming across a lot of great information. Some information has been inconsistent, but I think in the Information Age we have to take great strides in making sure we never rely completely on one source for the information that we seek, especially when it comes to health related issues.
I believe that making sure we protect our health is of great importance. We have to make sure we are doing the right things day after day to prevent diseases and sicknesses so that years down the road we can still remain healthy. Life is meant to be enjoyed and we cannot forget that the little things we do today will have a greater impact tomorrow.
A Side Note to the Health Benefits of Black Tea
Although it isn’t as heavily researched as the other types of tea, there are several benefits of black tea that can’t be overlooked. Just as we looked at the benefits of green tea and the benefits of oolong tea, we have to look at each of them in correlation with each other. In other words, we can’t just focus on one type of tea, but rather we have to look at them as a whole. One type of tea may have a benefit listed that isn’t listed with all of the others. I want to make sure you understand that these lists that I include in these articles are specific to each type of tea and noted when I do my research, but are meant to be used together. Go through each list and realize that in one form or another you are reaping the benefits from all other forms of tea.
A List of the Black Tea Benefits
Black tea isn’t as heavily researched, but there are reports that state that black tea is the most consumed, at least in the United States. It is used as a main ingredient in a lot of the different varieties of teas, such as Earl Grey and English Breakfast, among others. However, although there is not a lot of research conducted on black tea, as compared to green tea and oolong tea, the long history of consumption may very well give us clues that the benefits of black tea have a more profound effect standing the test of time.
These benefits of drinking black tea include:
- Reduced risk of stroke
- Reduced “bad” cholesterol
- Improved functioning of blood vessels
- Reduced risk of coronary heart disease
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Increased immune function
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced risk of diabetes
- Reduced stress
- Reduced iron absorption to help people who suffer from hemochromatosis
Click here to read about the benefits of green tea.
Click here to read about the benefits of oolong tea.
As you can see, and in conjunction to green tea and oolong tea, black tea has similar health benefits. Black tea does have a stronger flavor due to the longer oxidation time of the tea leaves, so some preference must be considered when choosing which tea you choose to drink.
Additional Benefits
There are some additional benefits that should be noted.
Due to the fact that black tea is oxidized longer, giving it a darker color and stronger flavor, there are increased thearubigins and theaflavins.
A thearubigin is a polyphenol and is what gives black tea its dark reddish color and may contribute to the taste. They are formed during the oxidation process, which is why they are not found in green or white tea.
A theaflavin is an antioxidant, not found in green tea. Some studies concluded that theaflavin helps to reduce the “bad” cholesterol in humans along with stopping or considerably slowing the growth of cancer cells.
This may very well have a huge impact on our daily lives as there is a lot of evidence out there that states that much of the western world’s diseases, including a high number of cancer related diseases are due to the types of food that we eat.
I see too often that a lot of people eat food for the comfort it gives them. The large portions along with the fatty, greasy foods make us feel full for an extended period of time. This eventually slows down your metabolism causing you to store those fats. And with the chemicals added into foods and the oils that are used in the process (among other things) there are an increasing number of people who end up getting cancer. And most people think it is just family genetics or unfortunate events, but I believe it is highly correlated to the unhealthy diets that most people consume every day.
So watch what you eat, drink black tea, or another type of tea, start an exercise routine, and become healthier. Help black tea help you, but don’t rely on it and think you can just go and eat whatever you want.
Black Tea Side Effects
As always, I like to include the side effects as I think it is something important to note. Although this is an extended list of side effects, drinking tea has a lot of benefits on its own and, also realize that these side effects are very specific. If you do not suffer from the specific problems below then you may not need to consider them.
Black tea contains caffeine and just as in any drink where caffeine is present, you must watch how much you consume. You may not feel the effects of caffeine if you’re just drinking one cup of black tea per day, but if you are sensitive to caffeine or if you happen to drink multiple cups per day then you may need to watch how much you are consuming. Drinking black tea late at night may affect getting to sleep so keep in mind when you’re drinking it.
Also, if you’re pregnant or on antidepressants, the caffeine may affect you in different ways. Being pregnant and consuming high amounts of caffeine may have a negative effects. You will probably be fine with one or two cups per day, but I wouldn’t go over that. You make the call.
And to just quickly touch on other side effects that I found:
- Possible increased anxiety
- Possible problems for those with anemia
- Slowing of blood clotting, which may be a problem for someone with a blood disorder
- Possible cause for an irregular heartbeat for someone with a heart condition
- May affect blood sugar, which may be a problem for a person with diabetes
- May increase the pressure in the eyes, a problem for someone with glaucoma (within 30 minutes and lasts for about 90 minutes)
- Increased hormone sensitivity
- May increase the amount of calcium released in the urine
Those side effects make black tea sound like it should be avoided and honestly, if you have a condition listed here, you should first consult your doctor, but you can also experiment with black tea and see if you experience any of these. The side effects are only temporary, and maybe you have been drinking black tea through the different varieties and had no idea. If you’re experiencing something above, try cutting your intake of black tea and see if your condition improves.
One Final Interesting Fact
I just want to close with this little fact that I found to be interesting. I have actually known about this for a few years, but I heard it from a friend and never had a source behind it.
Adding milk to black tea reduces the benefits as compared to drinking it without adding anything to it. A study found that adding milk to black tea blocked the benefits it gives you for the protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer due to the casein attaching itself to the molecules in black tea that help relax the arteries. However, soy milk doesn’t contain casein so it does not have the same effect and may be a substitute if you’re someone who adds milk to their tea. I personally don’t add milk to my tea because I enjoy drinking tea without adding anything to it. In fact, after I heard about this a few years ago was really when I stopped as I used to add milk to cool it down more quickly.
Conclusion
If you made it this far, thank you for reading. I hope that you learned something new. Black tea does have many benefits that will help you in becoming a healthier person. I drank some Oriental Spice black tea while writing this and found it to have a spicy, bitter flavor. It was different to me. I can’t say that black tea is my favorite, but I always like to experiment with something new. I can bypass the flavor knowing that I am benefiting from its health benefits, but in the end I may go back to green and oolong tea as I enjoy their more subtle flavors.
If you’re someone who would rather drink black tea, though, make sure you are absolutely watching what you eat. Get yourself on an exercise routine. You cannot substitute any type of tea over exercise. Add the black tea as an additional supplement to your day and let your healthy ways be an overall goal for your life.
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