10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Black Tea

10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Black Tea

Aside from water, black tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world.

It comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and is often blended with other plants for different flavors, such as Earl Grey, English breakfast or chai.

It’s stronger in flavor and contains more caffeine than other teas, but less caffeine than coffee.

Black tea also offers a variety of health benefits because it contains antioxidants and compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Here are 10 health benefits of black tea, all supported by science.

1. Has Antioxidant Properties
Black tea contains a group of polyphenols that have antioxidant properties. Consuming antioxidants may help decrease the risk of chronic disease and improve your overall health.

2. May Boost Heart Health
Black tea contains flavonoids, which are beneficial for heart health. Studies have found that regularly drinking black tea may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. May Lower “Bad” LDL Cholesterol
LDL and HDL are two types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol throughout the body. Too much LDL in the body can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies have found that black tea may help reduce LDL levels.

4. May Improve Gut Health
The gut houses trillions of bacteria and the majority of your immune system. Polyphenols and antimicrobial properties found in black tea may help improve gut health and immunity.

5. May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can cause many health complications. Drinking black tea on a regular basis may help decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but research is mixed.

6. May Help Reduce the Risk of Stroke
Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally. Fortunately, in many cases, it can be prevented. Studies have found that black tea may help reduce the risk of stroke.

7. May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Insulin is a hormone that is secreted when you consume sugar. Black tea is a great non-sweetened beverage that can help improve the use of insulin and reduce blood sugar.

8. May Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Black tea contains polyphenols, which may help fight cancer cells in the body. Although consuming black tea will not cure cancer, it may help decrease cancer cell development.

9. May Improve Focus
Black tea can help improve focus due to its content of caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine. This amino acid increases alpha activity in the brain, which can help improve focus and alertness.

10. Easy to Make
Making black tea is simple and takes only a couple minutes. You can use either tea bags or loose leaves and adjust the taste to your preference.

The Bottom Line
Black tea is a great option if you are looking for a low-calorie, non-sweetened beverage with less caffeine than coffee or energy drinks.

It has a strong, unique flavor and contains plenty of antioxidants, which can provide several health benefits. These include improved cholesterol, better gut health and decreased blood pressure.

Best of all, it’s simple to make and can easily be found at many stores or online.

If you haven’t done so before, consider trying black tea so you can reap its numerous health benefits.

[healthline.com]