Black tea has long been known for its health benefits. One of the benefits of black tea is to prevent heart disease. However, there are many other benefits of black tea that you can also get if you consume it properly.
Black tea comes from leaves Camellia sinensis, the same plant as green tea. To make black tea, the tea leaves go through a drying and oxidation process to produce a strong taste and a darker color than green tea.
In addition to a strong taste, black tea also contains higher caffeine compared to other types of tea. Black tea is also rich in antioxidants, so it can provide a variety of health benefits.
Black Tea Nutritional Content
In steeping 100 grams of black tea, contained the following nutrients:
- 99.7 grams of water
- 1 kcal of energy
- 0.3 gram carbohydrates
- 0.02 milligrams of iron
- 3 milligrams of magnesium
- 1 milligram of phosphorus
- 37 milligrams of potassium
- 20 milligrams of caffeine
In addition, black tea contains catechins, theaflavin, and thearubigins which belongs to the polyphenol group and is a major source of antioxidants.
Various Benefits of Black Tea for Health
Thanks to its nutritional content, black tea has many benefits. The following are some of the health benefits of black tea:
1. Maintain heart health
Black tea contains antioxidants, namely flavonoids, which are beneficial for maintaining heart health. Consuming at least 3 cups of black tea per day can increase the amount of antioxidants in the body, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
2. Prevent obesity
Consumption of excess sugar and fat can increase the risk of obesity. Black tea is known to contain polyphenols which can suppress the absorption of fats and complex sugars, thus inhibiting weight gain.
However, black tea consumption must also be balanced with regular exercise to prevent obesity.
3. Controls diabetes
Black tea consumed without added sugar is very good for health, especially in controlling diabetes. Studies show that the catechin content in black tea is proven to increase insulin levels in the body. In addition, black tea can also lower blood sugar levels in the body.
4. Maintain brain health
Several studies have shown that consuming black tea can improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of cognitive disorders. In addition, the caffeine content in black tea can also be used as an alternative to coffee to increase alertness and focus.
5. Prevent cancer
Polyphenol compounds, in particular theaflavin, which is contained in black tea can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body and reduce the development of new cancer cells.
Studies also show that polyphenols are able to overcome the spread of breast cancer that depends on hormones. However, black tea consumption can only prevent, not treat cancer.
6. Lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension can increase the risk of heart and kidney failure, stroke, visual impairment, and heart attack. Studies show that regular consumption of black tea can lower blood pressure.
In addition to some of the benefits above, black tea can also maintain intestinal health, increase metabolism, and reduce the risk of kidney stones, osteoporosis, and cavities.
Although black tea has many benefits due to its polyphenol content, further research is still needed to prove its effectiveness for health.
The Risks of Consuming Black Tea for Health
Black tea is generally safe to consume if it does not exceed 3 cups a day. However, if consumed more than that, black tea can cause health problems.
The following are some of the risks of consuming black tea in excess:
- Restlessness and difficulty sleeping
- Flustered
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shaky
- Anemia
- Frequent urination
- Irregular heartbeat
- Breath feels faster
Black tea can also interfere with the performance of drugs or supplements that are taken together or in close time, such as adenosine, antibiotics, and disulfiram.
For presentation, black tea is generally enjoyed by brewing it with hot water. However, if left too long in hot water, the tea will release tannins which give it a bitter taste. You can add a squeeze of lemon or honey to disguise this bitter taste.
Before consuming black tea, whether in the form of brewed or supplements, consult your doctor first. Especially if you have a medical condition or are taking certain medications.