Black Tea: Learn Key Health Benefits of Black Tea
Black Tea - The Oxidized Cousin of Green Tea
Made from fresh Camellia sinensis leaves, Black tea is an oxidized cousin of green and white tea. Known for its strong aroma, black tea is popularly known as “crimson tea” in Chinese because of its color. Its flavor remains intact for several years, whereas green tea’s flavor diminishes within one year.
Besides flavor, black tea is also known for its health benefits. Several scientific studies have recognized key antioxidant and immune boosting benefits of black tea. Recent studies have also revealed that black tea may have the potential to control diabetes. Here are few important health benefits of black tea based on studies and research:
Health Benefits of Black Tea
Previously, researchers came to a conclusion that green tea is better than black tea, especially when it comes to health benefits. But, recent studies have shown that black tea is also endowed with significant curative and health benefits. Black tea possesses important antioxidant polyphenols theaflavins and thearubigins_,_ _w_hich have significant cardiovascular benefits. Here are some more black tea benefits:
It May Help Reduce Stroke:
Since black tea is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, studies have shown that regular consumption can lower the chances of stroke and heart attacks. A comprehensive 15 year study conducted by the Netherlands National Institute of Public Health and Environment revealed that catechins present in black tea helps to lower Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or ‘bad’ cholesterol. Catechins are a type of flavonoids that are also known to stop the production of free radicals. It has been noticed that LDL is one of the main reasons for inducing stroke or heart attack. Drinking black tea can reduce the chances of a stroke or heart attack by 50 percent.
Drinking Black Tea Can Help Prevent Cancer
Black tea possesses an important compound called TF-2. This chemical compound has the ability to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Research conducted at the Rutgers University has found that black tea can help prevent breast and stomach cancer. According to Dr. Kuang Yu Chen of Rutgers University, black tea’s chemical compounds, especially TF-2 have the ability to fight against color cancer cells and force them to “commit suicide”, a process scientifically called as “apoptosis programmed cell death”.
Black Tea May Have the Ability to Control Diabetes:
A recent article published in the Journal of Food Science revealed how black tea can help control diabetes. According to the Tianjin Key Laboratory researchers in China, black tea contains high levels of polysaccharides–component similar to carbohydrate that includes cellulose and starch. Polysaccharides are known to reduce glucose absorption, which benefits diabetics. These glucose inhibitors are very helpful in managing diabetes.
While there are few promising cardiovascular and anti-cancer health benefits of black tea, more research still needs to be conducted. However, the above claims certainly prove that black tea is not inferior to green tea when it comes to health benefits.
(image, above left: credit: Wikipedia)
References
https://www.foodnavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/More-evidence-of-black-tea-benefits
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728172604.htm
