Health Benefits of Black Tea

Most of the research has been focused on Green tea. However recent studies indicate that black tea contain Polyphenolic compounds – theaflavins and thearubigens – which are responsible for dark colour and distinctive flavor and they represent potential molecules with therapeutic anti oxidant properties. Polyphenolic compounds in black tea help protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. Studies on black tea have demonstrated that plasma antioxidant capacity gets enhanced one hour post consumption of black tea.

Neurological disease: Reports indicate that Black tea lowers risk of incidence of Parkinsons disease. Theanine present in black tea increases alpha brain wave activity resulting in reducing stress and depression and achieving calmer state of mind.

Diabetes: Tea consumption may blunt spike in sugar levels after the meal. It is believed to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.

Heart Ailments: Regular consumption of black tea decreases risk of cardiovascular diseases. Black tea helps in repair of the coronary artery dysfunction in many heart patients.

Diarrhea: The presence of tannins provides health benefits of Black tea in healing intestinal disorders. It is because of these health benefits of black tea, a sip of plain black tea is advisable for all diarrhea patients.

Asthma: Generally hot and brewing liquids bring relief to an asthmatic condition. Black tea is extremely beneficial to asthma patients, as it expands the air passage, allowing patients to breathe more easily.

Cancer: Studies suggest that polyphenolics in black teak inhibit tumor cell growth. In addition, tea polyphenols may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) B radiation. Drinking tea, black or green aids women prevent cancerous growth in the breasts, especially women in pre-menopausal phase.

Osteoporosis: Drinking black tea helps protect against osteoporosis in older women. It has positive influence on bone mineral density (BMD).

Anti HIV agent: Theaflavins in black tea are potent anti-HIV-1 compounds. They inhibit HIV-1 entry into target cells.

Oral health: Tannins present in black tea inhibit the growth of plaque-causing bacteria apart from inhibiting the action of salivary amylase, thus contributing in cavity prevention. Polyphenols in tea inhibit bacterial growth and prevents mouth infections. Tea also provides body with fluorides and therefore helps promote healthy tooth enamel.

Immune defense: Theaflavin and catechins helps healthy immune system function.

Anti aging: Black tea is said to slow down aging process and age induced diseases. These health benefits of black tea can be attributed to presence of antioxidants in black tea.

These health benefits of black tea would definitely insist you on consuming black tea. Black is available readily in various flavors and served anywhere in the world as a stimulating and refreshing beverage. However care should be taken that one doesn’t get addicted to black tea.