10 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Black Tea for Winter Wellness

Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, black tea is the most popular tea in the world. It makes up 75% of all tea consumed throughout the globe and comprises 84% of tea consumption in the United States. Although it originated in China, Sri Lanka and India have become prominent suppliers of this widely desired beverage. 

In addition to its bold flavour, black tea provides a vast range of scientifically-proven health benefits. For this reason, many people drink more black tea as the weather gets colder and winter wellness becomes a common concern. 

What is Black Tea?

Black tea is generally stronger than other teas on the market. The tea leaves go through a more intense oxidation process than oolong, yellow, white, and green tea variations. Once the leaves get harvested and go through a drying process, they’re rolled and crushed to release the enzymes that promote oxidation. 

During oxidation, the leaves turn red or copper in colour. From there, the leaves change shades to brown. The final stage results in black leaves. When the leaves are packed in an airtight container during the early copper-colored stage, they will produce weaker and less pungent tea. A longer oxidation process leads to a bolder tea. When you shop black tea varieties, remember that lighter leaves result in milder tea.

10 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Black Tea

It’s not hard to come across claims of black tea’s health benefits. Unfortunately, many claims haven’t been proven with scientific studies. Here are the science-backed benefits you’ll experience when you make black tea a normal part of your winter routine.

Boosts Heart Health

Heart health is a primary concern since one out of every five deaths is the result of heart disease. When looking at the effects black tea has on the heart, researchers found that it reduced several cardiovascular risks. In general, drinking black tea lowers your risk of a heart disease-related death by 4% on average. There’s also a 2% lower risk of a heart attack and a 4% lower risk of stroke.

Reduces LDL Cholesterol

Bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol causes plaque deposits to form on your artery walls. This is another factor that increases heart attack and stroke risks. When you regularly drink black tea, you can reduce your LDL levels. One study found that LDL was reduced by 4.64 milligrams for every deciliter of black tea.

Lowers Blood Pressure

In looking for a way to lower hypertension or high blood pressure, a 2020 study examined the effects of black tea. The research team found that regular servings of black tea brought systolic blood pressure down by 4.81 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The same study found that black tea lowered diastolic blood pressure by 1.98 mm Hg. 

Improves Gut Health

The bacteria in your gut affect various aspects of your health. More good bacteria in your gut help your immune system fight off gastrointestinal infections and many more conditions. Conversely, a higher population of bad bacteria in your gut will adversely affect your health. The polyphenols in black tea promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. At the same time, those polyphenols inhibit the growth of harmful microbes in the gut.

Reduces Inflammation

Black tea has anti-inflammatory compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds work to reduce the presence of C-reactive protein, which is essential for inflammation. This is an important benefit because chronic inflammation contributes to arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and many other degenerative diseases.

Protects from UV Damage

Black tea has theaflavins, which are powerful antioxidants that build up in the skin. Theaflavins absorb UV rays and neutralize the free radicals that the sun’s harmful rays cause. In addition, theaflavins have the ability to repair damaged skin cells, restoring the skin’s smooth texture and elasticity.

Has Anti-Cancerous Properties

The antioxidants in black tea are especially beneficial when it comes to cancer prevention. In particular, the tea’s polyphenols slow the growth of cancer cells and may kill cancerous cells that are already present in the body. In addition to preventing oral cancer, a 2020 study suggested that drinking black tea might prevent a variety of other types of cancer.

Balances Blood Sugar

In a 2017 study on blood sugar, subjects with prediabetes were given high-sugar beverages followed by a serving of black tea or a placebo. Those who drank the black tea had significantly lower blood sugar levels even after eating a meal. This suggests that following a meal or snack with black tea can help you regulate your postprandial glucose levels.

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

You can improve your weight management and lose unwanted pounds with regular servings of black tea. Since the tea has low sodium and fewer calories, you won’t gain weight by drinking it. In addition, it acts as a diuretic, which means it will help you shed water weight. 

Boosts Immunity and Fights Off Cold

Catching a cold or contracting the flu is more common in the cold winter months. If you drink more black tea through the winter season, the antioxidants in the tea will support your immune system. A stronger immune system has more success in fighting off the infections and cell damage that lead to wintertime illnesses.

Also Read: 10 Most Popular Loose Leaf Teas for Winter Warmth

Nutritional Value and Caffeine Content

Just looking at the high content of antioxidants in black tea, it’s easy to see why this tea provides so many health benefits. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C, which promotes skin health, faster wound healing, and improved cognitive function. The B vitamins in black tea help the antioxidants improve immunity, cognitive health, and a variety of other conditions. 

Caffeine Content

When browsing the Canada black tea market, caffeine is another factor to consider. An average cup of black tea contains between 45-90 mg of caffeine. By way of comparison, green tea typically has 20-45 mg of caffeine per cup. A cup of white tea can have 6-60 mg of caffeine.

Potential Risks of Drinking Black Tea

While regularly drinking black tea can provide a range of health benefits, there are some risks associated with drinking too much. Primarily, the high caffeine content can lead to anxiety, increased heart rate, and energy spikes followed by fatigue. In addition, it’s not uncommon to experience headaches, heartburn, or an iron deficiency as a result of drinking too much black tea. As a general rule, limit your consumption to 2-3 cups per day. 

Experience the Benefits of Black Tea for Yourself

Regularly drinking black tea will support your immune system, protect your heart, reduce cancer risks, and provide a host of other health benefits. In addition, it’s a warm beverage that tastes good alone or with enhanced flavoring. When you choose this type of tea over coffee and other wintertime drinks, you’ll help yourself stay healthier this winter. To make this switch, visit Tea Sante online and explore the best tea for winters.