Tea is perhaps the most popular drink in the world, barring water. Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Though it is produced from the same plant, different ways of extracting the plant make different kinds of tea. After the harvesting process, black tea leaves go through a process of wilting, bruising, rolling, and oxidation. The difference with green tea is that it does not go through the oxidation process. The oxidation process turns the leaves black, the absence of which makes the green tea leaves colourful. Black tea contains certain nutrients that are considered beneficial to health. These benefits are not present in green tea due to the lack of oxidation. On the other hand, green tea does have other health benefits that caffeine-rich black tea may not have. Amongst the various black tea benefits, some of them are reduction of cancer risks, heart health, and maintenance of blood pressure.
Health Benefits of Black Tea
There are several benefits of drinking black tea. It’s a good thing that more than 80 percent of people around the world consume tea daily. It is an important daily beverage in Asia. The main benefits of black tea are listed below:
1. High in Antioxidants
The main benefit of black tea is the presence of antioxidants. Antioxidants work on free radicals and help in removing them. Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that build-up due to natural processes. Though initially harmless, when free radicals build up over time, the overload of free radicals can cause changes that are seriously damaging to the body. One of the advantages of black tea is removing them to prevent further risks.
2. Helps Prevent Atherosclerosis
Another major health benefit of black tea is the prevention of Atherosclerosis. It is a condition where plaque builds up in the walls of arteries. This can result in activation of a coagulation cascade that may cause occlusion of arteries or higher pressure, resulting in various heart diseases as well as the risk of stroke or chronic kidney diseases.
3. May Help Keep Chronic Diseases at Bay
Black tea contains polyphenols that can help in lowering the risk of cancer. Though all studies have failed to find proof of black tea’s exact impact on the body, certain verified studies have confirmed the effect of Black Tea on the body. Black tea’s benefits also include the reduction of blood pressure and chances of developing diabetes. It can also help in improving bone density in certain cases but no verified proof has been found about this study. This is mostly subjective.
Nutrients in Black Tea
Black tea contains many nutrients that help in the smooth functioning of the body. Some of them are:
- Alkaloids, including caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine
- Amino acids
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Chlorophyll
- Fluoride
- Aluminium
- Minerals and trace elements
- Volatile organic compounds, which contribute to its odour and taste
Potential Risks of Black Tea consumption
Of course, all good things come with a bad side or at least a potential bad side. Black tea is extremely healthy and should be consumed by everyone. But it too does not come without its fair share of risks. Here are some of the health risks resulting from black tea:
1. Toxic Elements
Tea contains some mineral compounds like lead and aluminium. These can be dangerous in large quantities and can poison the body. Brewing the tea for a long time can increase the concentration of these minerals and in the long run, can be bad for the body.
2. Caffeine
Caffeine is an addictive element that is present in black tea in small quantities. Though only 2-4 percent in concentration, it is enough to get one addicted to tea. Caffeine in moderate to high quantities can cause several problems like anxiety, irritability, insomnia, among many other things. This is one of the reasons tea should be consumed in low quantities.
3. Anaemia
Black tea can result in the body’s decreased ability to absorb iron. This results in anaemia.
Conclusion
All in all, black tea is good for you. It has its risks but when taken in limited quantities, you can reap all the black tea benefits that we have mentioned above. So, watch out for your next cup. Tea day also celebrated in May there are many types of tea you can drinks with you like.
