Black tea isn’t only a tasty drink - it’s also full of a variety of benefits that can help promote health and wellness. From boosting energy and alertness to fighting off colds and improving heart health, black tea is rich in health benefits that can help you to feel your best. Wondering just what black tea is good for? We’ve compiled a list of some of the many benefits when it comes to black tea.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Like other types of tea made from camellia sinensis plant, black tea is extremely high in antioxidants. Antioxidants work to reduce free radicals in the body and promote cellular health, and can even help prevent degenerative diseases and certain forms of cancer. Because black tea is high in antioxidants, it provides many of the benefits of antioxidant rich foods.
2. Boosts Heart Health
Black tea has been shown to help boost heart health in a variety of studies. Black tea contains flavanoids, which are a special compound that holds the key to many of black tea’s important health benefits. Flavanoids can help prevent plaque buildup in the body’s arteries, which reduces stress on the heart. While research is still ongoing, consumption of black tea has been linked to a reduction in heart attacks and strokes.
3. Improves Digestion
Black tea has been shown to help improve digestion and soothe stomach troubles. Studies show that consuming black tea can have a positive effect on digestion, and can help to prevent gastrointestinal troubles when they arise. A cup of tea after a rich meal or when you’re suffering from a stomachache can go a long way towards providing comfort and relief.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Black tea has also been shown to help reduce blood pressure. Drinking black tea on a regular basis has been linked to a modest reduction in blood pressure, making it a great addition to a healthy lifestyle. Lowering blood pressure can help to improve heart health and reduce the risk of illness and disease. Black tea has also been shown to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can also positively affect blood pressure.
5. Increases Energy and Alertness
Whether you’re looking for a good cup of tea to get you going in the morning, or to give you a boost throughout the day, black tea is an energizing tea that can help to increase alertness and focus. Black tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine (about half that of a cup of coffee.) This gives you a welcome boost of energy when you’re feeling lethargic, without any of the jitters or other negative side effects that can come with excess caffeine intake. When combined with the l-theanine also present in tea, the caffeine in black tea helps to encourage focus and alertness.
6. It’s Good for Your Skin
Black tea is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals that are good for the skin, including zinc, magnesium, and potassium, all of which can help to protect and rejuvenate the skin. In addition to these beneficial compounds, consuming tea is also a great way to stay hydrated, which can help skin to look healthy, fresh, and nourished. A daily tea-drinking habit can help to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and healthy!
7. It Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Like other types of tea, black tea is high in anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation occurs when the body tries to heal itself - when a small cut turns red or when a sore throat swells up, you’re experiencing inflammation. While inflammation is a defense mechanism the body uses to fight injury and illness, when inflammation occurs over a prolonged period of time it can actually be harmful. Black tea can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can soothe muscle soreness and chronic pain, as well as ward off inflammation-related diseases like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and IBS.
8. Improves Oral Health
Unlike other caffeinated beverages, which may contain a heap of sugar, tea has been shown to be good for oral health. Studies have shown that black tea contains compounds that attack harmful bacteria within the mouth, which can help prevent the buildup of plaque. Black tea also limits the production of acid that can wear away at teeth and eventually cause cavities. While black tea isn’t a substitute for standard oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, it can provide an added boost when it comes to a health mouth!
9. Fights off Colds
If you’re feeling under the weather, a cup of black tea can actually help to ease symptoms of the common cold, or even ward off colds entirely. Black tea contains catechins with antiviral properties that may contribute to the prevention of common illnesses such as colds and the flu. While studies concerning black tea’s cold-preventing properties are still ongoing, research suggests that a cup of tea can be a simple, effective way to stay healthy during cold and flu season.
10. Soothes Headaches
Black tea is also known for soothing minor headaches, due to its moderate caffeine content. It constricts blood vessels that are often responsible for headaches, which can help to soothe symptoms and reduce pain. The caffeine present in black tea can also help increase the effectiveness of pain medication like aspirin and ibuprofen. Tea drinkers should treat headaches with caffeine sparingly, however, as black tea can also cause headaches when consumed in excess.
Whether you’re drinking black tea for its many healthful properties or just for pure enjoyment, a cup of tea can be a great way to soothe and energize both body and mind. There are a wide variety of black teas to suit your palate, whether you’re interested in classic black teas like China Keemun or Darjeeling, or creative flavored blends like Vanilla Velvet or Apricot Brandy. No matter what black tea you choose, you can rest assured that you’re engaging in a healthful, tasty habit. Happy sipping!
