Black Tea

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

  

A perfect cup of tea can make your heart happy and pamper your body

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.