Kickstart your day with black tea for these 5 reasons

Who doesn’t love a rich and robust black tea blend first thing in the morning? The infusion of caffeine and antioxidants awakens the senses, providing a gentle energy boost. Some people like to sip the dark elixir either plain or with a splash of milk. Either way, black tea is enjoyed by everyone. While tea lovers enjoy drinking it, most of them don’t know that there are several health benefits of black tea!

Did you know black tea is fermented from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant? Nutritionist Maitry Gala tells Health Shots that black tea is one of the most popular teas around the world and is among the four types made using the Camellia Sinensis plant leaves.

How to make black tea?

Making black tea is fairly easy. Start by boiling water. Now, pour this water on to the tea leaves. Wait for the tea to brew and let the flavours infuse the water. Now, separate the tea from the water. You can filter it out with the help of a strainer. Have this hot.

5 health benefits of black tea

Is black tea good for you? Yes. While black tea undergoes oxidation, which gives it some added benefits, green Tea does not undergo oxidation. During oxidation, catechins are converted into thearubigins, theaflavins, and flavonols, absent in green tea. Black tea benefits include it being loaded with antioxidants and offers several health benefits.

1. Improves gut health

One of the health benefits of black tea is that it is rich in an antioxidant named Polyphenol, which helps reduce oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving a person’s overall health. Polyphenols and antimicrobial properties can help improve gut health and boost immunity. A study, published in the International Journal of Health Sciences, states that black tea can help prevent the onset of chronic disease.

2. Reduces cholesterol

The benefits of black tea include that it is prepared from fully fermented leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. It contains catechins and Theaflavins, which help lower your cholesterol levels. A study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, suggests that black tea reduces risk of coronary heart diseases by reducing LDL cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol.

3. Promotes heart health

One of the black tea health benefits is that it contains Flavonoids. These may help reduce cholesterol levels, control blood pressure, and eventually reduce the risk of heart-related diseases. A study, published in Pharmacological Research, states that three to six cups of black tea is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

4. Improves focus

Do you find it difficult to stay awake throughout the day? Do you feel less energetic these days? Why don’t you try to give your health a boost with black tea? It contains caffeine and L-theanine – an amino acid content of Black Tea, to improve alertness and focus. A study, published in Appetite, suggests that black tea can improve attention span as well.

5. Aids weight loss

Can drinking black tea help you lose weight? Yes! A low-calorie, non-sweetened beverage, black tea is an excellent option for people. Flavones have also been associated with weight, BMI, and waist circumference reductions. Since flavones are present in black tea, they are suitable for belly fat reduction and weight reduction, especially when combined with a proper diet and an exercise regime, adds the expert.

How much black tea is too much?

Getting the right dosage of black tea is best as black tea also contains caffeine. Make sure to not have more than three to four cups of black tea in a day.  Too much black tea can lead to a feeling of restlessness, anxiety, stress as well as poor sleep.

Side effects of drinking black tea

While black tea offers many health benefits, nutrition therapist Maitry Gala explains that people who are anemic or iron-deficient should consume this drink in limited quantities. It contains tannins that bind with plant-based iron and affect its absorption in the digestive tract. It is also highly recommended that this drink is consumed between meals. Here are the side effects of drinking black tea as explained by Gala:

• Excess tannins may irritate the digestive tract, especially for those with a weak gut, leading to stomach aches/ vomiting/ aggravated diarrhoea, etc.
• Overconsumption of caffeine may increase anxiety and restlessness.
• Black tea may reduce melatonin production, thereby disrupting the sleep cycle.
• It may contribute to complications in pregnant ladies, such as miscarriage or low infant birth weight.
• Wondering does black tea have caffeine? Yes, it does.Black tea caffeine may lead to heart burns or aggravate pre-existing acid reflux.

Also Read: Benefits of drinking tea: 9 ways it can work wonders for your health

The best time to drink black tea

Black tea can be an excellent addition to your diet, considering how beneficial it is for your health. While it is safe to drink, people should make sure that they drink it in moderation. However, since black tea leaves contains caffeine, children must avoid black tea. Adults can drink 2-3 cups every day, and avoid excess consumption of the drink as it can lead to side effects, says the expert.

What makes black tea unique?

The debate between black tea and tea with milk has been going on since years now. Both black tea and milk tea have their own pros and cons. While black tea has antioxidants and promoted heart health, the benefits if milk tea derive from the ingredients that are added in it. Read here to know more.

Black tea vs green tea? Which is healthier?

Both black tea and green tea come with their own sets of benefits. However, they differ in the way that they have been prepared, and the caffeine content is also different. So if you are looking for a caffeine boost, then black is better; and if you want something lighter, then go for green tea. Read here to know more

Also Read: Nettle tea benefits that will make you want to have it everyday!

Summary

If you’re wondering when is the right time to drink black tea, it is best to drink it in the morning, recommends Gala. Starting your day with black tea will help increase alertness and hydrate the body. It will provide instant energy to your body that will help you kickstart your day.

FAQs

Does black tea detox your body?

Yes, having black tea can help in removing free radicals that often cause chronic diseases. It can also help to decrease cell damage in your body. It also helps to eliminate toxins.

Is black tea good or bad for stomach?

Black tea is good for the stomach and can also help in the treatment of digestive ailments such as diarrhea. It can help to increase consistency of bowel movements as well.

Is black tea healthier than coffee?

Black tea has less caffeine as compared to coffee, and it might be a healthier option. People who have anxiety and hypertension should also switch to black tea instead of black coffee.