6 Health Benefits Of Black Tea

Not too long ago I wrote an article here on Wisdom Times about how to have a healthier relationship with coffee. I gave tips to balance the heat producing effects of coffee as well as alternatives including a variety of teas. It made sense then that I talk about the benefits of black tea as well, considering it’s a popular alternative to coffee.

Top 6 benefits of black tea

If you read my article on coffee then you learned that depending on one’s genetics, they might respond differently to caffeine than others. For some, coffee just doesn’t work. If this is you, yet still enjoy a warm brew to start your day, then entertaining a tea collection may be a wise choice.

Aside from that (for anyone who is interested in improving their health in a natural way, long before supplements existed), tea was one of the original superfoods. Consumed for centuries by some of the healthiest cultures, tea provides many medicinal properties in a delicious drink.

If you are cold, tea will warm you;
If you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.

~ William Ewart Gladstone

There are many benefits to drinking tea, for now, let’s look at the top 6:

1. Achieve healthy weight

Perhaps the number one benefit of consuming black tea for most individuals is its ability to boost metabolism and burn fat. The naturally-occurring caffeine in black tea can raise metabolism, making it easier to shed excess fat and achieve ideal weight.

2. Oral health

There are a few studies that have been done on black tea demonstrating its ability to inhibit plaque development. This means a decrease in the bacterial proliferation that causes tooth decay. Polyphenols found in black tea kill and suppress cavity-causing bacteria as well as hinder the growth of bacterial enzymes that form the sticky-like material that binds plaque to our teeth.

3. Strong immunity

One of the benefits of black tea is that it contains antigens known as alkylamine. These compounds actually help raise the immune response, which can be helpful during times of stress. Black tea is also anti-viral thanks to its rich source of tannins. Drinking a cup of black tea a day may help protect you from the flu and common colds.

4. Reduce stress

A hot cup of black tea is a great way to relieve stress. A particular study on black tea finds that it helped reduce the stress hormone cortisol in participants. Not just that, black tea consumption can directly help balance blood pressure, which can be thrown out of balance during stressful times. Next time you need to wind down, try a cup of black tea.

5. Overcome diabetes

Many studies have demonstrated caffeinated beverages such as coffee and black tea actually greatly reduce the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

6. Heart health

Black tea improves endothelial function, which is vasodilation of the inner lining of the blood vessels. Consuming black tea will quickly result in improved health of the blood vessels and therefore, cardiovascular health!

A quick tip when purchasing black tea: always choose organic to ensure it’s free of pesticides. Also, purchasing bulk, loose-leaf tea is more cost-effective.