Black tea is less
famous compared to Green Tea, whereas black tea is one type of processed tea
leaves that is no less beneficial for health.
Green tea and black
tea are made from the leaves of a tea plant which is a shrub with the Latin
name Camellia Sinesis. However, different processing methods make them have
different appearance, especially in terms of color. Black tea contains
antioxidants and phytonutrients that are useful for the body to clean toxins.
Besides wilting,
rolled and heated leaves, black tea leaves are fermented before the final
heating process. Below are 11 health benefits of drinking a cup or two of black
tea regularly, although it should be noted that it is recommended that black
tea should be consumed without additives such as milk or sugar to really feel
the benefits.
1. Oral Health
A study funded by
the Tea Trade Health Research Association shows that black tea reduces plaque
formation and limits the growth of bacteria that encourage the formation of
cavities and damaged teeth. The polyphenols found in black tea kill and pass
through cavity-causing bacteria and inhibit the growth of bacterial enzymes
that form sticky material that binds plaque to our teeth.
2. A Better Heart
As identified by
Arab L. et al. in their 2009 research paper called "green and black tea
consumption and stroke risk: a meta-analysis", it was seen that regardless
of the country of origin of people, individuals who consumed 3 or more cups of
tea had a 21% lower risk of stroke than people who consumed less than 1 cup of
green or black tea per day.
3. Antioxidants
Black tea contains
polyphenols, which are also antioxidants that help block DNA damage associated
with tobacco or other toxic chemicals. These antioxidants are different from
those obtained from fruits and vegetables and therefore as a routine part of our
diet, they can provide additional benefits to a healthy lifestyle.
4. Cancer Prevention
Although more
research is needed to confidently suggest cancer prevention techniques, several
years of research have shown that antioxidants such as polyphenols and
catechins in tea can help prevent certain types of cancer. It has been
suggested that women who drink black tea regularly have a lower chance of
developing ovarian cancer than their friends.
5. Healthy Bones
It has also been
suggested that tea drinkers can have stronger bones and a lower likelihood of
developing arthritis due to the phytochemicals found in tea.
6. Reducing the Risk
of Diabetes
Based on research
conducted on elderly people living on the Mediterranean islands it was found
that people who had consumed black tea on a long term basis at moderate levels
(ie 1-2 cups a day) had a 70% lower chance of having or developing type 2
diabetes
7. Relieve stress
We are all aware and
experienced about the benefits of black tea that is soothing and relaxing.
Research shows that the amino acid L-theanine found in black tea can help you
relax and concentrate better. Black tea has also been shown to reduce levels of
the stress hormone cortisol when taken in moderation
8. Better Immune
System
Black tea contains
alkylamine antigens which help improve our body's immune response. It also
contains tannins which have the ability to fight viruses and therefore keep us
protected from influenza, stomach flu and other viruses commonly found in our
daily lives.
9. Healthy Digestive
Tract
Apart from
increasing your immune system, tannins also have a therapeutic effect on
stomach and intestinal diseases and also help reduce digestive activity.
10. Energy
Enhancement
Unlike other drinks
that have relatively higher caffeine content, a low amount of caffeine in tea
can help increase blood flow to the brain without overly stimulating the heart.
It also stimulates metabolism and the respiratory system, as well as the heart
and kidneys.
11. Happiness factor
Another
important thing to note is how to brew the tea properly. This is so that the
tea you drink is more delicious and get the maximum benefits of tea.
Prepare
a cup or glass that should be made of ceramic. Avoid containers made of metal,
because the smell and taste will stick to the tea water.
If
the tea is powder or powder, take about one spoonful, then sprinkle it into a
cup. But if the tea bag-shaped or type of tea bag, just enter one bag into it.
Pour
about 200 ml - 220 ml of hot / boiling water into a glass or cup in a circular
motion, to produce an even brewing process. Black tea requires a high
temperature in brewing to remove the ingredients inside it to the maximum.
Let
the tea stand for three to five minutes, until the juice in the tea comes out
and dissolves completely. Do not leave more than five minutes or too long,
because the tea will be too thick and bitter.
Filter
tea pulp using a small strainer, so as not to leave the remaining powder.
Stir
and drink tea while still warm with the occasional inhaled fragrant tea aroma,
so it can be soothing and more relaxed.
It's
good to consume tea without adding sugar, especially if you have diabetes. We
recommend choosing the recommended sweetener. And for those of you who want to
enjoy other flavor combinations in tea, you can add honey, juice or chunks of
lemon, even some lychee seeds.
When
is the Best Time to Enjoy Black Tea?
The
timing of drinking black tea is also a matter that must be considered. This is
so the benefits of tea can work optimally. Here are some suggested times for
drinking black tea.
An
hour before or after eating
The
time to avoid consuming tea is when the stomach is empty. This is because it
can trigger an increase in stomach acid production, and dehydration caused by
the caffeine content in tea.
So
it would be nice to drink tea one hour after eating. If the tea is consumed
directly after eating, then the process of absorption of nutrients will be
hampered. You can also consume tea one hour before eating, with a note that
your stomach is not completely empty.
Before
sleeping
For
those of you who want to try losing weight, then you should consume tea one
hour before going to bed at night. Thus tea can help the process of burning fat
in the body when you fall asleep. It also can improve sleep quality, because it
provides a sense of relax.
All
day
Drinking
tea all day is fine, as long as the levels are little by little. This is
intended to detect fluids in the body. In this way the body will more easily
process the ingredients contained in tea.